1 In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign.
2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done.
3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done.
4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan).
5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him.
6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses.
7 And the Lord was with him; wherever he went out, he prospered. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him.
8 He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.
9 In the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it.
10 And at the end of three years they captured it.
11 The king of Assyria carried the Israelites away to Assyria and put them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes,
12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God but transgressed his covenant, even all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded. They neither listened nor obeyed.
13 In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them.
14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me. Whatever you impose on me I will bear.” And the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.
15 And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house.
16 At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord and from the doorposts that he had overlaid and gave it to the king of Assyria.
17 And the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rab-saris, and the Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. When they arrived, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is on the highway to the Washer’s Field.
18 And when they called for the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder.
19 And the Rabshakeh said to them, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours?
20 You say (but they are but empty words), ‘I have counsel and strength for war.’ Now on whom do you rely, that you have rebelled against me?
21 Behold, you are trusting now in Egypt, that broken reed of a staff, which will pierce the hand of any man who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.
22 But if you say to me, “We trust in the Lord our God,” is it not he whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and to Jerusalem, “You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem”?
23 Come now, make a wager with my master the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them.
24 How then can you repulse a single captain among the least of my master’s servants, when you trust in Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?
25 Am I now without the Lord that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The Lord said to me, “Go up against this land and destroy it.”
26 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it. Do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.”
27 But the Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are doomed with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?”
28 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out in a loud voice in the language of Judah: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria!
29 Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he will not be able to deliver you out of my hand.
30 Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord by saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”
31 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for thus says the king of Assyria: ‘Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern,
32 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey, that you may live, and not die. And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.”
33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?
34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
35 Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’”
36 But the people were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”
37 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.
The True Meaning of 2 Kings 18
The author of this chapter is the biblical historian known as the Deuteronomist. This individual was likely a scribe or priest who compiled the books of 1 and 2 Kings, drawing from various sources to create a cohesive narrative of Israel’s history. King Hezekiah takes the throne in this chapter, marking a pivotal moment in the kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah’s reign will be marked by both triumph and turmoil, as he navigates the political and spiritual landscape of his time. The chapter foreshadows Hezekiah’s bold reforms, his confrontation with the Assyrian empire, and the consequences that will reverberate throughout the region. We can see echoes of earlier biblical accounts, such as the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12) and the reign of King David (2 Samuel 7), as we delve into this passage. These connections will help us understand the broader context and significance of the events unfolding before us.
2 Kings 18:1-8
King Hezekiah of Judah is the focus of a significant passage in 2 Kings 18:1-8. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Sentence in active voice: “Let’s break down this verse into important sections to delve deeper into its meanings and implications.”
Firstly, in verses 1-2, we are introduced to Hezekiah, the son of King Ahaz of Judah. Hezekiah’s reign is portrayed favorably because he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, following the ways of his ancestor King David. This emphasis on Hezekiah’s faithfulness and commitment to God’s commandments sets the stage for the key events that unfold during his reign.
Secondly, in verses 3-6, we learn about Hezekiah’s actions in removing the high places, breaking down sacred pillars, and cutting down the Asherah poles. These religious reforms were crucial in restoring the proper worship of God in Judah and eliminating idolatry. Hezekiah’s dedication to purifying the land from idol worship demonstrates his desire to lead his people back to a sincere relationship with God. This restoration of true worship aligns with the biblical theme of the exclusive worship of God and the rejection of idols.
Next, in verse 7, we witness Hezekiah’s defiance against the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. Despite facing threats and intimidation from the powerful Assyrian army, Hezekiah stands firm in his trust in the Lord. This act of faith and courage in the face of adversity showcases Hezekiah’s unwavering commitment to relying on God for deliverance. This narrative echoes the overarching message seen repeatedly in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of faith, trust, and obedience in God’s promises even during times of great challenge.
