He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah. He was twenty-five years oldThis phrase introduces us to the age of Hezekiah at the time he ascended to the throne. In the Hebrew context, the age of twenty-five signifies a period of maturity and readiness for leadership. The number twenty-five can be seen as a combination of the numbers twenty (often associated with a complete or perfect waiting period) and five (symbolizing grace). Thus, Hezekiah's age may suggest a divinely appointed time for his leadership, emphasizing God's grace in preparing him for this role. when he became king
The transition to kingship is a significant event in the life of Hezekiah and the history of Judah. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which denotes not just a ruler but one who is divinely appointed to lead God's people. This phrase underscores the sovereignty of God in establishing leaders according to His divine plan. Hezekiah's ascension marks a pivotal moment in Judah's history, as he would become one of the most faithful kings, leading significant religious reforms. and he reigned in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound theological and historical significance. It is the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Hezekiah's reign in Jerusalem highlights his role in maintaining the spiritual and political heart of the nation. His leadership would be crucial in defending the city against Assyrian threats and in restoring proper worship practices. twenty-nine years
The duration of Hezekiah's reign is noteworthy. The number twenty-nine, while not as symbolically rich as other numbers, still represents a significant period in which Hezekiah could implement reforms and influence the spiritual direction of Judah. His nearly three-decade reign allowed for stability and continuity, which were essential for the religious and political reforms he enacted. His mother’s name was Abi
Abi, also known as Abijah, means "my father is Yahweh" in Hebrew. This name reflects a heritage of faith and devotion to God, suggesting that Hezekiah was raised in an environment that honored the Lord. The mention of his mother highlights the importance of maternal influence in the spiritual upbringing of a king, which may have contributed to Hezekiah's own faithfulness and commitment to God. the daughter of Zechariah
Zechariah, meaning "Yahweh remembers," is a name that signifies God's faithfulness and covenantal promises. The mention of Abi's father connects Hezekiah to a lineage that values the remembrance of God's deeds and His covenant with Israel. This heritage likely played a role in shaping Hezekiah's character and his dedication to leading Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. The inclusion of his maternal lineage underscores the importance of family heritage in the biblical narrative, emphasizing how God works through generations to fulfill His purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahHezekiah was the king of Judah who began his reign at the age of twenty-five. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah, turning the people back to the worship of Yahweh. 2. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, where Hezekiah reigned. Jerusalem holds significant religious and historical importance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. 3. AbiThe mother of Hezekiah, also known as Abijah. Her name means "My father is Yahweh," indicating a heritage of faith. 4. ZechariahThe father of Abi and grandfather of Hezekiah. While not much is detailed about him in this verse, his mention signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical account. 5. Reign of HezekiahHezekiah's reign lasted twenty-nine years, during which he implemented significant religious reforms and trusted in God during times of national crisis. Teaching Points Faithfulness in LeadershipHezekiah's reign exemplifies the importance of leading with integrity and faithfulness to God. Leaders today can learn from his example to prioritize spiritual values and reforms. Heritage and InfluenceThe mention of Hezekiah's mother and grandfather underscores the impact of family heritage and upbringing. It encourages believers to consider the spiritual legacy they are building for future generations. Trust in God During CrisisHezekiah's reliance on God during the Assyrian threat teaches the importance of trusting God in times of crisis, seeking His guidance and deliverance. The Role of Age in LeadershipHezekiah began his reign at a young age, demonstrating that God can use individuals of any age for His purposes. This encourages young believers to step into roles of responsibility with confidence in God's calling. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's age at the start of his reign influence your understanding of leadership and responsibility in your own life? 2. In what ways can you relate Hezekiah's reforms to the need for spiritual renewal in your personal life or community? 3. How does the mention of Hezekiah's mother and grandfather inspire you to consider the spiritual legacy you are creating? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a crisis. How can Hezekiah's example of trusting God encourage you in similar situations? 5. Considering Hezekiah's account, what steps can you take to ensure that your leadership or influence aligns with God's principles? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 29-32These chapters provide a detailed account of Hezekiah's reforms, his trust in God, and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. Isaiah 36-39These chapters parallel the events of Hezekiah's reign, including his illness and recovery, and the visit from the Babylonian envoys. 2 Kings 20This chapter describes Hezekiah's illness, his prayer for healing, and God's response, highlighting his personal relationship with God. 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 Abi, Abijah, Daughter, Jerusalem, Mother's, Nine, Reign, Reigned, Reigning, Ruling, Twenty, Twenty-five, Twenty-nine, Zachariah, Zechariah, Zechari'ahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:1-2 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:1-7 5714 men 2 Kings 18:1-8 5345 influence 2 Kings 18:2-8 7245 Judah, kingdom of 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 18:2 NIV2 Kings 18:2 NLT2 Kings 18:2 ESV2 Kings 18:2 NASB2 Kings 18:2 KJV
2 Kings 18:2 Commentaries
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