2Ki 18:37-19:1 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 37. Then came Eliakim-and Shebna-and Joah-to Hezekiah with their clothes rent ] It was the custom of the Hebrews, when they heard any blasphemy, to rend their clothes, because this was the greatest of crimes, as it immediately affected the majesty of God, and it was right that a religious people should have in the utmost abhorrence every insult offered to the object of their religious worship. These three ambassadors lay the matter before the king as God's representative ; he lays it before the prophet , as God's minister ; and the prophet lays it before God, as the people's mediator .

‏ 2 Kings 18:37

Verse 37. Then came Eliakim-and Shebna-and Joah-to Hezekiah with their clothes rent] It was the custom of the Hebrews, when they heard any blasphemy, to rend their clothes, because this was the greatest of crimes, as it immediately affected the majesty of God, and it was right that a religious people should have in the utmost abhorrence every insult offered to the object of their religious worship. These three ambassadors lay the matter before the king as God's representative; he lays it before the prophet, as God's minister; and the prophet lays it before God, as the people's mediator.

‏ 2 Kings 19:1

CHAPTER XIX

Hezekiah is greatly distressed, and sends to Isaiah to pray for him, 1-4.

Isaiah returns a comfortable answer, and predicts the destruction of the king of Assyria and his army, 5-8.

Sennacherib, hearing that his kingdom was invaded by the Ethiopians, sends a terrible letter to Hezekiah, to induce him to surrender, 9-13.

Hezekiah goes to the temple, spreads the letter before the Lord, and makes a most affecting prayer, 14-19.

Isaiah is sent to him to assure him that his prayer is heard; that Jerusalem shall be delivered; and that the Assyrians shall be destroyed, 20-34.

That very night a messenger of God slays one hundred and

eighty-five thousand Assyrians, 35.

Sennacherib returns to Nineveh, and is slain by his own sons,

36, 37.

NOTES ON CHAP. XIX