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2 Kings 18

37 verses

TL;DR

Hezekiah’s reign begins with religious reform, but his kingdom faces the looming Assyrian threat, culminating in a prophetic confrontation between Rabshakeh and Jerusalem’s leaders.

Summary

In 2 Kings 18, Hezekiah ascends the throne of Judah at twenty‑five and quickly removes idolatrous practices, burning the brazen serpent and other high‑place worship. He remains faithful to God, enjoying prosperity and successfully repelling Philistine attacks. Meanwhile, Assyria conquers Israel’s capital Samaria and threatens Judah; Sennacherib’s forces besiege Jerusalem, demanding tribute. Assyrian envoys, especially Rabshakeh, taunt the city’s defenders, questioning their trust in God and urging surrender. Hezekiah’s ministers, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah, relay the threat to the king, while Hezekiah’s faith and God's protection are implied as the narrative’s climax.

Outline
  1. Hezekiah’s religious reforms and reign overview
  2. Assyrian campaigns: Samaria’s fall and the looming siege of Jerusalem
  3. Rabshakeh’s challenge to Jerusalem’s faith and the king’s response
Themes
Faith versus political reliance (Egypt/Assyria)Covenant fidelity and divine providenceThe power of kingship and prophetic warning
Keywords
HezekiahHosheaAssyriabrazen serpenthigh placesfaithtrustEgyptRabshakehJerusalemsilvergoldSennacherib
People
HezekiahHoshea son of ElahAhazAbi (daughter of Zachariah)DavidMosesShalmaneserSennacheribTartanRabsarisRabshakehEliakim son of HilkiahShebnaJoah son of AsaphPharaoh
Places
JerusalemSamariaGazaLachishUpper poolFuller’s fieldHalahHaborRiver of GozanAssyriaEgypt
Things
Brazen serpent (Nehushtan)High placesImagesGrovesSilver and gold treasuresUpper pool conduitAssyrian host and horses
Key Verses
  • 2 Kings 18:4: Hezekiah’s decisive removal of idolatry, symbolized by the burning of the brazen serpent.
  • 2 Kings 18:13: Sennacherib’s campaign sets the political backdrop for the siege of Jerusalem.
  • 2 Kings 18:17: Rabshakeh’s first address marks the psychological warfare against Jerusalem’s defenders.
Questions
  • What motivates Hezekiah to remove the high places and the brazen serpent, and how does this reflect his faith?
  • How does the Assyrian threat shape Judah’s political and religious priorities during Hezekiah’s reign?
  • In what ways does Rabshakeh’s speech exploit the city's pride and political alliances?
  • How does the narrative anticipate the outcome of the siege, and what role does divine intervention play?
  • What lessons can modern leaders derive from Hezekiah’s balance between faith and political action?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter conveys both the perilous threat of Assyria and the steadfast faith of Hezekiah, leading to a balanced emotional tone.