Lastly, in verse 8, the passage concludes by highlighting Hezekiah’s successful military campaigns against the Philistines. This victory under Hezekiah’s leadership not only demonstrates his skill as a military strategist but also underscores God’s faithfulness in delivering His people from their enemies when they remain faithful to Him. This triumph serves as a testament to Hezekiah’s reign being blessed by God due to his obedience and devotion. 2 Kings 18:1-8 offers valuable insights into the reign of King Hezekiah, emphasizing themes such as faithfulness to God, religious reform, trust in God’s protection, and victory through obedience. Hezekiah’s story serves as a poignant example for believers today, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith, to wholeheartedly serve God, and to trust in His deliverance in all circumstances. The principles illustrated in Hezekiah’s reign continue to resonate as timeless lessons for individuals seeking to align their lives with God’s will and experience His faithfulness in their journey of faith.
2 Kings 18:9-12
Several key events take place in 2 Kings 18:9-12 that are significant in the history of Israel. First, we see that in the fourth year of King Hezekiah’s reign over Judah, which aligns with the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah’s reign over Israel, the Assyrian king, Shalmaneser, invaded the northern kingdom of Israel. Hoshea had become king of Israel by conspiring against Pekahiah, and he did evil in the eyes of the Lord. This invasion marked the beginning of the end for Israel as an independent nation.
Shalmaneser besieged Samaria, the capital of Israel, for three years. This resulted in a severe famine within the city, fulfilling the prophecy concerning the fall of Israel due to their disobedience to God. Eventually, the Assyrians broke through the city walls, captured Samaria, and led the Israelites away into exile. This event is a tragic culmination of years of idolatry, disobedience, and unfaithfulness by the Israelites, leading to the fulfillment of God’s judgment upon them.
The fall of Samaria and the exile of the northern kingdom of Israel serve as a cautionary tale in the Bible, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in idolatry. This event echoes the warnings given to the Israelites throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s commandments. Moses foretold the dire consequences that would befall Israel if they turned away from God, including being scattered among the nations in Deuteronomy 28.
Furthermore, the fall of Samaria also sets the stage for the future interactions between the Assyrians and the kingdom of Judah, as we see in the following verses in 2 Kings 18. King Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat and his reliance on God’s deliverance serve as a parallel to the earlier events in the book of Kings, where kings were assessed based on their faithfulness to God in times of crisis. 2 Kings 18:9-12 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, illustrating the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel and highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands. The events that transpire serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s path and the faithfulness required of His people.
2 Kings 18:13-16
King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, as narrated in 2 Kings 18:13-16. This particular passage highlights the political and military upheaval faced by the kingdom of Judah under the threat of the powerful Assyrian empire. Sennacherib’s campaign to conquer Judah was a significant event that tested the faith and leadership of King Hezekiah and his people.
The mention of “the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah” is crucial as it sets the historical context of when these events transpired. Hezekiah was known for his efforts to institute religious reforms in Judah and turn the people back to the worship of the true God, Yahweh. However, his reign was also marked by military challenges, with the Assyrian invasion being one of the most formidable.
The tribute of silver and gold that King Hezekiah had to give to Sennacherib reveals the immense power and dominance of the Assyrian empire at that time. It also underscores the vulnerability of Judah in the face of such a powerful adversary. Despite paying this tribute, Sennacherib’s invasion was relentless, and he eventually besieged the fortified cities of Judah in an attempt to subdue them.
The mention of the fortified cities of Judah being captured by Sennacherib underscores the gravity of the situation faced by the people of Judah. The fall of these strongholds was a devastating blow to the defense of the kingdom and left Jerusalem vulnerable to an impending attack. However, the narrative does not end here, and what follows in the subsequent verses will shed light on how God intervenes and delivers Judah from this dire situation.
This passage reflects a recurring theme in the Bible where God’s people face seemingly insurmountable challenges and threats but ultimately find deliverance through faith and divine intervention. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, God is sovereign and can turn the tide in favor of those who trust in Him. The story of King Hezekiah’s faith and reliance on God amidst the Assyrian invasion is a testament to the enduring message of hope and salvation found throughout the Bible. Various verses in the Bible prophesy the eventual downfall of the Assyrian empire, with the events described in 2 Kings 18:13-16 serving as a precursor in a broader context. The Assyrians, despite their military might and conquests, would ultimately face divine judgment for their arrogance and ungodliness. This serves as a powerful reminder that earthly powers and empires are temporary, but God’s kingdom and His justice endure forever.
