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2 Kings 18

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‹ Chapter 17 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

1 In the third year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. 2 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. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. 4 He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. 5 Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. 6 He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses. 7 And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him. 8 He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. 9 In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it. 10 And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel. 11 The king of Assyria exiled the Israelites to Assyria and settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. 12 This happened because they did not listen to the voice of the LORD their God, but violated His covenant—all that Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded—and would neither listen nor obey. 13 In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. 14 So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. 16 At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. 17 Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. 18 Then they called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. 19 The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? 20 You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? 21 Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 22 But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem: ‘You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem’? 23 Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! 24 For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 25 So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’" 26 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall." 27 But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?" 28 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! 29 This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you; he cannot deliver you from my hand. 30 Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ 31 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern, 32 until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey—so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ 33 Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 35 Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" 36 But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him." 37 Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

‹ Chapter 17 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 19 ›

Study Notes — 2 Kings 18

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Chapter Summary

2 Kings 18 begins with the introduction of King Hezekiah of Judah, who is described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The chapter then shifts to the Assyrian king Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, during which he besieges Jerusalem. Hezekiah attempts to negotiate with Sennacherib, offering him tribute, but Sennacherib demands that Hezekiah surrender. The Assyrian king then sends his field commander to persuade the people of Jerusalem to surrender, but Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah trust in God's deliverance. The chapter ends with the Assyrian field commander's attempt to intimidate the people of Jerusalem, but Hezekiah and Isaiah remain faithful, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention in the next chapter.

Context for the Chapter

2 Kings 18 is part of the larger narrative of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, which is a story of God's faithfulness to His people despite their sin and rebellion. The chapter is also part of the broader biblical narrative of God's redemption of His people, which ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ. The events of this chapter occur during the reign of King Hezekiah, who is one of the few faithful kings of Judah, and set the stage for the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem in the next chapter.

Heart Application

This chapter calls believers to trust in God's power and deliverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It reminds us that our faith is not in human strength or ingenuity, but in the power and promises of God. As we face our own challenges and crises, we are encouraged to look to God's faithfulness and trust in His deliverance, just as Hezekiah did.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about King Hezekiah of Judah, who trusted in God when the Assyrian army came to attack Jerusalem. Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to us of how we should respond to challenges and crises in our own lives. We are called to trust in God's power and promises, just as Hezekiah did, and to look to Him for deliverance and salvation, as seen in 2 Kings 18:5.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the instrument by which we lay hold on the promises of God, and it is the badge by which we are distinguished as the children of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The trust which the saints have in God is not a mere conjecture, but a firm and unshakeable confidence, which is founded on the promises of God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to King Hezekiah (18:1-8) — The chapter begins by introducing King Hezekiah, who is described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Hezekiah's faithfulness is highlighted, and his trust in God is contrasted with the idolatry of the surrounding nations.
  2. The Assyrian Invasion (18:9-16) — The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, and Hezekiah attempts to negotiate with him. However, Sennacherib demands that Hezekiah surrender, and Hezekiah is forced to consider his options.
  3. The Assyrian Field Commander's Speech (18:17-37) — The Assyrian field commander attempts to intimidate the people of Jerusalem, speaking in Hebrew and appealing to their fears. However, Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah remain faithful, trusting in God's deliverance.
  4. Hezekiah's Prayer (18:1-8, 14-16) — Hezekiah's prayer is not explicitly recorded in this chapter, but his trust in God is evident throughout the narrative. Hezekiah's faith is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in prayer and trust, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
  5. Conclusion (18:37) — The chapter ends with the Assyrian field commander's attempt to intimidate the people of Jerusalem, but Hezekiah and Isaiah remain faithful, setting the stage for God's miraculous intervention in the next chapter.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples, including the powerful Assyrian empire. God's sovereignty is seen in His control over the Assyrian king Sennacherib and his army, as well as in His deliverance of Jerusalem.
Faith and Trust
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's power and promises. Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Redemption and Deliverance
This chapter points to the ultimate deliverance that Christ will bring, when He will reign over all nations and peoples, including Assyria. The chapter also highlights God's faithfulness to His people, despite their sin and rebellion.
Spiritual Leadership
The chapter highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of crisis. The prophet Isaiah plays a crucial role in encouraging Hezekiah to trust in God, and his example is an encouragement to believers to seek out spiritual guidance and leadership in their own lives.

