And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him. And the LORD was with himThis phrase signifies divine favor and presence. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and unchanging nature. The presence of the LORD with Hezekiah, the king of Judah, indicates a special relationship and divine endorsement. Historically, this reflects a period when Judah was under threat from powerful neighbors, yet Hezekiah's reliance on God brought him success. This phrase reminds believers of the importance of seeking God's presence in their lives, as His companionship brings guidance, protection, and blessing. and he prospered wherever he went
The Hebrew root for "prospered" is "sakal," which means to be prudent, to have insight, or to act wisely. This prosperity is not merely material but encompasses success in leadership, decision-making, and spiritual matters. Hezekiah's prosperity is a direct result of his faithfulness to God, illustrating the biblical principle that true success comes from aligning one's actions with God's will. This encourages Christians to pursue wisdom and discernment, trusting that God will bless their endeavors when they walk in His ways. He rebelled against the king of Assyria
This phrase highlights Hezekiah's boldness and faith. The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force, and rebelling against it was a significant political and military risk. Historically, this rebellion occurred during a time when Assyria was expanding its territory, and many nations were subjugated under its rule. Hezekiah's defiance is an act of trust in God's power over earthly empires. For believers, this serves as an inspiration to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing formidable opposition, trusting that God is greater than any earthly power. and refused to serve him
The act of refusing to serve the Assyrian king underscores Hezekiah's commitment to serving God alone. In the ancient Near Eastern context, vassalage often involved paying tribute and acknowledging the suzerainty of a foreign power. By refusing to serve Assyria, Hezekiah was making a statement of allegiance to God, prioritizing divine authority over human authority. This decision reflects the biblical theme of exclusive devotion to God, encouraging Christians to examine their own lives for areas where they might be serving other "kings" instead of God, and to reaffirm their commitment to Him as their ultimate Lord and Master. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who reigned during a time of significant political and spiritual reform. He is noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 2. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who is depicted as being with Hezekiah, granting him success and prosperity. 3. King of AssyriaThe ruler of the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power during Hezekiah's reign. Hezekiah's rebellion against Assyria is a significant political and spiritual act. 4. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, over which Hezekiah reigned. It was a time of both threat from external powers and internal religious reform. 5. Rebellion against AssyriaA political and spiritual act of defiance against the oppressive rule of the Assyrian Empire, symbolizing trust in God's sovereignty over worldly powers. Teaching Points Faithfulness Leads to ProsperityHezekiah's success is directly linked to his faithfulness to God. In our lives, spiritual prosperity often follows when we align our actions with God's will. Courage in the Face of OppositionHezekiah's rebellion against Assyria demonstrates the importance of standing firm in faith, even when facing powerful adversaries. We are called to trust in God's strength over worldly powers. God's Presence is KeyThe phrase "The LORD was with him" underscores the importance of God's presence in achieving true success. We should seek to cultivate a close relationship with God in all aspects of life. Spiritual Reform and RenewalHezekiah's reign was marked by significant religious reform. This reminds us of the need for continual spiritual renewal and the removal of idolatry in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's faithfulness to God serve as a model for us in our personal and professional lives? 2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and trust in God when facing modern-day "Assyrias" or challenges? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a significant way. How did it impact your situation? 4. What are some "idols" in contemporary life that we might need to remove to experience spiritual renewal? 5. How can we apply the principle of God's presence leading to prosperity in our daily decision-making and priorities? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 32:7-8This passage highlights Hezekiah's encouragement to his people to trust in the LORD rather than fear the Assyrian army, emphasizing God's power over human forces. Isaiah 36-37These chapters provide a detailed account of Hezekiah's interactions with the Assyrian king and his reliance on God for deliverance, reinforcing the theme of divine support and intervention. Psalm 1:3This verse describes the prosperity of the righteous, paralleling Hezekiah's success as a result of his faithfulness to 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 Acteth, Arms, Asshur, Assyria, Didn't, Forth, Longer, Prospered, Rebelled, Rebelleth, Servant, Serve, Served, Undertakings, Undertook, Whatever, Wherever, Whithersoever, WiselyDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:7 6224 rebellion, against authority 2 Kings 18:1-7 5714 men 2 Kings 18:1-8 5345 influence 2 Kings 18:2-8 7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 18:5-7 8031 trust, importance 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 18:7 NIV2 Kings 18:7 NLT2 Kings 18:7 ESV2 Kings 18:7 NASB2 Kings 18:7 KJV
2 Kings 18:7 Commentaries
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