Understanding 2 Kings 20:6

Verse: "And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (2 Kings 20:6)

Summary and Meaning

This verse captures a pivotal moment for King Hezekiah, reflecting God's mercy and the assurance of divine protection. Following his earnest prayer during a time of distress, God promises an extension of Hezekiah's life and deliverance from the impending threat posed by the Assyrians. This assurance is not only for Hezekiah's benefit but also serves a greater purpose tied to God's covenant with David.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the importance of prayer in Hezekiah's life, noting how it leads to God’s intervention. The granting of fifteen additional years serves as a testimony to God’s power and compassion. Additionally, Hezekiah's healing and the promise of protection is a reaffirmation of God's covenant relationship with His people.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes elaborates on the significance of God’s promise to defend Jerusalem. The assurance that deliverance will come not only for the sake of Hezekiah but also for David highlights the continuity of God's promises across generations. This reflects the divine commitment to His chosen people, reinforcing the theme of hope amidst adversity.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke notes the historical context of the Assyrian threat and how God's promise to defend the city serves as a pivotal moment in biblical history. Clarke also discusses the implications of God's promise in terms of the messianic hope tied to David's lineage, pointing to the broader narrative of redemption laid throughout scripture.

Cross References

To fully understand the richness of 2 Kings 20:6, we can explore various Bible verses that connect thematically and contextually:

• Isaiah 38:5: God reassures Hezekiah of his healing.
• Psalm 132:1-5: God's promise to David highlights the assurance of protection.
• 2 Chronicles 32:24-26: Provides additional context about Hezekiah’s prayer and God's response.
• Exodus 32:10-14: An example of intercession and God’s mercy toward His people.
• Jeremiah 30:17: A promise of healing and restoration to His people.
• Isaiah 37:33-35: God’s explicit promise to defend Jerusalem from Assyrian attacks.
• Hebrews 11:32-34: A reflection on faith of past figures, including kings like Hezekiah.
• Luke 1:30-33: The connection to Jesus and the eternal throne of David.
• 1 Kings 8:56: God keeping His covenant promises to Israel.
• Romans 15:4: The encouragement found in the scriptures to have hope.

Thematic Connections

The themes of mercy, protection, and covenant fidelity seen in 2 Kings 20:6 resonate through several layers of scripture. These elements connect events and teachings across both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to His people and the prophetic threads leading to Jesus Christ.

SEO Considerations

This exploration employs various keywords related to the understanding and study of scripture, focusing on Bible verse connections and methods for Bible cross-referencing. By exploring tools and Bible references, seekers of knowledge can uncover deeper meanings and insights.

Key Questions and Intent

As one studies this verse, they might ask:

• What verses are related to 2 Kings 20:6?
• How do 2 Kings 20:6 and Isaiah 38:5 connect?
• How do similar themes in Jeremiah 30:17 reflect the promises seen in 2 Kings 20:6?
• Which Bible verses that relate to each other emphasize God's mercy?
• What can modern readers learn from the inter-Biblical dialogue present in this narrative?