2 Kings 19:4
It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.
2 Kings 19:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Bible conveys a message of hope and faith in the face of adversity. In this particular passage, Rabshakeh, a messenger of the king of Assyria, is sent to taunt and insult the living God. The speaker encourages the listener to believe that God will hear these words of reproach and respond accordingly. The verse is a call to action, urging the audience to lift up their prayers for the remnant of people who still remain faithful to God, despite the challenges they face. It emphasizes the power of prayer and the belief that God will intervene on behalf of those who remain steadfast in their faith. This verse serves as a reminder that even in times of turmoil and persecution, God is always present and ready to protect and defend His people. It inspires believers to turn to prayer as a source of strength and comfort during difficult times.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 2 Kings, the speaker is acknowledging the powerful impact words can have. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of prayer and the belief that God hears and responds to our prayers. The reference to Rabshakeh, the messenger sent by the king of Assyria to taunt the living God, shows the challenges faced by believers in a world that may not always support or understand their faith. Despite the antagonism, the verse encourages believers to have faith that God will intervene on their behalf, as long as they lift up their prayers for support. This can be seen as a reminder to remain steadfast in one's faith, even in the face of adversity and ridicule. The power of prayer and the belief in God's ability to reprove those who speak against Him are highlighted in this verse, illustrating the enduring strength of faith in the face of opposition.
2 Kings 19:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
It may be Jehovah thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Jehovah thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.
World English Bible
It may be Yahweh your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’”
Douay-Rheims
It may be the Lord, thy God, will hear all the words of Rabsaces, whom the king of the Assyrians, his master, hath sent to reproach the living God, and to reprove with words, which the Lord, thy God, hath heard: and do thou offer prayer for the remnants that are found.
Geneva Bible (1599)
If so be the Lord thy God hath heard all the wordes of Rabshakeh, whome the King of Asshur his master hath sent to raile on the liuing God, and to reproch him with wordes which the Lord thy God hath heard, then lift thou vp thy prayer for the remnant that are left.