How does 2 Kings 18:7 demonstrate God's favor towards Hezekiah's leadership?

◄ 2 Kings 18:7: God's favor on Hezekiah? ►

Text at a Glance

“ And the LORD was with him; wherever he went he prospered. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and would not serve him.” (2 Kings 18:7)

Hezekiah’s Track Record of Faithfulness

• Removed high places, smashed sacred stones, cut down Asherah poles (2 Kings 18:4)

• Trusted the LORD more than any king of Judah before or after him (v. 5)

• Kept the commands given through Moses (v. 6)

Evidence of Divine Favor in the Verse

1. “The LORD was with him”

• God’s personal presence accompanied Hezekiah.

• Echoes promises to faithful leaders—Joshua 1:5; 1 Samuel 18:14.

2. “Wherever he went he prospered”

• Military campaigns, economic projects, and political affairs all succeeded.

• Mirrors Psalm 1:3: “Whatever he does prospers.”

3. “He rebelled against the king of Assyria”

• Courage to break vassal ties with the era’s superpower.

• Divine favor turned a seemingly reckless move into strategic freedom, preparing Judah for God’s miraculous deliverance in 2 Kings 19:35-36.

What “The LORD Was With Him” Means

• Active guidance—God directed policies and decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Protective covering—preserved Jerusalem from Assyrian siege (2 Kings 19:32-34).

• Enduring companionship—relationship, not mere intervention.

Prospering in Every Endeavor

• Agricultural reforms and water projects (e.g., Hezekiah’s tunnel, 2 Chronicles 32:30).

• National revival through restored temple worship (2 Chronicles 29).

• Economic stability despite tribute pressures.

Prosperity here is holistic: spiritual, political, and material.

Holy Boldness Against Assyria

• Assyria symbolized oppression; resisting it affirmed God’s sole kingship (Isaiah 37:16-17).

• Trust in God replaced reliance on alliances (cf. Isaiah 31:1).

• Victory against Sennacherib’s army displayed favor unmistakably (2 Kings 19:35).

Broader Biblical Pattern of God’s Favor

• Joseph: “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a prosperous man” (Genesis 39:2-3).

• David: “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6).

• Consistent lesson—obedience invites God’s tangible support.

Takeaways for Today

• Faithful obedience positions leaders for God’s accompanying presence.

• True prosperity flows from alignment with God, not from human alliances.

• Courage to stand against ungodly pressures is sustained by divine favor.