Summary of Meaning

This verse occurs amid a time of distress for the people of Judah. Rabshakeh, a messenger from the king of Assyria, has openly mocked God and threatened the people of Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes the importance of prayer and the potential for divine intervention. The underlying themes include faith, the power of God to respond to mockery, and the necessity of earnest supplication for deliverance.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry notes that the verse encapsulates the hope that God will respond to the blasphemies of Rabshakeh. The act of prayer is highlighted as a critical response to adversity, demonstrating the reliance on God’s sovereignty and judgment against those who mock Him.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes emphasizes the significance of Rabshakeh's words as a challenge not only to Judah but to the living God. He notes that this verse serves to remind the people that their prayers can invoke God’s power, leading to a response that aligns with His will and purpose.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke focuses on the instruction to "lift up your prayer for the remnant." He stresses the communal aspect of prayer in a time of crisis and the necessity for unity among the people. This verse highlights God's mercy and willingness to hear those who earnestly seek Him.

Cross References

This verse can be cross-referenced with the following scriptures, which share themes of divine intervention and prayer:

• Isaiah 37:4 - "It may be that the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh." This verse mirrors the sentiment of 2 Kings 19:4, emphasizing God's willingness to listen.
• 2 Chronicles 32:20-21 - Discusses King Hezekiah's prayer and God's response to Rabshakeh's threats.
• Psalms 20:1-4 - A prayer for divine assistance in times of trouble, related to lifting up prayers in distress.
• Jeremiah 29:12-14 - A reminder that God hears the prayers of His people when they seek Him wholeheartedly.
• 1 Peter 5:7 - "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you," connecting with the idea of reliance on God in dire circumstances.
• Romans 10:13 - "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved," emphasizing the power of invoking God's name.
• Hebrews 4:16 - Encouragement to approach God's throne of grace with confidence in seeking help.

Thematic Connections

This verse reveals various connections within the Scriptures:

• Prayer as a response to oppression.
• The sovereignty of God in delivering His people from mockery and threats.
• The communal nature of seeking God during national crises.
• The assurance that God hears and responds to sincere prayers.
• Reference to God’s living nature as opposed to the idols and false gods of surrounding nations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2 Kings 19:4 serves as a reminder of the power of prayer in the face of challenges. The accompanying commentaries illuminate the verse's rich themes of God’s faithfulness in hearing the cries of His people. The cross-references provide a broader biblical context, showing interconnectedness between different Scriptures that focus on God’s ability to save, especially in times of peril.