2 Kings 18:17-25
The Assyrian king’s representatives come to besiege Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, a critical moment in the history of Israel, as witnessed in 2 Kings 18:17-25. These verses depict the intimidation tactics employed by the Assyrians under King Sennacherib as they try to instill fear and doubt among the people of Judah.
The Assyrian representatives stand outside the walls of Jerusalem and call out in the Hebrew language to create fear and panic among the people, hoping to weaken their resolve and make them more susceptible to surrender. They mock the trust the Israelites have in God, belittling their faith by questioning the source of their confidence. This was a direct attack not only on the people but also on the power and protection of the Lord, whom they trusted.
King Hezekiah’s officers request that the Assyrian envoys speak in Aramaic, the language of diplomacy at that time, instead of Hebrew, as they didn’t want the people on the walls to understand the derogatory remarks and lose hope. This request highlights the strategic thinking of the leaders in not allowing the enemy to exploit the language barrier for their advantage.
It’s essential to note the significance of the language used by the Assyrians to demoralize the people. Language has the power to uplift or destroy, and in this context, the Assyrians used words as weapons to undermine the faith and courage of the Israelites. However, King Hezekiah’s officers’ quick thinking and their understanding of the impact of language protected the people from succumbing to the psychological warfare waged by the Assyrians.
The portrayal of this event in 2 Kings 18 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith even in the face of overwhelming opposition. It showcases the power of words and the tactics of psychological warfare employed by adversaries, urging believers to stay rooted in their trust in God’s promises despite external threats or challenges. This narrative echoes the theme of spiritual warfare found throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for believers to arm themselves with the knowledge of God’s truth to combat the lies and deceptions of the enemy. God’s people faced persecution or threats to their faith in instances where this event can be compared in the broader context of the Bible. Just as King Hezekiah and the people of Judah turned to God for deliverance and trusted in His protection, believers today are encouraged to put their faith in God during times of trial and tribulation. Verses such as Psalm 46:1 (“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”) offer assurance that God is our ultimate protector and defender in the face of adversity.
2 Kings 18:26-27
The officials of King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian representatives had an exchange during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Kings 18:26-27. The Assyrians, under King Sennacherib, had invaded Judah and were attempting to intimidate the people of Jerusalem into surrendering by undermining King Hezekiah’s authority and promising a better life if they surrendered.
The Assyrian officials spoke in Hebrew to the people on the city wall, aiming to instill fear and doubt in their hearts. They questioned Hezekiah’s trustworthiness and mocked the people, claiming that they would suffer greatly if they trusted in their king to deliver them. They even went as far as to say that they would be forced to eat their own excrement and drink their urine if they continued to resist.
This passage highlights the psychological warfare often employed in ancient conflicts, where the enemy would try to break the morale of the besieged city to weaken their resolve. The Assyrians sought to undermine Hezekiah’s authority and portray him as unable to protect his people, in an attempt to make the citizens of Jerusalem doubt their king’s ability to deliver them from the impending danger.
However, Hezekiah’s response to this psychological warfare is crucial. Hezekiah trusted in the Lord and urged the people to do the same, demonstrating his faith in God’s power to deliver them from their enemies. This faith in God’s protection and deliverance serves as a powerful lesson for believers, emphasizing the importance of trust and reliance on God even in the face of overwhelming odds. God’s people faced seemingly insurmountable challenges in the Bible, but they were ultimately victorious through their faith and trust in God. One such example is the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, where David, a young shepherd boy, defeated the giant warrior Goliath with just a sling and a stone because he trusted in the power of God to deliver him. The passage in 2 Kings 18:26-27 serves as a reminder of the importance of unwavering faith in God, even in the midst of adversity and threats. It shows that God is greater than any enemy or obstacle we may face and that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame. Just as Hezekiah urged the people of Jerusalem to trust in the Lord’s deliverance, so too are believers encouraged to place their trust in God’s power and faithfulness in every situation they encounter.
