At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. At that timeThis phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The period is during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, a time marked by political turmoil and the threat of Assyrian domination. Historically, this was around the late 8th century BC, a period when the Assyrian Empire was expanding aggressively under King Sennacherib. The phrase underscores the urgency and desperation of the situation faced by Hezekiah. Hezekiah
Hezekiah was one of the more righteous kings of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore worship of Yahweh. His name in Hebrew, "חִזְקִיָּהוּ" (Chizqiyahu), means "Yahweh strengthens." This reflects his reliance on God, despite the difficult circumstances he faced. Hezekiah's actions in this verse, however, show a moment of compromise, highlighting the tension between faith and political expediency. stripped the gold
The act of stripping gold from the temple signifies a moment of great desperation. Gold, a symbol of wealth and divine blessing, was used extensively in the temple's construction as described in 1 Kings 6. The Hebrew word for "stripped" is "קָצַץ" (qatsats), which implies cutting or removing. This act of desecration indicates the severity of the threat from Assyria and the lengths to which Hezekiah was willing to go to preserve his kingdom. from the doors of the temple of the LORD
The temple, built by Solomon, was the center of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The doors of the temple were not only functional but also symbolic of access to God. Removing gold from these doors was a significant act, reflecting a compromise of spiritual integrity for political survival. It highlights the tension between maintaining religious purity and addressing immediate political threats. and from the doorposts he had overlaid
The doorposts, like the doors, were integral to the temple's structure and symbolism. The Hebrew word for "overlaid" is "צִפָּה" (tsipah), meaning to cover or overlay, often with precious metals. This detail emphasizes the extent of Hezekiah's actions, as even the sacred and meticulously crafted elements of the temple were not spared in his attempt to appease the Assyrian king. and gave it to the king of Assyria
This phrase reveals the political reality of Hezekiah's time. The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was a dominant force, and Judah was under immense pressure. The act of giving gold to the Assyrian king was a form of tribute, a common practice in the ancient Near East to avoid destruction or invasion. This action, while pragmatic, also reflects a moment of compromise and the complex interplay between faith and politics. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship. He is faced with the threat of the Assyrian empire. 2. Temple of the LORDThe sacred place in Jerusalem where God was worshiped. It was adorned with gold, symbolizing its holiness and the wealth of the kingdom. 3. King of AssyriaThe ruler of the powerful Assyrian empire, which was expanding its territory and threatening Judah during Hezekiah's reign. 4. Gold StrippingAn act of desperation by Hezekiah to appease the Assyrian king, showing the dire circumstances Judah faced. 5. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where the temple was located and where Hezekiah reigned. Teaching Points Faith Under PressureHezekiah's actions reflect the tension between faith and fear. In times of crisis, believers must choose whether to rely on God or succumb to worldly pressures. Value of WorshipThe stripping of gold from the temple underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity and priority of worship, even in difficult times. Consequences of CompromiseHezekiah's decision to appease Assyria by stripping the temple can serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of compromising spiritual integrity for temporary relief. God's SovereigntyDespite Hezekiah's actions, God's ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem demonstrates His control over nations and events, encouraging believers to trust in His plans. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Hezekiah's decision to strip the gold from the temple reveal about his state of mind and the pressures he faced? 2. How can we apply the lesson of maintaining the sanctity of worship in our own lives, especially when faced with external pressures? 3. In what ways does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances? 4. How does the stripping of the temple's gold relate to Jesus' teaching about storing treasures in heaven, and what practical steps can we take to prioritize spiritual over material wealth? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision between faithfulness to God and worldly compromise. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future choices? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 32Provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's reign, including his faithfulness and the Assyrian threat. Isaiah 36-37Offers a prophetic perspective on the events, including God's deliverance of Jerusalem from Assyria. Exodus 25Describes the original instructions for the construction and adornment of the tabernacle, highlighting the significance of gold in worship. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which can relate to Hezekiah's decision to strip the temple's gold. 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 Asshur, Assyria, Covered, Cut, Door-pillars, Doorposts, Door-posts, Doors, Giveth, Gold, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Judah, Lord's, Overlaid, Pillars, Plated, Posts, Stripped, TempleDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13-16 4333 gold 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 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 18:16 NIV2 Kings 18:16 NLT2 Kings 18:16 ESV2 Kings 18:16 NASB2 Kings 18:16 KJV
2 Kings 18:16 Commentaries
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