◄ 2 Kings 20:20 ►
As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
Study Bible
As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah
This phrase introduces a summary of King Hezekiah's reign, emphasizing that his deeds were numerous and significant. The Hebrew word for "acts" is "ma'aseh," which often refers to deeds or works. Hezekiah's reign was marked by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, which is a testament to his commitment to God. His acts were not just political but deeply spiritual, reflecting his dedication to leading Judah in righteousness.

along with all his might
The term "might" in Hebrew is "geburah," which denotes strength, power, and valor. Hezekiah was known for his strong leadership and military prowess. His might was not only in physical strength but also in his spiritual fortitude. Hezekiah's reliance on God during the Assyrian siege and his efforts to fortify Jerusalem demonstrate his courage and trust in divine protection.

and how he made the pool and the tunnel
This refers to Hezekiah's engineering achievements, particularly the construction of the Siloam Tunnel. The Hebrew word for "tunnel" is "te'alah," which indicates a conduit or channel. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of this tunnel, which was a remarkable feat of ancient engineering. It was designed to secure a water supply for Jerusalem during times of siege, showcasing Hezekiah's foresight and wisdom in protecting his people.

that brought water into the city
The strategic importance of water in ancient cities cannot be overstated. The phrase highlights Hezekiah's practical wisdom in ensuring the survival of Jerusalem. The Siloam Tunnel redirected water from the Gihon Spring into the city, which was crucial during the Assyrian siege. This act of bringing water symbolizes life and sustenance, reflecting Hezekiah's role as a provider and protector of his people.

are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
This rhetorical question points to the existence of other historical records that detail Hezekiah's reign. The "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah" is a lost source, but it suggests that Hezekiah's deeds were well-documented and recognized in his time. This phrase underscores the importance of historical documentation in preserving the legacy of righteous leaders and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of godly leadership.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah known for his faithfulness to God, his reforms, and his efforts to strengthen Jerusalem against Assyrian threats.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which Hezekiah fortified and supplied with water through engineering projects.

3. The Pool and the Tunnel
Engineering feats attributed to Hezekiah, designed to secure a water supply for Jerusalem during times of siege.

4. The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah
A historical record that details the reigns of the kings of Judah, referenced here as a source of further information on Hezekiah's accomplishments.
Teaching Points
Faith and Works
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate the importance of combining faith in God with practical efforts. While he trusted God for deliverance, he also took tangible steps to protect his people.

Preparation and Wisdom
The construction of the pool and tunnel highlights the value of foresight and planning. Believers are encouraged to prepare wisely for future challenges.

Legacy of Leadership
Hezekiah's reign is remembered for his dedication to God and his people. Leaders today can learn from his example of integrity and proactive governance.

Historical Validation
The reference to the Book of the Chronicles underscores the importance of historical records in validating biblical events and teachings.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's combination of faith and practical action serve as a model for addressing challenges in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of preparation and wisdom in our spiritual and daily lives, as seen in Hezekiah's construction projects?

3. How does Hezekiah's leadership style inspire us to leave a positive legacy in our communities and families?

4. What can we learn from the historical context of Hezekiah's reign about the importance of trusting God while also taking responsible actions?

5. How do the additional scriptures related to Hezekiah's reign enhance our understanding of his character and the significance of his accomplishments?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 32:30
This verse provides additional details about Hezekiah's construction of the tunnel, emphasizing his success in bringing water to the city.

Isaiah 22:9-11
These verses describe the preparations made by Hezekiah to protect Jerusalem, including the construction of the water supply system.

2 Kings 18-19
These chapters provide context for Hezekiah's reign, including his faithfulness to God and his interactions with the Assyrian empire.
Sermons
DeathD. Thomas 2 Kings 20:1-21
Hezekiah and the AmbassadorsC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 20:12-21
Resignation in AfflictionH. O. Mackey.2 Kings 20:19-20
SubmissionE. D. Griffith, D. D.2 Kings 20:19-20
The PeaceJ. B. Owen, M. A.2 Kings 20:19-20
Unshaken FaithC. L. M'Cleery.2 Kings 20:19-20
The Good Deeds of HezekiahJ. Orr 2 Kings 20:20, 21
People
Ahaz, Amoz, Baladan, Berodachbaladan, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Manasseh
Places
Ararat, Assyria, Babylon
Topics
Achievements, Acts, Annals, Aqueduct, Aren't, Book, Bringeth, Chronicles, Conduit, Deeds, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Hezekiah's, History, Judah, Kings, Matters, Pool, Power, Recorded, Reign, Rest, Stream, Town, Tunnel, Waters, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 20:19

     5940   searching

2 Kings 20:12-19

     4215   Babylon
     6701   peace, search for

Library
An Old-Fashioned Home
TEXT: "What have they seen in thy house?"--2 Kings 20:15. If you will tell me what is in your own house by your own choice I will tell you the story of your home life and will be able to inform you whether yours is a home in which there is harmony and peace or confusion and despair. Let me read the names of the guests in your guest book, allow me to study the titles of the books in your library in which you have special delight, permit me to scan your magazines which you particularly like, allow …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

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

God's Sovereignty Defined
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above all" (1 Chron. 29:11). The Sovereignty of God is an expression that once was generally understood. It was a phrase commonly used in religious literature. It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought comfort to many hearts, and gave virility and stability …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. Each and all of Its Parts Governed by his Providence.
1. Even the wicked, under the guidance of carnal sense, acknowledge that God is the Creator. The godly acknowledge not this only, but that he is a most wise and powerful governor and preserver of all created objects. In so doing, they lean on the Word of God, some passages from which are produced. 2. Refutation of the Epicureans, who oppose fortune and fortuitous causes to Divine Providence, as taught in Scripture. The sun, a bright manifestation of Divine Providence. 3. Figment of the Sophists as …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Kingdom of Judah.
II K. 18-25; II Chron. 28-36. Note: This period covers the time from the fail of Israel to the fall of Judah. It begins in the sixth year of the reign of Hezekiah, whose name is given as the first king of the period since most of his reign was in this instead of the former period. The Kings of this Period. 13. Hezekiah, 2 K. 18:1-20-21; 2 Chron. 29:1-32:33. Reigned 29 years and died. 14. Manasseh, 2 K. 21:1-18; 2 Chron. 33:1-20. Reigned 55 year and died. 15. Amon, 2 K. 21:19-26; 2 Chron. 33:20-25. …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction.
1. Here it is advised--that afflictions should only be expected.--2. That the righteous hand of God should be acknowledged in them when they come.--3. That they should be borne with patience.--4. That the divine conduct in them should be cordially approved.--5. That thankfulness should be maintained in the midst of trials.--6. That the design of afflictions should be diligently inquired into, and all proper assistance taken in discovering it.--7. That, when it is discovered, it should humbly be complied …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
O most righteous Judge, yet in Jesus Christ my gracious Father! I, wretched sinner, do here return unto thee, though driven with pain and sickness, like the prodigal child with want and hunger. I acknowledge that this sickness and pain comes not by blind chance or fortune, but by thy divine providence and special appointment. It is the stroke of thy heavy hand, which my sins have justly deserved; and the things that I feared are now fallen upon me (Job iii. 25.) Yet do I well perceive that in wrath …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

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

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