2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36 / Matthew 7:6, 12-14
The act of name-dropping is often practiced by people who are not confident of themselves or do not have the capabilities to handle a situation.
Name-dropping is used to position oneself within a social hierarchy. It is often used to create a sense of superiority by raising one's status.
Obviously it is a poor reflection of oneself and unpleasant when others hear it.
In the 1st reading, the Assyrian king Sennacherib, did not name-drop to threaten king Hezekiah.
Rather Sennacherib did something more profane and disgusting.
In his message to Hezekiah, he said this: Do not let your God on whom you are relying deceive you, when he says: Jerusalem shall not fall into the power of the king of Assyria. You have learnt by now what the kings of Assyria have done to every country, putting them all under the ban. Are you likely to be spared?
Sennacherib derided and insulted the God of Israel to threaten Hezekiah.
For that, 185,000 men of his army was struck down, Sennacherib had to retreat.
It is important to know that we cannot use the name of God to boast or to threaten.
If we truly believe in God and stand by Him, then God will also stand by us and keep us safe and secure.