2 Kings 18:22
But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?
2 Kings 18:22 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, King Sennacherib of Assyria is mocking the people of Judah for putting their trust in the Lord their God. He questions whether the God they trust in is truly powerful, considering that Hezekiah, their king, had removed the high places and altars dedicated to other gods. Sennacherib suggests that by centralizing worship in Jerusalem, Hezekiah had limited the power of their God. This taunt reveals the Assyrian king's misunderstanding of the Israelites' faith and his arrogance in underestimating the power of their God. Despite Sennacherib's mockery, the people of Judah stood firm in their belief in the Lord, demonstrating their unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
Theological Overview
Here, in 2 Kings 18:22, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of true worship and faith in the Lord. The Assyrians are questioning the trust of the people of Judah in their God, pointing out that Hezekiah had removed the high places and altars previously used for worship. The Assyrians insinuate that true worship can only happen at the altar in Jerusalem, which was consecrated to the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of worshiping God in spirit and in truth, as Jesus later teaches in the New Testament (John 4:24). It also underscores the idea that external rituals and locations are not as critical as the heart attitude of the worshiper. The removal of the high places and altars by Hezekiah can be seen as a purging of idolatry and a return to pure worship of the Lord. This verse prompts readers to reflect on their own worship practices and the sincerity of their trust in God.
2 Kings 18:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
But if ye say unto me, We trust in Jehovah our God; is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?
World English Bible
But if you tell me, ‘We trust in Yahweh our God;’ isn’t that he whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, ‘You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?’
Douay-Rheims
But if you say to me: We trust in the Lord, our God: is it not he, whose high places and altars Ezechias hath taken away: and hath commanded Juda and Jerusalem: You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?
Geneva Bible (1599)
But if ye say vnto me, We trust in the Lord our God, is not that he whose hie places, and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath sayd to Iudah and Ierusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Ierusalem?