The Righteous Reign of Hezekiah and the Assyrian Threat

2 Kings 18 paints a picture of a devout king who, amidst the threat of a mighty foreign power, chooses to place his trust in God. It is a timeless reminder that faith in God, even in the most desperate circumstances, can bring forth courage, resilience, and hope.

Hezekiah's Reign (Verses 1-8)

In the third year of Hoshea, King of Israel, Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, begins his righteous reign over Judah. Unlike his father, he does what is right in the eyes of God, removing high places, breaking sacred stones and Asherah poles. He even destroys the bronze snake that Moses had made, because the Israelites had started to burn incense to it. Hezekiah trusts God and keeps His commandments, leading Judah to great prosperity and victories over the Philistines.

The Fall of Samaria (Verses 9-12)

The chapter then recounts the fall of Samaria, the capital of Israel, to the Assyrians. The Israelites are deported because they did not obey God's laws, unlike Hezekiah and the people of Judah.

Assyrian Invasion of Judah (Verses 13-16)

The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, turns his sights to Judah. Hezekiah tries to appease him by giving all the silver from the Lord's temple and his own palace but the Assyrian king continues his campaign.

Sennacherib’s Threatening Letter (Verses 17-37)

Despite Hezekiah's efforts, Sennacherib sends a letter ridiculing Hezekiah's trust in God and intimidating the people of Judah. Hezekiah's officials tear their clothes in distress upon hearing the Assyrian king's words. The chapter ends with the people in a state of fear and uncertainty.

2 Kings 18 portrays a time of religious reform and political upheaval in the kingdom of Judah. This chapter tells the story of Hezekiah, a king who chooses to devote himself and his kingdom to God, yet faces an enormous challenge in the form of the Assyrian threat.

1. Faithfulness and Devotion to God
2. Challenge of Foreign Invasion
3. Religious Reform
4. Trust in God During Crisis
5. Prophecy and Divine Revelation1. The reign of King Hezekiah
2. Destruction of High Places
3. The Siege of Samaria
4. The Threat from King Sennacherib of Assyria
5. Hezekiah's Trust in God1. Hezekiah
2. Ahaz
3. King Sennacherib of Assyria
4. Eliakim
5. Shebna
6. Joah1. Jerusalem
2. Samaria
3. Judah
4. Assyria
5. Egypt

1. What made Hezekiah's reign different from that of his father Ahaz? How does this relate to generational differences in religious practice today?

2. Hezekiah destroys the bronze snake because it became an object of worship. What does this teach us about idolatry?

3. How does Hezekiah's response to Assyria contrast with Israel's response that led to their fall?

4. When faced with threats, Hezekiah tried to appease Sennacherib by stripping the temple of its wealth. Was this a faithful decision? How can this apply to situations where we might be tempted to compromise our faith for peace?

5. Why did Hezekiah's officials tear their clothes after receiving Sennacherib's message? How should we respond when our faith is ridiculed?

6. How did Hezekiah's actions reflect his faith in God? How can we show our faith in challenging times?

7. Despite his faith, Hezekiah still faced trials and challenges. What does this tell us about the nature of faith and suffering?

8. What are the 'high places' in your life that may need to be torn down to honour God more fully?

9. Sennacherib's letter was designed to sow doubt and fear among the people of Judah. How can we resist such tactics today?

10. How does the history of Israel's disobedience and deportation serve as a warning for us today?

11. How can we maintain trust in God when facing personal, societal, or global crises?

12. How does Hezekiah's faith inspire you in your own faith journey?

13. In what ways are you challenged to be more like Hezekiah in your walk with God?

14. How can the fear and uncertainty experienced by the people of Judah teach us to handle similar feelings in today's world?

15. What lessons can we learn from Hezekiah's attempts to appease the Assyrians?

16. What does Hezekiah's story teach us about the consequences of both obedience and disobedience to God?

17. How does the response of Hezekiah's officials to Sennacherib's letter inform us about reacting to blasphemy and disrespect towards our faith?

18. How might the Assyrian threat to Judah parallel the challenges faced by Christians in the contemporary world?

19. What aspects of Hezekiah's character would you like to develop in your own life?

20. How can we ensure our trust in God doesn't waver even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds?