2 Kings 18

the third year of the reign of Hoshea … over Israel: Hezekiah became co-ruler with his father, Ahaz. Hoshea started his reign in 732 BC, so Hezekiah began around 728 BC at age twelve. When Ahaz died in 715 BC, Hezekiah became the only ruler at age twenty-five. He then ruled for twenty-nine years from 715 to 686 BC.

The statement about Hezekiah becoming king (2 Kings 18:1–2) includes a detailed review of his spiritual dedication (2 Kings 18:3–7a). It is followed by information about the political situation during his reign (2 Kings 18:7b–12).

• Unlike Ahaz (2 Kings 16:2), Hezekiah was more like David. Hezekiah destroyed false worship objects, including pagan shrines, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles (see 2 Kings 16:3–10; 17:9–11, 19).

• The bronze serpent used by Moses (Numbers 21) had become an object of improper worship.

Hezekiah trusted in the LORD: He was the best among all the kings of Judah. Later, Josiah was unmatched in following the law of Moses (2 Kings 23:25). These two kings were examples of devotion during times of declining spirituality.

• Because Hezekiah was deeply committed to his faith, God blessed him, and he succeeded in all his endeavors. Hezekiah began a series of reforms, including:

  • cleaning, repairing, and renovating the temple (2 Chronicles 29:3–36);

  • celebrating the Passover (2 Chronicles 30); and

  • restoring important worship practices in Judah (2 Chronicles 31:1–19).

• He rebelled against the king of Assyria: In the ancient Near East, rebellions and stopping tribute payments often happened when a new ruler took power. King Sennacherib of Assyria replaced Sargon II in 704 BC. Assyria's focus on issues in southern Mesopotamia at that time might have encouraged Hezekiah. Assyria responded by invading Judah in 701 BC (2 Kings 18:13–19:36).

• He also defeated the Philistines, who had been a threat during Ahaz's rule (2 Chronicles 28:18).

The narrator mentions Samaria's fall to show Assyria's dominance at the time. Samaria fell because Hoshea turned away from God. This sets up the story of Hezekiah's strong faith and how God interacted with him (2 Kings 18:19–19:19).

The records of King Sennacherib of Assyria tell about this invasion during his third military campaign. He quickly moved down the Mediterranean coast through the Phoenician cities into Philistine land, then headed inland.

• Lachish was southwest of Jerusalem, near the Philistine border.

• I have done wrong (literally I have sinned): Hezekiah's message to Sennacherib used careful diplomatic language.

• Sennacherib claimed he received eleven tons of silver, one ton of gold, many jewels, and rich treasures from Hezekiah. He also said he received Hezekiah's daughter, the women of his harem, and his male and female singers.

Hezekiah faced severe consequences for not paying tribute to the king of Assyria. To meet Sennacherib's demands, he took all the silver and gold from the temple and the palace treasury (see 2 Chronicles 16:1–9).

• sent … a great army: Despite Hezekiah's large payment, Sennacherib still planned to invade Jerusalem.

• by the aqueduct: The two groups likely met at a spot on Jerusalem's northwestern wall. This location also served as the meeting place between Isaiah and Ahaz (Isaiah 7:3–16).

• In the past, people used the term great king for leaders of major military powers. It later became a common title for Assyrian kings.

• What is the basis of this confidence of yours?: The Assyrian officer claimed that Jerusalem's citizens would be unwise to trust Hezekiah's words, given Assyria's strong military. Seeking help from Egypt would also be unwise. The chief of staff argued that trusting in the Lord was also a mistake. The officer might have hoped to win over citizens who had worshiped at the shrines and altars Hezekiah had destroyed.

The officer then mocked Jerusalem, saying it did not have enough soldiers or strength to resist even the weakest group of Assyrian troops.

The chief of staff ended his argument by saying Jerusalem was doomed. He claimed the Assyrians were sent by God to destroy Judah. Opposing the great king meant opposing God!

Please speak to your servants in Aramaic: Hezekiah’s officials asked the Assyrian delegation to speak in Aramaic, which was the language of diplomacy. They did not want the people listening to understand and become discouraged or afraid.

my master sent me to speak … to the men sitting on the wall: The Assyrian officials spoke in the local language so everyone in the city could understand. This was a way to spread fear and weaken the people’s resolve, a form of psychological warfare.

The chief of staff ignored Hezekiah's delegation's request and shouted in Hebrew, trying to scare the people of Jerusalem.

The Assyrian chief of staff explained the generous terms Sennacherib offered for their surrender. Why choose death? Choose life instead!

• The LORD will deliver us: The Assyrian chief of staff mocked Judah’s trust in the Lord. He claimed that the Lord was no different from the gods of other nations and could not save them.

• Arpad was a city-state northwest of Aleppo. Like Hamath, it was a center of Aramean activity and is mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament (see Isaiah 10:9; Jeremiah 49:23).

Tearing clothes was a traditional way to show deep sorrow. In this case, it may have shown grief over Jerusalem’s trouble (see 2 Kings 6:30) and also over the insults spoken against God by the Assyrian official (see 2 Kings 19:4–6).