Understanding 2 Kings 19:6
2 Kings 19:6 states: “And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.” This verse captures a pivotal moment during King Hezekiah's reign when he receives a message from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who threatens Jerusalem. Isaiah, the prophet, gives reassurance from the Lord to Hezekiah.
Interpretation from Matthew Henry
According to Matthew Henry, this verse emphasizes God's assurance amidst intimidating threats from an enemy. Isaiah's message serves as a powerful reminder that the words of men, especially those that blaspheme God, should not instill fear in the hearts of God’s people. It reflects the importance of divine support in the face of adversity.
Albert Barnes' Insights
Albert Barnes elaborates that the LORD's message via Isaiah is a declaration of divine authority. The reassurance indicates that God is omnipotent, and the blasphemous words of the Assyrian king will not prevail. Barnes highlights the essential faith that the people must have—trusting in God’s promise over powerful worldly threats.
Adam Clarke’s Perspective
Adam Clarke notes how this verse reassures Hezekiah and signifies a crucial turning point leading to God’s intervention. Clarke emphasizes that the prophetic word serves a significant role, indicating that God remains sovereign despite the schemes of the nations. This comfort from God is vital for believers facing trials.
Thematic Bible Verse Connections
- Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.” - A verse promoting God’s presence.
- Psalm 118:6: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.” - Similar themes of divine support.
- 2 Chronicles 20:15: “Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed.” - God's reassurance in battle.
- Romans 8:31: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” - Affirmation of God’s protective power.
- Jeremiah 1:8: “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee.” - Another instance of prophetic encouragement.
- Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body.” - Teaching believers not to fear humanity.
- 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” - Trust in God’s protection is essential.
Comparative Bible Verse Analysis
This verse connects intricately with various others that speak to God's faithfulness. The historical context of threats from Assyria brings a prophetic reminder found throughout the scriptures. God’s consistent invocation against fear serves as a theme that resonates across both Old and New Testament narratives.
For anyone seeking Bible verse cross-references, 2 Kings 19:6 significantly binds to the assertions found in Isaiah and the Psalms, providing a broader vision of divine assurance. Understanding these connections between Bible verses helps illuminate the overarching narrative of God’s providence and care for His people.
Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing
The study of 2 Kings 19:6 and its cross-references is enhanced by various tools:
- Bible concordances that list verses by keywords
- Bible cross-reference guides that connect themes and teachings
- Comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials for deeper study
- Online databases and apps for quick look-up
Finding Cross-References in the Bible
Utilizing these resources, believers can explore how to find cross-references in the Bible, identifying connections between Old and New Testaments to enrich their understanding of faith and trials. This leads to a deeper reality of how God's promises repeat through various biblical contexts, bringing comfort and clarity.
Conclusion
In studying 2 Kings 19:6 and its background, one can appreciate the enduring theme of God’s reassurance against fear. This insight encourages believers to stand firm in the faith amidst challenges, knowing that they are supported by a powerful and loving God.
