So Rab-shakeh returned. — This takes up the narrative from 2 Kings 18:37. It is not said, but is probably to be understood, that Tartan and Rabsaris and the “great host” (2 Kings 18:17) departed with him, having been foiled of their purpose.
Libnah. — See Note on 2 Kings 8:22. The great King had taken Lachish. (See Note on 2 Chronicles 32:9.) Its position is not yet determined. Schrader thinks it may be Tell-es-Sâfieh, west of Lachish, and north north-west of Eleutheropolis; in which case Sennacherib had already begun his retreat.