So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, "I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me." And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. So Hezekiah king of JudahHezekiah, whose name means "Yahweh strengthens," was the 13th king of Judah and is noted for his faithfulness to God. His reign is marked by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh. Historically, Hezekiah's leadership is significant as he sought to restore the spiritual integrity of Judah amidst political turmoil. His actions in this verse reflect a moment of crisis management, balancing faith and diplomacy. sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish
Lachish was a fortified city in Judah, strategically important and often a target for invading forces. The Assyrian king, likely Sennacherib, was known for his military campaigns and inscriptions detailing his conquests. This phrase indicates a direct communication, a diplomatic gesture acknowledging the Assyrian threat. The historical context reveals the Assyrian Empire's dominance and the pressure on smaller kingdoms like Judah to submit or face destruction. 'I have done wrong.'
This admission of wrongdoing by Hezekiah can be seen as a political maneuver rather than a moral confession. In the Hebrew context, the phrase suggests an acknowledgment of rebellion or breach of agreement. Hezekiah's statement reflects the gravity of the situation, where survival necessitated humility before a powerful adversary. Withdraw from me
Hezekiah's plea for withdrawal is a request for the Assyrian forces to cease their siege and aggression. The Hebrew root here implies a desire for relief and reprieve. This reflects the desperation of Judah under threat and Hezekiah's attempt to negotiate peace through submission. and I will pay whatever you demand of me
This phrase underscores the economic and political pressures faced by Judah. The willingness to pay a tribute highlights the common practice of vassal states under Assyrian control. It also reflects the burdensome nature of such demands, which often strained the resources of smaller kingdoms. And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah
The term "exacted" indicates a forceful demand, emphasizing the power imbalance between Assyria and Judah. Historically, Assyrian records corroborate such tributes, showcasing their empire's reach and the subjugation of neighboring states. This phrase captures the harsh realities of ancient Near Eastern politics. three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold
A talent was a significant weight, and this demand represents a substantial financial burden. The specific amounts highlight the severity of the tribute and the economic strain on Judah. In a broader biblical context, silver and gold often symbolize wealth and power, and their extraction from Judah signifies a loss of both. This tribute reflects the cost of political survival and the heavy price of peace under Assyrian dominance. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. In this verse, he is seen negotiating with the Assyrian king. 2. King of AssyriaThe ruler of the powerful Assyrian empire, which was expanding its territory and threatening Judah. His demand for tribute from Hezekiah shows the political pressure Judah was under. 3. LachishA significant city in Judah, which was under siege by the Assyrians. This location highlights the military threat facing Hezekiah. 4. TributeThe payment of three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold demanded by the Assyrian king. This represents a significant financial burden on Judah. 5. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Hezekiah, facing external threats from Assyria during this period. Teaching Points Humility and Acknowledgment of WrongdoingHezekiah's admission of wrongdoing ("I have done wrong") can be seen as an act of humility. In our lives, acknowledging our mistakes is the first step toward reconciliation and peace. The Burden of CompromiseThe heavy tribute exacted by the Assyrian king illustrates the cost of compromise. Believers are reminded to weigh the consequences of compromising their values or faith. Trust in God Over Political AlliancesHezekiah's initial response was to negotiate, but later scriptures show his ultimate reliance on God. This teaches us to prioritize our trust in God over human solutions. The Reality of External PressuresJust as Judah faced external threats, Christians today face pressures from the world. We are called to stand firm in our faith and seek God's guidance. God's DeliveranceAlthough Hezekiah initially sought to appease Assyria, God's deliverance came through faith and prayer. This encourages believers to trust in God's power to save. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat reveal about his character and leadership? How can we apply this to our own leadership roles? 2. How does the demand for tribute by the Assyrian king reflect the pressures we face in our spiritual lives? What are some modern-day "tributes" we might be tempted to pay? 3. In what ways can we demonstrate humility and acknowledge our wrongdoings in our relationships with others and with God? 4. How do the accounts in 2 Chronicles 32 and Isaiah 36-37 expand our understanding of Hezekiah's situation and God's intervention? What lessons can we draw from these passages? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced external pressures or threats. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? How might Hezekiah's account inspire a different approach? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 32This chapter provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's reign, including his preparations for the Assyrian threat and his reliance on God. Isaiah 36-37These chapters recount the Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah's response, emphasizing his prayer and God's deliverance. Exodus 23:32This verse warns against making covenants with foreign nations, which can be related to Hezekiah's negotiations with Assyria. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Appointed, Asshur, Assyria, Attacking, Bear, Demand, Exacted, Fixed, Gold, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hundred, Impose, Judah, Lachish, Laid, Layest, Layeth, Message, Offended, Pay, Payment, Puttest, Required, Retire, Return, Saying, Silver, Sinned, Talents, Thirty, Turn, Undergo, Whatever, Withdraw, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:14 5260 coinage
5615 weights 2 Kings 18:13-16 4333 gold 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:14-15 4363 silver
5437 palaces
7467 temple, Solomon's Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 18:14 NIV2 Kings 18:14 NLT2 Kings 18:14 ESV2 Kings 18:14 NASB2 Kings 18:14 KJV
2 Kings 18:14 Commentaries
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