(9-12) The account of the captivity of northern Israel is repeated here, because the editor faithfully reproduces what he found in the abstract of the Judœan history of the kings. (Comp. 2 Kings 17:3-6, and the Notes.) We may also see a contrast between the utter overthrow of the stronger kingdom and the deliverance of its smaller and weaker neighbour, because Hezekiah trusted in Jehovah (2 Kings 18:5). read more
(10) They took it—i.e., the Assyrians took it. This reading is preferable to that of the LXX., Syriac, and Vulg. (“he took it”), as it was Sargon, not Shalman-eser, who took the city. Schrader is too positive in calling this “a certainly false pronunciation” of the Hebrew verb. (Comp. Note on 2 Kings 17:5.) 2 Kings 17:6, to which he refers as “decisive” for the singular here also, says that “the king of Assyria” (not Shalmaneser) took Samaria. read more
2 Kings 18:4 I. Turning to Hezekiah's mode of dealing with the brazen serpent, we see that he acted on the principle, common to all genuine reformers, that idolatry is a disease which requires heroic treatment. The only effectual way of getting rid of the superstition was to cut the roots of it. Without hesitation, therefore, he broke the image in pieces. Something would have been wanting to the thoroughness of his action if he had simply destroyed the serpent without giving any reason for... read more
HEZEKIAHB.C. 715-6862 Kings 18:1-37"For Ezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him."- Sirach 48:22THE reign of Hezekiah was epoch-making in many respects, but especially for its religious reformation, and the relations of Judah with Assyria and with Babylon. It is also most closely interwoven with the annals of Hebrew prophecy, and acquires unwonted luster from... read more
IV. THE REIGN OF HEZEKIAH, MANASSEH AND AMON 1. Hezekiah and Sennacherib’s Invasion CHAPTER 18 1. Hezekiah, King of Judah (2 Kings 18:1-3 ; 2 Kings 2:0 Chron. 29-32) 2. The Revival (2 Kings 18:4-7 ) 3. Victory over the Philistines (2 Kings 18:8 ) 4. Israel’s captivity (2 Kings 18:9-12 ) 5. Sennacherib’s invasion (2 Kings 18:13-16 ) 6. Sennacherib’s messengers and message (2 Kings 18:17-25 ; 2 Chronicles 32:9-19 ) 7. The request of Hilkiah, Shebna and Joah (2 Kings 18:26 ) 8.... read more
THE REIGN OF HEZEKIAH IN JUDAH (vv.1-16) In Judah the reign of Hezekiah provided a refreshing relief to the tendency of departure from God. It was during his reign that Assyria took Samaria into captivity, but Hezekiah's faith and obedience to God preserved Judah from the same fate at that time. Jotham had been a good king, but Ahaz his son was just the opposite. Hezekiah was the son of Ahaz, but he stands in beautiful contrast to his father. He was 25 years old when taking the throne of... read more
JUDAH UNDER HEZEKIAH A SUMMARY OF THE REIGN (2 Kings 18:1-8 ) For a more extensive history of this good reign compare 2 Chronicles 29-32, and also Isaiah 36-39. In the first eight verses we have the usual summary like that of Ahaz (16:1-4), after which follows in detail the chief events of the reign. The summary contains the age and period of the king (2 Kings 18:1-2 ); his attitude toward the true worship (2 Kings 18:3-4 ); a reference to the spirit animating his life and conduct (2 Kings... read more
2 Kings 18:0 1. Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah [the name in this form means, "My strength is Jah" ( Psa 18:2 ), and its special appropriateness is exemplified in Hezekiah's history] the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. 2. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi [should probably be Abijah], the daughter of Zachariah. 3. And he did... read more
This is a kind of parenthesis to what went before, and what follows: for it repeats what the former chapter related, the capture of Samaria; and is no further connected with the history of Judah, than as it shows, from the success the king of Assyria had obtained over Israel, it opened, as he thought, an easier way to the destruction of Judah. read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Kings 18:1-37
Hezekiah and SennacheribThis chapter describes the reign of Hezekiah of Judah, his religious reforms, and the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib, king of Assyria, who sent one of his officers to demand the surrender of Jerusalem.1. Now it came to pass, etc.] The northern kingdom having been destroyed, the history is henceforward confined to the events connected with Judah only.2. Twenty and five years old] Probably an error, for if Ahaz was only 36 at his death (2 Kings 16:2) his son could... read more