Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 19

Lachish, Libnah, and a report about Egypt’s king

2 Kings 19:8-9

The commander from Assyria had said that Assyria’s king would come soon with a large army to attack Jerusalem. It seems that the king’s plan was to defeat Lachish and then to fight for Jerusalem.

The commander waited near Jerusalem for some time, but his king did not come. The reason seems to be that the king was unable to defeat Lachish. That may be because some bold fighters from Libnah were attacking Assyria’s army. So, the king gave up the fight for Lachish and he took his soldiers to surround Libnah instead. He saw that he would have to try to defeat Libnah first. The commander returned from Jerusalem to support him.

These two strong cities, Lachish and Libnah, with their brave fighters, were in the west of Judah. They were on the border with Philistia, so their men were constantly ready for war. In the past, Libnah’s inhabitants had refused to accept the rule of Judah’s kings (8:22). However its people belonged to Israel – in fact, they were from the families of the priests (Joshua 21:13).

Then the king of Assyria heard a report that made him very afraid. His own army was struggling in the fight against the men from these two small cities. That fight forced them to remain at the west side of Judah, where Egypt’s army could attack them very suddenly. The king of Egypt was Tirhakah from Cush – and he led one of the most powerful armies in the world. The report was that Tirhakah saw this as a good opportunity to attack and to destroy Assyria’s army. If Tirhakah did that, he would become the most powerful king in the world.

Previously, Assyria’s men had laughed at the idea that Tirhakah might act to support Judah (18:21). Now Assyria’s king became very afraid of Tirhakah’s ambitions.

Next part: Assyria's king tries again to frighten Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:10-13)

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