2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 1
Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
שָׁלֹ֔שׁ
Now it came to pass in the third
H7969
שָׁלֹ֔שׁ
Now it came to pass in the third
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 14
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
בֶן
son
H1121
בֶן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֵלָ֖ה
of Elah
H425
אֵלָ֖ה
of Elah
Strong's:
H425
Word #:
6 of 14
elah, the name of an edomite, of four israelites, and also of a place in palestine
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מָלַ֛ךְ
began to reign
H4427
מָלַ֛ךְ
began to reign
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
9 of 14
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
חִזְקִיָּ֥ה
that Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֥ה
that Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
10 of 14
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
בֶן
son
H1121
בֶן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
11 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 18 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Reforms and Assyrian Threat) reflects the historical reality of genuine religious reform under Hezekiah, including trust in God that resulted in miraculous deliverance from Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 18 regarding faithful reformation faces external pressure?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 18: Faithful reformation faces external pressure. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.