Bible Strands
2 Kings 19:26
Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God addresses the Assyrian king, describing the helpless condition of the conquered city dwellers.
The words — קִצְרֵי־ יָד (kitzrei-yad) = short of hand, literally lacking power; חַתּוּ (chatu) = they were dismayed.
The thread — The theme of human vulnerability before divine judgment appears in Numbers 11:23, Numbers 14:9, and Psalms 48:4.
Why it lands — It demands recognition that human strength is fleeting and subject to sovereign decree, requiring a reader to abandon reliance on military might and submit to divine authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
Cross-references
- Numbers 11:23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.”
- Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”
- Psalms 48:4 For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together.
- Psalms 92:7 that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.
- Psalms 102:11 My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.
- Psalms 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
- Psalms 129:6 May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,
- Isaiah 40:6 A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field.
- Jeremiah 37:10 Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.”
- Jeremiah 50:36 A sword is against her false prophets, and they will become fools. A sword is against her warriors, and they will be filled with terror.