In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reignThis phrase sets the historical context for the events that follow. Hezekiah, a king of Judah known for his faithfulness to God, reigned during a tumultuous period in Israel's history. The "fourteenth year" marks a specific point in his reign, emphasizing the precision of biblical chronology. Hezekiah's reign is noted for religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, which is significant in understanding the spiritual climate of Judah at this time. The Hebrew word for "reign" (מָלַךְ, malak) implies authority and governance, highlighting Hezekiah's role as a leader who sought to align his kingdom with divine principles. Sennacherib king of Assyria
Sennacherib was a powerful ruler of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, known for his military campaigns and extensive building projects. His mention here underscores the geopolitical tension between Assyria and Judah. The Assyrians were known for their brutal conquests and advanced military strategies, which posed a significant threat to smaller nations like Judah. The historical records of Sennacherib's reign, including the famous Taylor Prism, corroborate the biblical account of his campaign against Judah, providing archaeological evidence of the events described in this verse. attacked all the fortified cities of Judah
The phrase "fortified cities" refers to the strategic military and defensive structures within Judah. These cities were equipped with walls and defenses to protect against invasions. The Hebrew word for "fortified" (בָּצַר, batsar) conveys the idea of strength and security. Sennacherib's attack on these cities demonstrates the Assyrian strategy of weakening Judah's defenses before attempting to capture Jerusalem. This phrase highlights the severity of the threat faced by Hezekiah and his people, as well as the broader theme of divine protection and deliverance that unfolds in the subsequent narrative. and captured them
The capture of these cities signifies a moment of crisis for Judah. The Hebrew verb for "captured" (לָכַד, lakad) implies a complete and decisive victory. This phrase sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, where Hezekiah's faith and leadership are put to the test. Despite the dire circumstances, this moment of apparent defeat becomes an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. The capture of the cities serves as a backdrop for the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem, reinforcing the biblical theme that God is sovereign over the nations and able to save His people against overwhelming odds. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. 2. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, a powerful empire known for its military conquests and expansion during this period. He is depicted as an antagonist in this account. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of the Israelites, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital. 4. Fortified Cities of JudahThese were strategically important cities with defensive structures meant to protect against invasions. Their capture signified a significant threat to the kingdom. 5. Assyrian AttackThis event marks a critical moment in Judah's history, testing the faith and leadership of Hezekiah amidst external threats. Teaching Points Faith in CrisisHezekiah's situation teaches us the importance of maintaining faith in God during times of crisis. Despite overwhelming odds, he sought God's guidance and intervention. Leadership under PressureHezekiah's leadership is a model for how to lead with integrity and reliance on God, even when facing formidable challenges. God's SovereigntyThe account underscores God's control over nations and history, reminding believers that no earthly power can thwart His plans. Prayer and DependenceHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat involved earnest prayer, demonstrating the power and necessity of seeking God in difficult times. Spiritual ReformationHezekiah's earlier reforms set the stage for God's deliverance, illustrating the importance of aligning our lives with God's will. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge or inspire your own approach to crises in your life? 2. In what ways can Hezekiah's leadership during this time inform your understanding of godly leadership today? 3. How does the account of Sennacherib's invasion and God's deliverance encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over current world events? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. How did prayer and dependence on God play a role in your experience? 5. Considering Hezekiah's reforms, what areas of your life might need reformation to align more closely with God's will? How can you begin this process? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19This chapter continues the account, detailing Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat, including his prayer and God's deliverance. Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the account in 2 Kings, providing additional insights into the events and Hezekiah's reliance on God. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another perspective on Hezekiah's reign and the Assyrian invasion, emphasizing his faith and God's intervention. Psalm 46Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem during Hezekiah's time, highlighting themes of God's protection and sovereignty. 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, Attacked, Captured, Cities, Fenced, Fortified, Fourteenth, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hezekiah's, Judah, Reign, Seized, Seizeth, Sennacherib, Sennach'erib, Towns, WalledDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:13 5315 fortifications
7145 remnant
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah
8739 evil, examples of 2 Kings 18:13-19:36 7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 18:13 NIV2 Kings 18:13 NLT2 Kings 18:13 ESV2 Kings 18:13 NASB2 Kings 18:13 KJV
2 Kings 18:13 Commentaries
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