And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. And he didThis phrase introduces the actions of Hezekiah, the king of Judah. The Hebrew root for "did" is עָשָׂה ('asah), which means to accomplish or to act with effect. In the context of biblical leadership, this implies not just passive obedience but active engagement in fulfilling God's will. Hezekiah's reign is marked by decisive actions that align with divine expectations, setting a standard for godly leadership. what was right
The Hebrew word for "right" is יָשָׁר (yashar), meaning straight or upright. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe moral and ethical integrity. Hezekiah's actions are not merely legalistic but are characterized by a genuine pursuit of righteousness. This reflects a heart aligned with God's standards, emphasizing the importance of internal motivation in addition to external compliance. in the eyes of the LORD
This phrase underscores the divine perspective as the ultimate measure of righteousness. The Hebrew word for "eyes" is עַיִן ('ayin), which can also imply insight or perception. It suggests that God's evaluation is based on His omniscient understanding of human actions and intentions. Hezekiah's deeds are assessed not by human standards but by God's perfect and holy vision, reminding believers that true righteousness is defined by God's perspective. just as his father David had done
David is often regarded as the benchmark for godly kingship in Israel. The phrase "his father David" is significant, as it connects Hezekiah to the Davidic covenant and the promises associated with it. Although David was not Hezekiah's immediate father, the term "father" here denotes a spiritual and dynastic lineage. David's heart for God, despite his imperfections, set a precedent for future kings. Hezekiah's alignment with David's example highlights the importance of legacy and continuity in faithfulness to God. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who reigned during a time of significant reform and spiritual renewal. He is noted for his faithfulness to God and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 2. DavidThe former king of Israel, known as a man after God's own heart. He is often used as a benchmark for righteous leadership in the Old Testament. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Hezekiah reigned. It was often plagued by idolatry and political instability. 4. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who desires obedience and faithfulness from His people. 5. IdolatryThe worship of idols, which was prevalent in Judah before Hezekiah's reforms. Teaching Points Faithful LeadershipHezekiah's reign exemplifies the importance of leading with integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. Leaders today can learn from his example by prioritizing spiritual health and obedience to God. Spiritual ReformationJust as Hezekiah initiated reforms to return Judah to true worship, believers are called to continually reform their lives, removing anything that hinders their relationship with God. Legacy of RighteousnessHezekiah is compared to David, showing the impact of a godly legacy. Our actions today can influence future generations, encouraging them to follow God wholeheartedly. Obedience to God's WordHezekiah's actions were in line with God's commands, demonstrating the importance of aligning our lives with Scripture. Trust in God's DeliveranceHezekiah's reliance on God during crises teaches us to trust in God's power and faithfulness in our own challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's example challenge you to lead with integrity in your own sphere of influence? 2. In what ways can you initiate spiritual reforms in your personal life or community, similar to Hezekiah's efforts in Judah? 3. How does the comparison to David in 2 Kings 18:3 inspire you to leave a legacy of faithfulness for future generations? 4. What idols or distractions might you need to remove from your life to align more closely with God's Word? 5. Reflect on a time when you trusted in God's deliverance. How can Hezekiah's account encourage you to continue trusting God in difficult situations? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 29-31These chapters provide a detailed account of Hezekiah's reforms, including the restoration of temple worship and the celebration of the Passover. Deuteronomy 12:2-4This passage commands the Israelites to destroy places of idol worship, which Hezekiah faithfully implements. Psalm 78:72This verse highlights David's shepherd-like leadership, which Hezekiah emulates in his reign. Isaiah 37The account of Hezekiah's prayer and God's deliverance from the Assyrian threat, demonstrating his reliance on 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 David, SightDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:3 5769 behaviour
8315 orthodoxy, in OT 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 18:3 NIV2 Kings 18:3 NLT2 Kings 18:3 ESV2 Kings 18:3 NASB2 Kings 18:3 KJV
2 Kings 18:3 Commentaries
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