Bible Studies
The Rest of the Story About Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:3-6)
Series: Studies in Second KingsIntroduction:
1. In our previous study we contrasted the reign of Ahaz with that of Hezekiah, his son. 2. Ahaz walked in the ways of the kings of Israel. He practiced idolatry, even causing his sons to pass through the fire like the Canaanites whom God had driven out of the land. 3. Hezekiah, on the other hand, instituted a series of reforms that involved tearing down idols, calling on the people to repent, reopening the temple and restoring the Passover. 4. 2 Chron 31:20-21 summarizes his actions: “He did what was good, right and true before the Lord his God. Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.” 5. Hezekiah had problems with Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Already the northern kingdom had been taken into Assyrian captivity, but that was because they did not obey the voice of the Lord (2 Kings 18:12). Would the Assyrians do the same to Judah? Would Hezekiah’s devotion to God prove to be a source of deliverance? We wait to hear the rest of the story.Discussion:
I. In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah, Sennacherib, king of Assyria invaded Judah (2 Kings 18:13ff; 2Chron. 32:1ff; Isa. 36:1ff).A. They had captured the fortified cities, Lachish, was one of them. (The distance between Lachish and Jerusalem is about the same as the distance between Stanford, KY and Lexington.)
1. Lachish was the city where I participated in the archaeological dig last summer (2014).
a. Even today there is evidence of the siege ramp used by the Assyrians to conquer the city.
b. The Assyrians controlled the city of Lachish, one of Hezekiah’s most powerful defenses against invasion.
2. Hezekiah negotiated with Sennacherib to withdraw. He paid 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold. The gold was cut off the doors of the temple in Jerusalem and given to Sennacherib.
B. Rabshakeh was sent from Lachish to Jerusalem with a large army.
1. He questioned any alliance they might have with Egypt.
2. He questioned any confidence they might have in God to deliver them.
3. He spoke so all the people of Judah could hear and understand.
a. He spoke of them eating their own dung and drinking their own urine.
b. He promised if they would make peace with Assyria that they would take them to a good land and each man would eat of his own vine and fig tree. Olives, grain, wine, honey, etc. were all promised.
4. The leaders of Judah tore their clothes.
II. When Hezekiah heard the words of Rabshakeh he tore his clothes, covered himself in sackcloth and entered the house of the Lord to pray (2 Kings 19).A. He sent messengers to Isaiah the prophet.
1. The message: “This is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver. Perhaps the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, who his master king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left” ( Kings 19:3-4).
2. Note again Hezekiah’s involvement with God and His prophet.
B. When Rabshekah returned to Lachish the king of Assyria had left Lachish to fight elsewhere.
1. Rabhshekah sent again to Hezekiah.
2. His message (2 Kings 19:10-12b).
C. Hezekiah had made preparations when Assyria had begun their invasion (2 Chron. 32:1ff).
1. Cut off the supply of water outside the city of Jerusalem. No need for the Assyrians to have plenty of water.
2. Built “Hezekiah’s tunnel” to supply water to the city. (We walked through the tunnel last summer 2014.)
3. Hezekiah had strengthened the wall around Jerusalem (2 Chron. 32:5-8).
D. Now Hezekiah prayed (2 Kings 19:14ff). Isaiah prayed.
E. God sent a message through Isaiah (2 Kings 19:20ff).
1. Assyria had reproached the Lord.
2. But the Lord had raised them up.
3. Now the Lord would humble them.
4. Read 19:32-36. Cf. 2 Chron. 32:20ff
5. Assyrian documents describe the siege of Lachish and describe how Hezekiah was shut up in Jerusalem “like a bird in a cage.” But the Assyrians did not capture Jerusalem.
F. So that was the end of the threat from Assyria. Hezekiah was greatly exalted and prospered abundantly.
III. WhenHezekiah became mortally ill he prayed to the Lord (2 Kings 20:1ff; 2 Chron. 32:24ff; Isa. 38:1ff).A. God spoke through Isaiah of Hezekiah’s recovery. Fifteen years would be added to his life.
B. A great sign was given. The shadow on the stairway was bought back 10 steps.
C. But Hezekiah was proud and gave no benefit for what he had received.
D. He showed his treasures to the king of Babylon.
1. God said they would be carried into Babylon.
2. Even some of Hezekiah’s sons would be carried away, but the Babylonian captivity would not happen during his day.
E. When Hezekiah died he was buried in the upper section of the tombs of the sons of David and all Judah and Jerusalem honored him (2 Chron. 32:33) and his son, Manasseh became king.
IV. Some of the lessons to be learned from Hezekiah.A. Depend upon the Lord.
B. Listen to the prophets.
C. Pray.
D. When you are blessed by the Lord with material things do not allow yourself to be lifted up in pride. Instead show your thankfulness to the Lord and give in a way that honors Him. Both Hezekiah and Sennacherib teach us this. Are you doing that? It seems that we often diminish attention to giving, while highlighting such things as the Lord’s Supper and teaching. While these are important, is giving in the service of the Lord less so? Perhaps we see this as the activity that requires more sacrifice and the others as giving us benefits???
E. The Lord gives you life. You need to use your time in a way that honors Him. Are you doing that or is your time all for you?
F. Live your life in a way that the people of God can honor you at your death.
Conclusion:
1. As you consider your life what will the rest of the story reveal about you? 2. Have you begun like Hezekiah with great reforms only to see your pride mar your record? 3. What changes do you need to make?