Lessons from 2 Kings 18

  1. The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches that trusting in God is essential for living a life of faith and obedience. Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
  2. The Danger of Relying on Human Strength — The chapter highlights the danger of relying on human strength and ingenuity, rather than trusting in God's power and promises. Hezekiah's initial attempt to negotiate with Sennacherib shows that even faithful leaders can struggle with trust in God's power.
  3. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of crisis. The prophet Isaiah plays a crucial role in encouraging Hezekiah to trust in God, and his example is an encouragement to believers to seek out spiritual guidance and leadership in their own lives.
  4. The Power of Prayer — Hezekiah's prayer is not explicitly recorded in this chapter, but his trust in God is evident throughout the narrative. This teaches the importance of persevering in prayer and trust, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
  5. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, despite their sin and rebellion. This is an encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and promises, and to look to Him for deliverance and salvation.

Themes from 2 Kings 18

  1. Trust in God's Power — This chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, rather than relying on human strength or ingenuity. Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
  2. The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter highlights the danger of idolatry and the importance of trusting in the one true God. The Assyrian empire's idolatry is contrasted with Hezekiah's faithfulness, and the chapter teaches that believers must be careful to avoid idolatry in their own lives.
  3. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of crisis. The prophet Isaiah plays a crucial role in encouraging Hezekiah to trust in God, and his example is an encouragement to believers to seek out spiritual guidance and leadership in their own lives.
  4. The Power of Prayer — Hezekiah's prayer is not explicitly recorded in this chapter, but his trust in God is evident throughout the narrative. This teaches the importance of persevering in prayer and trust, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
  5. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, despite their sin and rebellion. This is an encouragement to believers to trust in God's power and promises, and to look to Him for deliverance and salvation.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What are some ways that you can apply the principle of trusting in God's power and deliverance to your own life?
  2. How does the example of Hezekiah's faith and trust in God encourage or challenge you in your own walk with God?
  3. What are some ways that the enemy seeks to undermine faith and trust in God's power, and how can you resist these tactics?
  4. How does the chapter highlight the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of crisis, and what are some ways that you can seek out this kind of guidance in your own life?
  5. What are some ways that you can persevere in faith and trust, even in the face of overwhelming odds, and what are some biblical principles that can encourage you in this perseverance?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to King Hezekiah (18:1-8)

18:1 The chapter begins by introducing King Hezekiah, who is described as doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Hezekiah's faithfulness is highlighted, and his trust in God is contrasted with the idolatry of the surrounding nations.
18:2 Hezekiah is twenty-five years old when he becomes king, and he reigns for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name is Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.
18:3 Hezekiah does what is right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. Hezekiah's faithfulness is an example to believers of the importance of trusting in God's power and promises.

2. The Assyrian Invasion (18:9-16)

18:9 In the fourth year of King Hezekiah's reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and laid siege to it.
18:10 At the end of three years, the Assyrians captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. Hezekiah attempts to negotiate with the Assyrian king Sennacherib, offering him tribute.

3. The Assyrian Field Commander's Speech (18:17-37)

18:17 The king of Assyria sent his supreme commander, his chief officer, and his field commander with a large army to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. The Assyrian field commander attempts to intimidate the people of Jerusalem, speaking in Hebrew and appealing to their fears.
18:18 When they called out to the king, Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of 2 Kings 18?

The chapter is set in the late 8th century BC, during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian empire is the dominant world power, and Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds (2 Kings 18:5).

Who is the Assyrian field commander, and what is his role in the chapter?

The Assyrian field commander is sent by the Assyrian king Sennacherib to persuade the people of Jerusalem to surrender. He attempts to intimidate them by speaking in Hebrew and appealing to their fears, but Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah remain faithful, trusting in God's deliverance (2 Kings 18:17-37).

What is the significance of Hezekiah's trust in God, and how can believers apply this principle to their own lives?

Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Believers can apply this principle by trusting in God's power and promises, and by looking to Him for deliverance and salvation, just as Hezekiah did (2 Kings 18:5).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Kings 18:5 → Psalm 37:3-4 This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God, which is a central theme of Psalm 37. The psalm encourages believers to trust in God and to look to Him for deliverance and salvation.
2 2 Kings 18:17 → Isaiah 36:1-22 The Assyrian field commander's speech is recorded in both 2 Kings 18 and Isaiah 36, highlighting the importance of this event in the history of Judah. The speech is an example of the tactics of the enemy, who seeks to undermine faith and trust in God's power.
3 2 Kings 18:22 → Deuteronomy 12:2-3 The Assyrian field commander's claim that Hezekiah's trust in God is misplaced is contrasted with the teachings of Deuteronomy 12, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in the one true God. This highlights the danger of idolatry and the importance of trusting in God's power and promises.
4 2 Kings 18:25 → Isaiah 10:5-6 The Assyrian field commander's claim that God has sent him to destroy Judah is contrasted with the teachings of Isaiah 10, which emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, rather than relying on human strength or ingenuity.
5 2 Kings 18:30 → Jeremiah 29:11 The Assyrian field commander's attempt to persuade the people of Jerusalem to surrender is contrasted with the teachings of Jeremiah 29, which emphasizes God's plan to prosper and not to harm His people. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, and of looking to Him for deliverance and salvation.
6 2 Kings 18:32 → Isaiah 55:1-3 The Assyrian field commander's offer of land and peace is contrasted with the teachings of Isaiah 55, which emphasizes the importance of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness. This highlights the danger of idolatry and the importance of trusting in God's power and promises.
7 2 Kings 18:35 → Psalm 115:1-8 The Assyrian field commander's claim that the gods of the nations are unable to deliver their people is contrasted with the teachings of Psalm 115, which emphasizes the power and faithfulness of the one true God. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, rather than relying on human strength or ingenuity.
8 2 Kings 18:37 → Matthew 10:28 The Assyrian field commander's attempt to intimidate the people of Jerusalem is contrasted with the teachings of Matthew 10, which emphasizes the importance of fearing God rather than man. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, and of looking to Him for deliverance and salvation.
9 2 Kings 18:1-8 → John 1:1 Hezekiah's trust in God is an example of the kind of faith that is necessary for salvation, which is emphasized in John 1. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, and of looking to Him for deliverance and salvation.
10 2 Kings 18:5 → Hebrews 11:6 Hezekiah's trust in God is an example of the kind of faith that is necessary for pleasing God, which is emphasized in Hebrews 11. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, and of looking to Him for deliverance and salvation.

Sermons on 2 Kings 18

SermonDescription
Erlo Stegen Remain Faithful to God by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God and not compromising with the world. He warns against forming friendships with the enemy, the devi
Erlo Stegen Ruled by Enemy Power or God's Power by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, Julie Graham emphasizes the importance of being faithful and honest with money in order to receive God's blessings. She uses the example of King Hezekiah, who had t
William Carrol The Zeal of the Lord by William Carrol In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in worldly trends and fads, as they will lead to being left behind. He speaks about how God will eve
J.B. Stoney Discipline in the School of God - Part 3 by J.B. Stoney J.B. Stoney preaches about the life and lessons of Hezekiah, highlighting how he was empowered by God to renew the testimony of the Lord in a time of great ruin and desolation, and
C.I. Scofield Israel Reproved by C.I. Scofield C.I. Scofield preaches on the analysis of Amos 5:4-15, highlighting how God places Himself outside traditional places of blessing to draw corrupt Israel back to Him. The lesson emp
G. Campbell Morgan Idols and the Lost Vision of God by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan discusses the dangers of idolatry, using the example of the brazen serpent that the Israelites began to worship, which revealed their deep hunger for God despite
David Wilkerson Satan Uses Subtle Devices by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson warns about the subtle devices of Satan, who uses powerful and seemingly successful figures to instill doubt in believers' commitment to trust God. He highlights ho
Richard E. Bieber Beyond the Signs by Richard E. Bieber Richard E. Bieber preaches on the significance of the bronze serpent in the Bible, emphasizing that God's holiness accompanies His miraculous works, bringing judgment on those who
F.B. Meyer Now on Whom Dost Thou Trust? by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound trust that Hezekiah placed in God amidst the overwhelming might of the Assyrian king, Rabshakeh. He highlights that true confidence in God often
Arno Clemens Gaebelein New Discoveries by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the discovery of new records found, such as the achievements of Sennacherib and the ancient civilization of Ethiopia, which confirm certain pa

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 18

In this chapter, we see the faithfulness of God to His people, despite their sin and rebellion. The Assyrian invasion of Judah is a test of Hezekiah's faith, but he trusts in God's power and promises, and is ultimately delivered. The chapter teaches us that our faith must be in God alone, and that we must not rely on human strength or ingenuity. The Assyrian field commander's speech is a classic example of the tactics of the enemy, who seeks to undermine faith and trust in God's power. But Hezekiah's trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds. As Matthew Henry notes, 'Those that trust in God shall never be ashamed of their trust.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Hezekiah's Initial Failure

Hezekiah's attempt to negotiate with Sennacherib and offer him tribute shows that even faithful leaders can struggle with trust in God's power. However, Hezekiah's ultimate decision to trust in God is an example to believers of the importance of persevering in faith.

The Assyrian Field Commander's Tactics

The field commander's attempt to intimidate the people of Jerusalem by speaking in Hebrew and appealing to their fears shows the tactics of the enemy, who seeks to undermine faith and trust in God's power.

Isaiah's Role

The prophet Isaiah plays a crucial role in encouraging Hezekiah to trust in God, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in times of crisis.

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