2 Kings 19:32

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 19:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come unto this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come unto this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.
2 Kings 19:32 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
32Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come unto this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall he come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Nor come before it with shield - The “shields” of the Assyrians are very conspicuous in the sculptures, and were of great importance in a siege, since the assailing archers were in most instances defended, as they shot their weapons, by a comrade, who held before himself and his friend a shield of an enormous size. It was made of a framework of wood, filled in with wattling, and perhaps lined with skin; it was rested upon the ground, and it generally curved backward toward the top; ordinarily it somewhat exceeded the height of a man. From the safe covert afforded by these large defenses the archers were able to take deliberate aim, and deliver their volleys with effect. Nor cast a bank…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“He shall not - The army sent with Rabshaketh did not form a close siege against it, but only disposed themselves so as to block it up at some distance; possibly waiting 'till the king of Assyria had taken Libnah and Lachish, (which they presumed he would speedily do.) 4 Kings (2 Kings) 19:35”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“19:32-34 Sennacherib’s armies did not enter Jerusalem but returned home. In Sennacherib’s own account, he gave details of capturing and despoiling forty-six cities of Judah. He made no mention of the capture of Jerusalem but recorded only that he shut up Hezekiah “in Jerusalem . . . like a bird in a cage.” • For my own honor—in light of Sennacherib’s blasphemies and arrogance against God (18:25, 28-30; 19:10-13, 21, 27-28)—and for the sake of my servant David, to whom God had made his covenant promise (2 Sam 7:8-16) and whose faith Hezekiah had emulated (2 Kgs 18:3), the Lord would defend this city (see 20:6). The Lord decisively demonstrated that he alone is God and that he is faithful to…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“He shall not come: Isa 8:7-10, Isa 10:24, Isa 10:25, Isa 10:28-32, Isa 37:33-35 cast a bank: Sa2 20:15; Eze 21:22; Luk 19:43, Luk 19:44 4 Kings (2 Kings) 19:33”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification