2 Kings 18:23
2 Kings 18:23 in Multiple Translations
Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them!
Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
And now, take a chance with my master, the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able to put horsemen on them.
Why don't you accept a challenge from my master, the king of Assyria? He says, I'll give you two thousand horses, if you can find enough riders for them!
Now therefore giue hostages to my lord the King of Asshur, and I will giue thee two thousand horses, if thou be able to set riders vpon them.
'And, now, give a pledge for thee, I pray thee, to my lord the king of Asshur, and I give to thee two thousand horses, if thou art able to give for thee riders on them.
Now therefore, please give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses if you are able on your part to set riders on them.
Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou shalt be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
Now therefore come over to my master the king of the Assyrians, and I will give you two thousand horses, and see whether you be able to have riders for them.
So I suggest that you make a deal between you and my master/boss, the king of Assyria. I will give you 2,000 horses, but I do not think that you are able to find 2,000 of your men who can ride on them!
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 18:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Kings 18:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּה֙
הִתְעָ֣רֶב
נָ֔א
אֶת
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
אֶת
מֶ֣לֶךְ
אַשּׁ֑וּר
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֤ה
לְ/ךָ֙
אַלְפַּ֣יִם
סוּסִ֔ים
אִם
תּוּכַ֕ל
לָ֥/תֶת
לְ/ךָ֖
רֹכְבִ֥ים
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
הִתְעָ֣רֶב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms
נָ֔א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
אַשּׁ֑וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
Ngmsa
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֤ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
אַלְפַּ֣יִם
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
סוּסִ֔ים
çûwç
H5483
swallow
N-mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תּוּכַ֕ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ֥/תֶת
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
רֹכְבִ֥ים
râkab
H7392
to ride
V-Qal
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 18:23
וְ/עַתָּה֙
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הִתְעָ֣רֶב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
נָ֔א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אֲדֹנִ֖/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אַשּׁ֑וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
Ngmsa
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֤ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
אַלְפַּ֣יִם
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
סוּסִ֔ים
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תּוּכַ֕ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לָ֥/תֶת
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
רֹכְבִ֥ים
râkab
H7392
"to ride"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 18:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Kings 18:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
- Sermons on 2 Kings 18:23
Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
21Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
22But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem: ‘You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem’?
23Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them!
24For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 25So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 17:42 | When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him because he was just a boy, ruddy and handsome. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:10 | Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.” |
| 3 | Nehemiah 4:2–5 | before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!” Hear us, O God, for we are despised. Turn their scorn back upon their own heads, and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. Do not cover up their iniquity or let their sin be blotted out from Your sight, for they have provoked the builders. |
| 4 | Psalms 123:3–4 | Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much scorn from the arrogant, much contempt from the proud. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 17:44 | “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” |
| 6 | 1 Kings 20:18 | “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 10:13–14 | For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
| 8 | Isaiah 36:8–9 | Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? |
2 Kings 18:23 Summary
In 2 Kings 18:23, the Assyrian commander is mocking the Judeans, saying they don't have enough soldiers to ride 2,000 horses, even if he gave them to Judah for free. This shows that the Assyrians thought they were much stronger than the Judeans. The commander is trying to get the Judeans to doubt their ability to defend themselves and to trust in the Assyrians instead of God (as seen in 2 Kings 18:22). This verse reminds us that true strength comes from trusting in God, not in our own abilities or earthly powers (as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God, we can have confidence in His power and provision, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bargain being proposed in 2 Kings 18:23?
The bargain is an offer from the Assyrian commander to Hezekiah, where he offers 2,000 horses if the Judeans can provide riders for them, implying that Judah does not have the military strength to ride and utilize such a large number of horses, as seen in 2 Kings 18:23, and highlighting their weakness in comparison to Assyria.
Is this verse a taunt or a genuine offer from the Assyrian commander?
This verse appears to be a taunt, as the commander is trying to belittle the Judeans and make them realize their military inferiority, similar to the way Pharaoh is described as a splintered reed in 2 Kings 18:21.
