2 Kings 18 Commentary
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2 Kings 18:1-6
Hezekiah becomes king of Judah during the third year of Hoshea, king of Israel to the north. Hezekiah of Judah was 25 when he received the throne, and reigned for nearly thirty years in Jerusalem. He was as righteous a king as the revered David his predecessor.
2 Kings 18:7-12
God blesses King Hezekiah’s efforts. The Judean king wins battles against the Philistines in Gaza and ceases to send tribute to Assyria. To the north, Assyria captures Israel’s capital, Samaria, after a three-year siege and enslaves the Israelites.
2 Kings 18:13-18
On the heels of several military victories, Sennacherib the King of Assyria sends his trusted advisor “The Rabshakeh” (the chief cup-bearer) to Jerusalem with the intention of convincing its king, Hezekiah, and its inhabitants to surrender out of fear.
2 Kings 18:19-25
Rabshakeh, who is the spokesperson for Sennacherib king of Assyria begins his speech outside of Jerusalem. His speech includes fearmongering, lies, and other Assyrian propaganda aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender without a fight.
2 Kings 18:26-37
Rabshakeh finishes his propaganda campaign of fearmongering aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender to the king of Assyria.
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Hezekiah becomes king of Judah in the third year of Hoshea, king of Israel to the north. Hezekiah of Judah was 25 years old when he inherited the throne, and ruled for nearly thirty years in Jerusalem. He was as faithful and upright a king as the revered David his predecessor. Hezekiah cleansed Judah of its idol worship, demolishing pillars and statues to false gods. He had faith in God, obeyed Him, and kept His commandments throughout his reign.
God blesses King Hezekiah’s undertakings. The Judean king defeats the Philistines in Gaza and stops sending tribute to Assyria. To the north, Assyria captures Israel’s capital, Samaria, after a three-year siege, and sends the Israelites to various places in the Assyrian empire to serve as slaves. God allowed the kingdom of Israel’s destruction and captivity because its people did not obey the Mosaic law, and unrepentantly worshipped idols.
On the heels of several military victories, King Sennacherib of Assyria sends his advisor “The Rabshakeh” (the chief cup-bearer) to Jerusalem with the intention of convincing King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem to surrender out of fear.
Rabshakeh begins his speech outside of Jerusalem. His speech includes fearmongering and other Assyrian propaganda aimed to terrify Jerusalem to yield without a fight.
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