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Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 18 - Verse 34

18:34
Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand?

Meaning

Within this verse from the book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament, the Assyrian king Sennacherib is questioning the power and existence of the gods worshipped by the people of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah. Sennacherib boasts about the futility of these gods and their inability to protect the city of Samaria from his conquest. The verse reflects the arrogance and superiority complex of the Assyrian empire, as they believed in the supremacy of their own gods over those of other nations. By challenging the gods of these conquered cities, Sennacherib is effectively questioning the faith and loyalty of their people. This verse serves to highlight the theme of power dynamics between conquerors and the conquered, as well as the religious beliefs and practices of ancient civilizations.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 2 Kings 18:34, the Assyrian king Sennacherib is challenging the gods of the cities of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah, questioning their power and ability to save Samaria from his hands. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the arrogance and pride of Sennacherib, who believed that the gods of these cities were no match for the might of the Assyrian Empire. By questioning the gods' ability to deliver Samaria, Sennacherib is asserting his own supremacy and power over both the cities and their deities. A word study of this verse reveals a sense of mockery and disdain in Sennacherib's taunts towards the gods, as he challenges their very existence and efficacy in the face of his military conquests. This verse serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of pride and the consequences of challenging the authority of divine beings.

American Standard Version

Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
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