Then they called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. Then they called for the king.This phrase occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. The Assyrian officials, led by the Rabshakeh, called for King Hezekiah to negotiate terms of surrender. This reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, where emissaries would first attempt to negotiate before engaging in full-scale warfare. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and psychological warfare, often using intimidation to subdue their enemies without battle. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator,
Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, held a significant position as the palace administrator, also known as the "over the house." This role was akin to a chief steward or prime minister, responsible for managing the king's household and affairs. Eliakim's presence indicates his high status and trustworthiness in Hezekiah's court. His name, meaning "God will establish," reflects the theocentric worldview of the Israelites, where names often carried theological significance. Shebnah the scribe,
Shebnah served as the scribe, a position of considerable importance, responsible for recording events, drafting official documents, and advising the king. In Isaiah 22:15-19, Shebnah is criticized for his pride and self-aggrandizement, suggesting a complex character who may have had ambitions beyond his station. The role of the scribe was crucial in maintaining the administrative and bureaucratic functions of the kingdom. and Joah son of Asaph the recorder,
Joah, the son of Asaph, served as the recorder or chronicler, tasked with documenting the events of the kingdom and maintaining official records. This position was vital for preserving the history and legal matters of the nation. The mention of Asaph may connect Joah to the Levitical family of musicians and temple servants, indicating a heritage of service to God and the community. went out to them.
The delegation of Eliakim, Shebnah, and Joah going out to meet the Assyrian envoys demonstrates the protocol of sending high-ranking officials to engage in diplomatic discussions. This act of going out signifies a willingness to negotiate and possibly avert conflict. It also highlights the gravity of the situation, as these officials represented the king and the nation in a time of crisis. The encounter underscores the tension between faith in God's deliverance and the political realities facing Judah. Persons / Places / Events 1. Eliakim son of HilkiahHe was the palace administrator, a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court. His role was crucial in managing the affairs of the kingdom and representing the king in diplomatic matters. 2. Shebna the scribeShebna held the position of scribe, responsible for recording and managing official documents. His role was significant in maintaining the records and communications of the kingdom. 3. Joah son of AsaphJoah served as the recorder, tasked with chronicling events and maintaining historical records. His position was vital for preserving the history and decisions of the kingdom. 4. The KingAlthough not named in this verse, the king referred to is King Hezekiah of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. 5. The Assyrian ThreatThis event occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, a critical moment in Judah's history where faith and leadership were tested. Teaching Points Leadership in CrisisEliakim, Shebna, and Joah exemplify the importance of wise and faithful leadership during times of national crisis. Their roles remind us of the need for integrity and reliance on God when facing challenges. The Role of Faithful ServantsThe presence of these officials highlights the significance of having faithful servants who can represent godly leadership and uphold righteousness in governance. God's Sovereignty in AppointmentsThe transition from Shebna to Eliakim, as seen in Isaiah, underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. It reminds us to trust God's timing and purposes in leadership changes. The Power of RepresentationAs representatives of the king, these officials had the responsibility to convey the king's intentions and maintain the kingdom's integrity. This teaches us about the power and responsibility of representing Christ in our daily lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the roles of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah reflect the importance of godly leadership in times of crisis? 2. In what ways can we apply the principles of faithful service and integrity in our own roles and responsibilities today? 3. How does the account of Shebna and Eliakim in Isaiah 22 challenge us to examine our own pride and humility before God? 4. What can we learn from the way these officials represented King Hezekiah about how we should represent Christ in our communities? 5. How does understanding the historical and spiritual context of the Assyrian siege enhance our appreciation of God's deliverance and faithfulness in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36This chapter parallels the events of 2 Kings 18, providing additional context and details about the Assyrian siege and the interactions between the Assyrian officials and Hezekiah's representatives. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign, emphasizing his faith and reliance on God during the Assyrian threat, highlighting the spiritual dimensions of the events. Isaiah 22:15-25Provides insight into Shebna's character and his eventual replacement by Eliakim, illustrating themes of pride, humility, and divine appointment. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Administrator, Asaph, Chronicler, Eliakim, Eli'akim, Forth, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Household, Joah, Jo'ah, Palace, Recorder, Remembrancer, Scribe, Secretary, Shebna, ShebnahDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:18 5434 officer
5514 scribes
5519 secretary 2 Kings 18:13-35 7240 Jerusalem, history 2 Kings 18:17-35 8833 threats Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 18:18 NIV2 Kings 18:18 NLT2 Kings 18:18 ESV2 Kings 18:18 NASB2 Kings 18:18 KJV
2 Kings 18:18 Commentaries
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