Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered?
Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the nations—they have completely destroyed them. So do you really think you will be rescued?
The writer is recording a taunt from the Assyrian king, who is trying to intimidate Jerusalem by reminding them of his track record of destroying other nations.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of a letter from Sennacherib, king of Assyria, to King Hezekiah of Judah around 701 BC. The Assyrian empire was at its peak, having conquered many surrounding nations through brutal military campaigns. Sennacherib was attempting to psychologically intimidate Jerusalem into surrender by boasting about his previous conquests and suggesting that their God couldn't save them either.
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