2 Kings 18:28-35
These verses from 2 Kings 18 capture a moment of siege during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian forces, led by the field commander, are outside the walls of Jerusalem, trying to instill fear and doubt among the people before launching an attack. The field commander speaks in the Hebrew language, which the people of Judah can understand, and uses psychological warfare to shake their confidence in King Hezekiah’s leadership and in Yahweh, their God. The field commander attempts to undermine the faith of the people by questioning the trust they have placed in King Hezekiah and in the Lord in these verses. He presents a message of deception and false security, suggesting that even if they were to make a deal and surrender, they would still face hardship and hunger under the Assyrian rule. This cunning strategy aimed to create division and doubt among the people, hoping they would turn against their king and God in fear.
The significance of this passage lies in the themes of faith, perseverance, and trust in God amidst adversity. King Hezekiah serves as an example of a leader who remained steadfast in his reliance on the Lord even in the face of overwhelming odds. His response to the Assyrian threat was to seek guidance and protection from God, which is highlighted in the verses that follow as he goes to the temple to pray.
The story of Hezekiah’s reign and the Assyrian siege is a powerful testament to the importance of staying faithful and trusting in God’s deliverance, even when circumstances seem dire. The subsequent events, where God miraculously intervenes by sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian army, reinforce the message of God’s ultimate sovereignty and protection over His people. The story of Hezekiah echoes similar instances where God’s people faced trials and tribulations but found deliverance through their faith in the broader context of the Bible. For example, the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, Daniel in the lion’s den, and David facing Goliath all showcase the victory that comes from trusting in the Lord rather than earthly powers. These narratives remind believers of the enduring truth that God is a stronghold in times of trouble for those who place their trust in Him.
2 Kings 18:36-37
The Assyrian representative confronts the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah in 2 Kings 18:36-37. The Assyrians were threatening and mocking the people of Judah, trying to instill fear and doubt. The Assyrian representative boasts about the power of the Assyrian king and belittles the God of Israel, suggesting that Hezekiah’s trust in the Lord would not save them from the might of the Assyrian army. This represents a typical tactic of psychological warfare used by the Assyrians to demoralize their enemies before attacking them physically. The officials of King Hezekiah remain silent in response to this intimidation, following Hezekiah’s orders not to engage in any dialogue with the Assyrians. This decision shows not only the confidence that Hezekiah had in the Lord but also his wisdom in not falling into the trap of engaging in a battle of words with the enemy. Instead, Hezekiah and his people chose to place their trust in God and sought His guidance and protection in prayer.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of having faith in God, especially in times of adversity and when facing powerful enemies. The story of Hezekiah’s reign in 2 Kings illustrates how God remained faithful to His people when they put their trust in Him. Hezekiah did not rely on his own strength or on alliances with other nations but turned to the Lord for deliverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
This narrative also highlights the theme of the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers. While the Assyrians boasted of their military might and the victories of their kings, ultimately, it was God who determined the outcome of the events. Through various miraculous interventions, including the destruction of the Assyrian army by an angel of the Lord, God demonstrated His power and brought about the salvation of His people.
The story of Hezekiah’s faith and God’s deliverance serves as a beacon of hope for believers facing challenges and opposition in their lives. It reminds us that no matter how formidable the enemies or how dire the circumstances, God is always in control and will provide a way out for those who trust in Him. This narrative encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, pray without ceasing, and trust in the Lord’s unfailing protection and deliverance, just as Hezekiah did.
After 2 Kings 18
The king had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He had removed the high places and broken the sacred pillars. He had even destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the people had been burning incense to it. The king had put his trust in the Lord, the God of Israel.
But the king of Assyria came and attacked the fortified cities of Judah. The king of Judah sent messengers to the king of Assyria, offering to pay whatever tribute he demanded. The king of Assyria required a heavy tribute, and the king of Judah had to strip the temple of its gold to pay it.
Yet, even after paying the tribute, the king of Assyria did not withdraw his forces. He sent his field commander to Jerusalem with a large army, demanding the city’s surrender. The field commander stood before the city walls, taunting the people and mocking their God. The people of Jerusalem were filled with fear and despair, for they knew they could not withstand the might of the Assyrian army. But the Lord had a plan, and the next chapter would reveal how he would deliver his people from this great threat.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.