Understanding 2 Kings 19:20

Bible Verse: 2 Kings 19:20 - "Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, That which thou hast heard concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria: This is the word which the LORD hath spoken against him."

Summary of Meaning

In this passage, the prophet Isaiah conveys a message from God to King Hezekiah regarding the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who had threatened Jerusalem. This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God and His power to protect His people against their enemies.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry: Henry notes that God, recognizing the distress of His people, intervenes through His prophet. This divine communication reassures Hezekiah that God is aware of the threats against Jerusalem and is prepared to act on behalf of His people.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes the protective aspect of God’s message, indicating that despite the overwhelming force of Sennacherib, God reassures Hezekiah that His counsel and protection will prevail. He highlights that God's word is both a warning to the evil and a comfort to the righteous.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke points out the significance of Isaiah’s role as a messenger of hope in a time of fear. He acknowledges the importance of prophetic insight and guidance during crises, illustrating how God's words through Isaiah provide strength to Hezekiah and the people of Judah.

Connected Themes and Cross-References

This verse connects with various themes in the Bible concerning divine protection, prophecy, and God's sovereignty. Here are some notable cross-references:

• Isaiah 37:6-7: God reassures Hezekiah through Isaiah that Sennacherib will not succeed in his plans against Jerusalem.
• 2 Chronicles 32:6-8: This passage recounts the same events, highlighting Hezekiah’s preparations and the confidence derived from God’s promises.
• Psalms 46:1-3: Emphasizing God as a refuge and strength, this psalm parallels the assurance given in 2 Kings 19:20 about divine protection.
• Isaiah 41:10: 'Fear not; for I am with thee,' which offers a similar encouragement to trust in God's safety and presence during troubling times.
• Jeremiah 1:19: God reassures Jeremiah of His protection, reflecting the constant theme of God defending His chosen ones.
• Romans 8:31: ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ This New Testament truth reiterates the assurance found in 2 Kings 19:20.
• Revelation 19:11: This verse depicts the ultimate victory of Christ in the battle against evil, which can be viewed as a foreshadowing of God’s power over Sennacherib.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To further enhance the understanding and connections between Bible verses, consider utilizing the following tools:

• Bible Concordance: A helpful resource for finding words and phrases across various verses.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: A compilation that links related scripture for thematic studies.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Methods to explore the relationships between disparate verses.
• Bible Reference Resources: Tools and applications designed for in-depth scripture study and analysis.
• Bible Chain References: This method allows readers to trace themes throughout the Bible by connecting verses.

Conclusion: The Importance of Cross-Referencing

Understanding 2 Kings 19:20 highlights the significance of divine intervention and the reassurance of God’s promises. By utilizing cross-references, believers can discover the interconnectedness of scripture, enabling a deeper understanding of God's plans and purposes. This cross-referencing not only aids in personal study but also in sermon preparation and discipleship efforts.