He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses. He remained faithful to the LORDHezekiah clung to the covenant God in an age when Judah faced the spiritual consequences of generations of compromise. Israel’s northern kingdom had fallen to Assyria because it abandoned the LORD for other gods, making Hezekiah’s loyalty especially urgent for Judah. His faithfulness reflected the wholehearted love and exclusive worship commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5. 2Ki 20:3 “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked…”…
2Ch 31:20 So this is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah.…
1Ki 15:14 The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart…
and did not turn from following Him; Hezekiah did not merely begin well; he continued to follow the LORD despite political pressure from Assyria and the entrenched idolatry within his own kingdom. His reforms removed unlawful high places, shattered pillars, cut down Asherah poles, and destroyed the bronze serpent that had become an object of worship (2 Kings 18:4). He refused to allow even a formerly sacred object to rival devotion to God. 2Ki 22:2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD…
Jos 23:6 Be very strong, then, so that you can keep and obey…
Deu 5:32 So be careful to do as the LORD your God has commanded you;…
he kept the commandments Obedience to God’s commands governed Hezekiah’s public rule and worship reforms. As Israel’s king, he modeled the calling set before every ruler in Deuteronomy 17:18–20: to live under God’s law rather than ruling by personal preference or pagan custom. His obedience demonstrated that covenant blessing was bound to faithful submission to the LORD. 1Ki 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways…
Deu 6:17 You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD…
Deu 11:1 You shall therefore love the LORD your God…
that the LORD had given Moses. The law given through Moses remained God’s authoritative standard for Judah centuries after Sinai. Hezekiah’s return to that law restored proper worship and called the nation back to its identity as the people redeemed by the LORD. The Mosaic covenant also anticipated Christ, who perfectly obeyed the law and fulfilled the purposes of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17). Exo 24:12 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain…
Deu 4:13 He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded…
Deu 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests,…
Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah during this time, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people by removing idolatry. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, where Hezekiah reigned. It was often contrasted with the northern kingdom, Israel, which had a history of idolatry and rebellion against God. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who gave the commandments to Moses and whom Hezekiah faithfully followed. 4. MosesThe prophet and leader who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai, which included the commandments that Hezekiah adhered to. 5. CommandmentsThe laws given by God to Moses, which were meant to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with Him. Teaching Points Faithfulness to GodHezekiah's life demonstrates the importance of unwavering faithfulness to God, even in the face of cultural and societal pressures. Believers today are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's Word. Obedience to God's CommandmentsHezekiah's adherence to the commandments given to Moses highlights the importance of obedience in the believer's life. Obedience is a tangible expression of our love for God. Rejecting IdolatryHezekiah's reforms included the removal of idols, teaching us the necessity of removing anything from our lives that competes with our devotion to God. Leadership and InfluenceAs a leader, Hezekiah's personal faithfulness had a profound impact on his nation. This underscores the influence that godly leadership can have in guiding others toward righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's example of clinging to the LORD challenge you in your personal walk with God? 2. In what ways can you actively remove "idols" or distractions in your life that hinder your relationship with God? 3. How does the concept of obedience to God's commandments apply to contemporary issues you face today? 4. Reflect on a time when your faithfulness to God influenced others. How can you continue to be a positive influence in your community? 5. How do the additional scriptures connected to 2 Kings 18:6 deepen your understanding of what it means to follow God wholeheartedly? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 6:5This verse emphasizes loving the LORD with all one's heart, soul, and strength, which Hezekiah exemplified by clinging to God. Joshua 22:5Encourages adherence to God's commandments and love for Him, similar to Hezekiah's actions. Psalm 119:31Speaks of clinging to God's testimonies, reflecting Hezekiah's commitment to God's commandments. 2 Chronicles 31:20-21Describes Hezekiah's dedication to doing what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD, reinforcing his faithfulness. | Hezekiah the Good | J. Orr | 2 Kings 18:1-8 | | The Secret of a Successful Fife; Or, Trust in God, and its Results | C.H. Irwin | 2 Kings 18:1-8 | | A Just Ruler a Type of God | T. De Witt Talmage. | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | A Striking Reformation | David Thomas, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | A Striking Reformation, a Ruthless Despotism, and an Unprincipled Diplomacy | C.H. Irwin | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | Hezekiah's Good Reign | Monday Club Sermons | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | Hezekiah's Good Reign | R. W. Keighley. | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | The Religious -- the Greatest of Reforms | | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | The Spiritual Scores Successes | | 2 Kings 18:1-37 | | Goodness and Prosperity | Homilist | 2 Kings 18:3-7 | | Hezekiah | J. Parker, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:3-7 | | The Good Son of a Bad Father | C. Leach, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:3-7 | | Adhesiveness | W. Arnot. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | Cleave unto the Lord | A. Maclaren, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | Nearness Produces Resemblance | A. Maclaren, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | The Foundation of a True Life | T. Davies, M. A. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | The Secret of a Successful Life | W. Hoyt, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | Three Stages in the Devout Life | A. Maclaren, D. D. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | Trust in God | W. H. Hutchings, M. A. | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | Trust in God | | 2 Kings 18:5-6 | | Weakness Linked to Power | | 2 Kings 18:5-6 |
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 Aside, Cease, Clave, Cleaved, Cleaveth, Clung, Commanded, Commandments, Commands, Depart, Departed, Didn't, Fast, Fixed, Follow, Heart, Held, Joined, Keepeth, Kept, Orders, Turn, TurningDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:1-7 5714 men 2 Kings 18:1-8 5345 influence 2 Kings 18:2-8 7245 Judah, kingdom of 2 Kings 18:4-6 8151 revival, corporate 2 Kings 18:5-7 8031 trust, importance 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 18:6 NIV2 Kings 18:6 NLT2 Kings 18:6 ESV2 Kings 18:6 NASB2 Kings 18:6 KJV
2 Kings 18:6 Commentaries
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