When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left LachishThe Rabshakeh was a high-ranking Assyrian official, likely a chief cupbearer or military commander, sent by King Sennacherib to deliver messages. Lachish was a significant fortified city in Judah, second only to Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations have uncovered reliefs depicting the Assyrian siege of Lachish, confirming its historical importance. The departure of the king from Lachish indicates a strategic military movement, as Lachish was a key target in Assyria's campaign to subdue Judah.
he withdrew
The withdrawal of the Rabshakeh suggests a shift in military focus or a response to new intelligence. This movement reflects the fluid nature of ancient warfare, where commanders had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. It also indicates the Rabshakeh's role as a messenger and strategist, responding to the king's movements and orders.
and found the king fighting against Libnah
Libnah was another fortified city in Judah, located southwest of Jerusalem. Its mention here highlights the ongoing Assyrian campaign to conquer Judah's strongholds. The king of Assyria's engagement at Libnah suggests a continued effort to weaken Judah's defenses and exert control over the region. This context underscores the persistent threat faced by Judah and the pressure on King Hezekiah to seek divine intervention, as seen in the surrounding chapters. The historical and geographical details emphasize the Assyrian empire's expansive reach and the challenges faced by smaller kingdoms like Judah.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
RabshakehA high-ranking Assyrian military official and spokesman for King Sennacherib. He was involved in delivering messages to the people of Judah, attempting to intimidate them into surrender.
2.
King of Assyria (Sennacherib)The ruler of the Assyrian Empire, known for his military campaigns and efforts to expand his empire, including the siege of Jerusalem.
3.
LachishA significant city in Judah that was under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a strategic location due to its fortifications and position.
4.
LibnahAnother city in Judah that became the focus of the Assyrian military campaign after Lachish. It was a fortified city, indicating its importance in the region.
5.
HezekiahAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah is a central figure in the surrounding account, known for his faithfulness to God and leadership during the Assyrian threat.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the intimidating presence of the Assyrian army, Hezekiah's account reminds us to trust in God's ultimate control over all circumstances.
The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer, demonstrating the importance of turning to God in times of crisis.
God's DeliveranceThe account highlights God's ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable odds, encouraging believers to have faith in His power.
Spiritual WarfareThe physical battles in the Old Testament often mirror spiritual battles believers face today, reminding us to rely on God's strength and guidance.
The Importance of LeadershipHezekiah's leadership and faith set an example for the people of Judah, illustrating the impact of godly leadership in times of trial.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 19:8?
2.How does 2 Kings 19:8 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and nations?
3.What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to threats in 2 Kings 19:8?
4.How does 2 Kings 19:8 connect to God's promises in Isaiah 37?
5.How should we respond to challenges, as Hezekiah did in 2 Kings 19:8?
6.What role does faith play in facing adversity, according to 2 Kings 19:8?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 19:8?
8.How does 2 Kings 19:8 fit into the broader narrative of the Assyrian siege?
9.What theological significance does 2 Kings 19:8 hold for understanding God's protection?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 19?
11.In 2 Kings 8:20-22, can the Edomite revolt and Libnah's revolt be corroborated by any known historical or external records?
12.Isaiah 36:2: Is there archaeological evidence confirming the Rabshakeh's confrontation at the upper pool near the Launderers' Field?
13.In verse 13, what scientific or historical basis is there for claiming victory through a divine hand despite recorded Israelite defeats (Psalm 108:13)?
14.In 1 Chronicles 4:41, why is there no clear historical record of the destruction of these inhabitants, raising doubts about the event's authenticity?What Does 2 Kings 19:8 Mean
When the Rabshakeh heard“ When the Rabshakeh heard…” (2 Kings 19:8a)
• Rabshakeh, the chief spokesman for Sennacherib, had just delivered blasphemous threats to Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:19–35;Isaiah 36:4–20).
• News reaches him that circumstances have shifted. This little phrase reminds us that even the proudest emissaries are limited by information they receive, whereas the Lord “knows all things” (1 John 3:20).
• God had already declared through Isaiah that the Assyrian boast would be turned back (2 Kings 19:6–7). The change Rabshakeh hears about is the first visible step in that fulfillment.
That the king of Assyria had left Lachish“…that the king of Assyria had left Lachish…” (19:8b)
• Lachish was the key fortress in Judah’s lowlands (2 Chronicles 32:9). Sennacherib’s siege there appeared unstoppable.
• By leaving Lachish, Sennacherib signals that his campaign is encountering obstacles. Earlier, Scripture records God saying He would “put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land” (2 Kings 19:7). This verse shows the rumor beginning to work.
