And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

2 KINGS 19:15KJV
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2 Kings 19:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 19:15 mean?

2 Kings 19:15 describes King Hezekiah praying to the LORD, recognizing Him as the one true God over all kingdoms and the Creator of heaven and earth. Hezekiah addresses God as the one who dwells between the cherubim, highlighting God's unique presence and authority.

Hezekiah is speaking directly to God in the temple during a crisis, as Jerusalem is threatened by the Assyrian army. By calling God the LORD (Yahweh) and the God of Israel, Hezekiah is acknowledging God's special relationship with Israel, but also declaring that God's power extends over all nations, not just Israel. The mention of cherubim refers to the figures on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's throne and presence among His people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 19:15

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His unique identity and covenant relationship with Israel. Hezekiah’s use of this name shows a personal and direct appeal.
  • cherubims (כְּרוּבִים, keruvim): These are angelic beings associated with God's throne, especially in the temple. By mentioning them, Hezekiah is picturing God as enthroned in the most holy place, emphasizing God's majesty and nearness.
  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word for God is used twice, stressing both God’s power and His sovereignty over all kingdoms, not just Israel’s.
  • made (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means "to make" or "to do," and here it highlights that God is the Creator of everything, not just a local deity.

Why 2 Kings 19:15 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Israel’s God is only a local or tribal deity; Hezekiah openly affirms that the LORD is sovereign over all kingdoms and the whole earth.
  • Hezekiah’s prayer sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, showing humility and trust in God’s power rather than relying on military strength or alliances.
  • The focus on God’s presence “between the cherubim” connects the crisis to the heart of Israel’s worship and identity, reminding the reader that God’s presence is central even in times of great threat.

Where else these words appear

“cherubims” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H2396 · used in 78 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 20:5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
  • Isaiah 36:16 Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;

“prayed” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

“kingdoms” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;