In the third year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. In the third yearThis phrase sets a specific historical context, anchoring the events in a precise timeline. The "third year" refers to the reign of Hoshea, the last king of Israel before the Assyrian conquest. This period was marked by political instability and spiritual decline in Israel. The use of such chronological markers in the Bible underscores the historical reliability of the text, reminding readers that these events occurred in real time and space. of Hoshea son of Elah
Hoshea's reign was characterized by his attempts to navigate the pressures from the Assyrian empire. His lineage, as the "son of Elah," connects him to the northern kingdom's royal line, which was often marred by idolatry and rebellion against God. This highlights the contrast between the northern kingdom's unfaithfulness and the reforms that Hezekiah would later implement in Judah. king of Israel
The title "king of Israel" refers to the ruler of the northern kingdom, distinct from Judah. By this time, Israel was nearing its end due to its persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. The division between Israel and Judah serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's covenant, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience. Hezekiah son of Ahaz
Hezekiah is introduced as the son of Ahaz, a king known for his wickedness and idolatry. Despite his father's unfaithfulness, Hezekiah emerges as a reformer and a man of faith, demonstrating that one's heritage does not determine one's destiny. His name, meaning "Yahweh strengthens," foreshadows his reliance on God and the spiritual renewal he would bring to Judah. became king
The ascension of Hezekiah to the throne marks a significant turning point for Judah. His reign is noted for its religious reforms and efforts to restore true worship of Yahweh. This transition of power signifies hope and renewal, as Hezekiah's leadership would lead to a period of spiritual revival and divine favor. of Judah
The mention of "Judah" distinguishes the southern kingdom, which maintained the Davidic line and the temple in Jerusalem. Judah's history is marked by moments of both faithfulness and failure, but Hezekiah's reign represents a return to covenantal faithfulness. This serves as a reminder of God's enduring promises to David and His desire for His people to walk in righteousness. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahHezekiah was the son of Ahaz and became the king of Judah. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah, turning the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. 2. AhazAhaz was the father of Hezekiah and a previous king of Judah. His reign was marked by idolatry and alliances with foreign powers, which led to spiritual and political decline. 3. HosheaHoshea was the son of Elah and the last king of Israel. His reign ended with the Assyrian conquest of Israel, leading to the exile of the northern kingdom. 4. JudahThe southern kingdom of the divided Israelite nation, where Hezekiah reigned as king. Judah was distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel. 5. IsraelThe northern kingdom, separate from Judah, which fell to Assyria during the reign of Hoshea. Teaching Points Faithfulness in LeadershipHezekiah's reign exemplifies the importance of faithfulness to God in leadership. Despite his father's unfaithfulness, Hezekiah chose to follow God, demonstrating that personal commitment to God can lead to national renewal. The Impact of Godly HeritageWhile Hezekiah did not inherit a godly example from his father, he chose to break the cycle of idolatry. This teaches us that we can choose a different path, regardless of our background. Reformation and RenewalHezekiah's efforts to restore true worship in Judah show the importance of returning to God's ways. Personal and communal renewal often require intentional efforts to remove idolatry and restore proper worship. Trust in God During CrisisHezekiah's reign was marked by significant challenges, including the threat from Assyria. His reliance on God during these times teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and power in our own crises. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Hezekiah's faithfulness to God contrast with the reign of his father, Ahaz, and what can we learn from this contrast about breaking negative cycles in our own lives? 2. In what ways did Hezekiah's leadership bring about spiritual renewal in Judah, and how can we apply these principles of reformation in our personal and community lives today? 3. Considering the political and spiritual climate of Hezekiah's time, what challenges did he face, and how did his trust in God influence the outcomes? 4. How does Hezekiah's account encourage us to remain faithful to God despite external pressures and threats, and what other biblical figures demonstrate similar faithfulness? 5. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or crisis. How can Hezekiah's example of seeking God's guidance and intervention inspire you to handle future difficulties? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 29-32These chapters provide a detailed account of Hezekiah's reign, including his religious reforms and the restoration of temple worship. Isaiah 36-39These chapters parallel the events of Hezekiah's reign, including his interactions with the prophet Isaiah and the Assyrian threat. 2 Kings 16This chapter describes the reign of Ahaz, Hezekiah's father, highlighting the contrast between Ahaz's unfaithfulness and Hezekiah's reforms. 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 Ahaz, Elah, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hoshea, Hoshe'a, Judah, Pass, Reign, Reigned, ThirdDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:1-20:21 5366 king 2 Kings 18:1-2 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:1-7 5714 men 2 Kings 18:1-8 5345 influence 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 18:1 NIV2 Kings 18:1 NLT2 Kings 18:1 ESV2 Kings 18:1 NASB2 Kings 18:1 KJV
2 Kings 18:1 Commentaries
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