Read the Passage: 2 Kings 18:1–19:7

Character of Hezekiah (18:1–16)

2 Kings 17 ends with the narrative of the ten northern tribes of Israel being assimilated into Assyria. This invites a question about the fate of Judah, especially since the ruler of Judah at the time of the deportation of Israel was exceedingly wicked—that is, evil King Ahaz. In God’s mercy, Hezekiah ascended to the throne, and he would become one of the most godly kings of Judah. Indeed, Hezekiah is one of only four consistently godly kings of Judah, and he would be the first godly king in nearly 150 years. 2 Kings 18:4 reports that Hezekiah was the first king who “removed the high places” from Judah. He also removed the pagan idols from the land. Note the commentary about Hezekiah’s character, “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him [there] was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [among all those] who were before him” (2 Kings 18:5).

2 Kings 18:9–12 describes how Assyria laid siege to Samaria between the fourth and seventh years of Hezekiah’s reign. Of course, seeing the Assyrians attack and deport Israel likely would have caused anxiety among those in Judah, including Hezekiah. Yet, perhaps it was comforting for the king to know the reason for Israel’s capture, which was, “They did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, but transgressed His covenant and all that Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded . . . They would neither hear nor do them” (2 Kings 18:12). Surely, this would have motivated Hezekiah to lead God’s people toward righteousness. Next, Hezekiah refused to pay annual tribute money to Assyria (cf. 2 Kings 18:7), which provoked the king of Assyria to invade Judah. Hezekiah then was forced to give all of the silver and gold in the temple to Sennacherib, the king of Assyria.

Siege by Assyria (18:17–37)

In response to the Assyrian invasion of Judah, Hezekiah gave up all of the silver and gold in the temple. The amount the Assyrians demanded was roughly eleven tons of silver and one ton of gold. Yet, Hezekiah’s payment was apparently not enough, for 2 Kings 18:17–25 reports that Sennacherib sent his royal officials to Jerusalem: (1) to dissuade God’s people from relying upon Egypt, (2) to boast against the Lord, and (3) to encourage Judah to surrender to Assyria. Note this narrative is also recorded at 2 Chron. 32:1–19 and Isa. 36:1–22. While these separate passages describe the same event, each one has a unique emphasis. In sum, 2 Kings 18:17–37 is an historical record that focuses on Assyrian propaganda; 2 Chron. 32:1–19 is a theological narrative that emphasizes Hezekiah’s response; and Isa. 36:1–22 is a prophetic exhortation that focuses on trusting in the Lord.

Back in 2 Kings 18:17, when the text says that the king of Assyria “sent . . . a great army against Jerusalem,” it may not be clear that the Assyrians had actually surrounded the city. In 2 Kings 18:26–37, in the dialog between the Rabshakeh (i.e., the commander of the Assyrian army) and the Jewish leaders, it is evident that Jerusalem was under siege and that the physical conditions in the city were deteriorating. The Jewish leaders had asked that the negotiations be conducted in Aramaic, but the Rabshakeh “stood and called out with a loud voice in Hebrew” (2 Kings 18:28). Clearly, the Assyrians were familiar with psychological warfare, as they wanted the people to understand their plight, and to hear the Assyrian offer of material provision. The speech of the Rabshakeh was generally true, yet his boasting against God foreshadows the coming defeat of the Assyrian army.

Message from Isaiah (19:1–7)

In 2 Kings 19:1–7, it might be surprising to read that Hezekiah brought the problem of the Assyrian siege to the prophet Isaiah. This might seem remarkable, as this is the first time in the Bible that Isaiah appears and some readers may not be aware that Hezekiah and Isaiah were contemporaries. Indeed, by this point Isaiah had already been ministering in Jerusalem for nearly forty years, which is why he records an account of the Assyrian siege at Isa. 36:1–22. Hezekiah’s message to Isaiah contained three main elements: (1) an expression of his belief that the people were on the precipice of victory, but had run out of strength; (2) an awareness that the Rabshakeh’s belittling of God made him worthy of judgment; and (3) a request that Isaiah pray for the remnant of God’s people who were left in Jerusalem. Isaiah’s response was that God would deliver His people from trouble.

Application Questions:

1. Is it easier to see someone’s character during a time of blessing and flourishing, or during a season of trials and change?
2. In your walk with God, how has your character been shaped or influenced by godly leaders?
3. Why does Scripture sometimes have more than one account of the same historical event or teaching?
4. When is it best to dialog with God’s enemies, and when is it best to keep silent (cf. Matt. 7:6)?
5. What practical steps can believers take to strengthen their own faith during times of trials and trouble?