◄ 2 Kings 18:37 ►
Then Hilkiah's son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph's son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 18:37? 2. How does 2 Kings 18:37 demonstrate the importance of effective communication in leadership? 3. What can we learn from Eliakim's response to adversity in 2 Kings 18:37? 4. How does 2 Kings 18:37 connect with Proverbs 15:1 about gentle answers? 5. How should we respond to intimidating situations, as seen in 2 Kings 18:37? 6. What role does humility play in leadership, according to 2 Kings 18:37? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Kings 18:37? 8. How does 2 Kings 18:37 reflect the political climate of ancient Judah? 9. What is the significance of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah in 2 Kings 18:37? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 18? 11. Who is Eliakim, son of Hilkiah? 12. 2 Kings 18:17 - Why would Rabshakeh speak in Hebrew if he didn't want Judah's people to hear his threats? 13. Why do Isaiah 37:33-35 and parallel biblical accounts (e.g., 2 Kings 19) differ in describing Sennacherib's retreat and the exact nature of the Assyrian defeat? 14. Comparing 2 Chronicles 18 with 1 Kings 22, how can both accounts be inerrant if they present varying details about the same event? Discussion Questions 1. How does the response of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah to the Rabshakeh's message reflect their understanding of the situation, and what can we learn from their actions? 2. In what ways does Hezekiah's leadership during this crisis serve as an example for modern-day leaders facing challenges? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking godly counsel in our own lives, especially when facing difficult decisions or threats? 4. What does the tearing of clothes by the officials symbolize, and how can this act of humility be relevant to our spiritual lives today? 5. How does the account of Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and power in our own times of crisis? 2 Kings 18 Bible Study Questions 1. What made Hezekiah's reign different from that of his father Ahaz? How does this relate to generational differences in religious practice today? 2. Hezekiah destroys the bronze snake because it became an object of worship. What does this teach us about idolatry? 3. How does Hezekiah's response to Assyria contrast with Israel's response that led to their fall? 4. When faced with threats, Hezekiah tried to appease Sennacherib by stripping the temple of its wealth. Was this a faithful decision? How can this apply to situations where we might be tempted to compromise our faith for peace? 5. Why did Hezekiah's officials tear their clothes after receiving Sennacherib's message? How should we respond when our faith is ridiculed? 6. How did Hezekiah's actions reflect his faith in God? How can we show our faith in challenging times? 7. Despite his faith, Hezekiah still faced trials and challenges. What does this tell us about the nature of faith and suffering? 8. What are the 'high places' in your life that may need to be torn down to honour God more fully? 9. Sennacherib's letter was designed to sow doubt and fear among the people of Judah. How can we resist such tactics today? 10. How does the history of Israel's disobedience and deportation serve as a warning for us today? 11. How can we maintain trust in God when facing personal, societal, or global crises? 12. How does Hezekiah's faith inspire you in your own faith journey? 13. In what ways are you challenged to be more like Hezekiah in your walk with God? 14. How can the fear and uncertainty experienced by the people of Judah teach us to handle similar feelings in today's world? 15. What lessons can we learn from Hezekiah's attempts to appease the Assyrians? 16. What does Hezekiah's story teach us about the consequences of both obedience and disobedience to God? 17. How does the response of Hezekiah's officials to Sennacherib's letter inform us about reacting to blasphemy and disrespect towards our faith? 18. How might the Assyrian threat to Judah parallel the challenges faced by Christians in the contemporary world? 19. What aspects of Hezekiah's character would you like to develop in your own life? 20. How can we ensure our trust in God doesn't waver even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds? Links 2 Kings 18:37 NIV 2 Kings 18:37 NLT 2 Kings 18:37 ESV 2 Kings 18:37 NASB 2 Kings 18:37 KJV 2 Kings 18:37 Commentaries Bible Hub