• Cross references:Isaiah 37:8 confirms the same sequence;Proverbs 21:30–31 reminds us that no strategy prevails against the Lord.
He withdrew“…he withdrew…” (19:8c)
• The once-arrogant envoy retreats. This retreat is not merely military; it is theological evidence that God “frustrates the plans of the peoples” (Psalm 33:10).
• Bullet points on the significance:
– God humbles the proud (James 4:6).
– God answers Hezekiah’s prayer even before Hezekiah hears the report (2 Kings 19:14–20).
– The enemy’s momentum can be halted in a moment when God intervenes (Exodus 14:24–25).
And found the king fighting against Libnah“…and found the king fighting against Libnah.” (19:8d)
• Libnah was another fortified city of Judah, but smaller than Lachish. Sennacherib’s shift from one siege to another shows a stalled invasion, not a triumphant advance.
• The chronicled move aligns withIsaiah 10:28–32, where the prophet sketches Assyria’s halted march toward Zion.
• While Sennacherib busies himself with Libnah, God is setting the stage for the angelic strike that will decimate the Assyrian army overnight (2 Kings 19:35).
• The contrast is striking: the king fights earthly battles; the King of kings fights for His people (Exodus 14:14;2 Chronicles 20:17).
summary2 Kings 19:8 records the turning point of Assyria’s campaign. The Rabshakeh’s information chain, Sennacherib’s departure from Lachish, the humiliating withdrawal, and the stalled assault at Libnah all showcase God’s quiet but decisive answer to prayer. Hezekiah’s trust is vindicated. The verse reminds us that God governs the movements of nations, overturns proud threats, and keeps His promises to protect those who rely on Him.
(8)
So Rab-shakeh returned.--This takes up the narrative from
2Kings 18:37. It is not said, but is probably to be understood, that Tartan and Rabsaris and the "great host" (
2Kings 18:17) departed with him, having been foiled of their purpose.
Libnah.--See Note on2Kings 8:22. The great King had taken Lachish. (See Note on2Chronicles 32:9.) Its position is not yet determined. Schrader thinks it may beTell-es-Safieh, west of Lachish, and north north-west of Eleutheropolis; in which case Sennacherib had already begun his retreat.
Verse 8. -
So Rabshakeh returned. Rabshakeh's embassy came to an end with the retirement of Hezekiah's officers from their conference with the three envoys of Sennacherib. No further communication was held with him. He had outraged all propriety by his appeal to the "men upon the wall" (
2 Kings 18:27-35); and it seems to have been thought most dignified to give him no answer at all. He had offered no terms - he had simply delivered a summons to surrender, and the closed gates and guarded walls were a sufficient reply. So he felt, and returned to his master,
reinfecta.
And found the King of Assyria warring against Libnah. The position of Libnah relatively to Lachish is uncertain. The site of Lachish may be regarded as fixed to
Um-Lakis; but that of Libnah rests wholly on conjecture. It has been placed at
Tel-
es-Safieh, twelve miles northeast of
Um-Lakis; at
Arak-el-Menshiyeh, about five miles nearly due east of the same; and near
Umm-el-Bikar, four miles south-east of
Um-Lakis. A removal from Um-Lakis to Tel-el-Safieh would mean a retreat. A march from Um-Lakis to either of the other sites would he quite compatible with an intention to push on to Egypt.
For he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. Whether Lachish had been taken or not cannot be determined from these words. But we can scarcely suppose that a place of such slight strength can have defied the Assyrian arms successfully. It is beat therefore to suppose, with Keil and Thenius, that Lachish had been taken.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whenכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe Rab-shakehשָׁקֵ֔ה(šā·qêh)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7262:Rabshakeh -- perhaps 'chief of the officers', an Assyrian military leaderheardשָׁמַ֔ע(šā·ma‘)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlythatכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe kingמֶ֣לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Assyriaאַשּׁ֔וּר(’aš·šūr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 804:Ashshurhad leftנָסַ֖ע(nā·sa‘)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5265:To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journeyLachish,מִלָּכִֽישׁ׃(mil·lā·ḵîš)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3923:Lachish -- a Canaanite city Southwest of Jerusalemhe withdrewוַיָּ֙שָׁב֙(way·yā·šāḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againand foundוַיִּמְצָא֙(way·yim·ṣā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present[the king] fightingנִלְחָ֖ם(nil·ḥām)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainstעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstLibnah.לִבְנָ֑ה(liḇ·nāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3841:Libnah -- a city in soutwest Judah, also a place in the wilderness
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OT History: 2 Kings 19:8 So Rabshakeh returned and found the king (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) 