What is the significance of the horses in this verse?
The horses represent military strength and power, and the commander's offer is a way of saying that Judah does not have the capability to match Assyria's military might, as also implied in 2 Kings 18:24.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of 2 Kings 18?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Assyrian invasion of Judah, and it highlights the theme of trust in God versus trust in human strength, as seen in 2 Kings 18:22, where the commander questions the Judeans' trust in God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I am trusting in my own strength rather than God's power?
- How can I apply the lesson of 2 Kings 18:23 to my own life, recognizing the difference between human weakness and God's strength?
- In what ways can I be tempted to rely on earthly powers or alliances, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty, as warned against in Psalm 20:7?
- What does this verse teach me about the nature of true strength and power, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision and protection, as promised in Psalm 91:1-2?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:23
[See comments on 2 Kings 18:17]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:23
Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
Give pledges to my lord, i.e. give him hostages to secure him from thy future rebellion, and he will depart from thee. Or rather, contend with my lord in battle; seeing thou hast counsel and strength for war, do not lie lurking in thy strong hold, but come out into the open field, and let us try for mastery; and whereas thou mayest pretend thou wantest horses to fight with me, if thou wilt accept of my challenge, I will furnish thee with two thousand horses, if thou hast riders for them; as it here follows.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
2 Kings 18:23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will deliver thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.Ver. 23. Give pledges.] Pignora certa. Tremellius rendereth it, Misce bellum, fight with my master, the king of Assyria, if thou darest. Lacessentis atque insultantis, verba. If thou be able on thy part.] A bitter scoff, whereby he mocketh at Hezekiah’ s boldness, being no better able.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
(23) Give pledges to.—Rather, make a compact with . . . So the Syriac; literally, mingle with . . . have dealings with (Psalms 106:35). Gesenius explains: join battle with; literally, mingle yourselves with: LXX., μίχθητεδὴ. Mr. Cheyne prefers, lay a wager with . . . The rab-sak sneers at Hezekiah’s want of cavalry, an arm in which the Assyrians were preeminently strong; and further hints that even if horses were supplied him in numbers sufficient to constitute an ordinary troop, he would not be able to muster an equivalent number of trained riders.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
Verse 23. I will deliver thee two thousand horses] Another insult: Were I to give thee two thousand Assyrian horses, thou couldst not find riders for them. How then canst thou think that thou shalt be able to stand against even the smallest division of my troops?
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:23
23. Now therefore, I pray thee, give pledges to my lord] R.V. my master. The change conforms to verses 24 and 27 below. Having ridiculed any trust in Egypt, and expressed his opinion that Hezekiah could not expect help from Jehovah, after demolishing all the altars in the land, Rab-shakeh comes to his third argument. This is, ‘you have no forces to resist us’. He puts this into the form of a taunt. The verb rendered ‘give pledges’, has in its simpler voice, the sense of ‘mortgaging’ or ‘giving something in pledge’. In the present verse it appears to mean ‘pledge yourself’, ‘put yourself under some penalty’. And so the taunt is equivalent to saying: ‘You dare not undertake to find two thousand riders, if I offer you the horses for them. If you dare, then do it.
The horses are ready; I challenge you to provide the men’. I will deliver] R.V. give. The verb is the one usually rendered ‘give’, and the insult is made the greater by this proud way of expressing superiority.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:23
The phrase translated “give pledges,” or “hostages” (margin) may perhaps be best understood as meaning “make an agreement.” If you will “bind yourself to find the riders” (i.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:23
23. Give pledges to — Rather, enter into intercourse with, or, make an agreement with. If thou be able — The whole verse is a contemptuous assumption of the weakness of the Jewish military force.
Sermons on 2 Kings 18:23
| Sermon | Description | |
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Five Stones - Part 1 by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of David and Goliath from the Bible. He emphasizes that this story is not just a familiar tale, but a love story that is often tol |
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The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o |
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Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |