Book of Isaiah - Chapter 36 - Verse 19

This verse from the book of Isaiah questions the power and existence of the gods of various cities, specifically Hamath, Arphad, and Sepharvaim, in relation to the impending fall of Samaria. The prophet Isaiah uses rhetorical questions to challenge the people's belief in these gods and to emphasize the superiority of the one true God. By asking where these gods are and whether they have the ability to deliver Samaria, Isaiah is pointing out the futility of relying on false idols. The verse serves as a reminder of the ineffectiveness of placing faith in man-made deities and emphasizes the importance of trust in the almighty God for deliverance and salvation. This verse exemplifies the overarching theme in the Bible of monotheism and the exclusive worship of God.

In this verse from 2 Kings 18:24, the Assyrian king boasts about his conquests by questioning the power of the gods of Hamath, Arphad, and Sepharvaim in delivering Samaria from his hand. This passage highlights the theological theme of the supremacy of the one true God over all other gods. The reference to these local deities indicates the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient Near East during this time. The word studies of "Hamath," "Arphad," and "Sepharvaim" reveal that these were cities with their own patron gods, suggesting a connection between the prosperity and protection of the city and the power of its deity. However, the Assyrian king's rhetorical question challenges the effectiveness of these gods in comparison to the God of Israel. This verse serves as a reminder of the folly of trusting in false gods and the ultimate sovereignty of the one true God.