2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 10
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.
Original Language Analysis
נִלְכְּדָ֖ה
they took
H3920
נִלְכְּדָ֖ה
they took
Strong's:
H3920
Word #:
1 of 15
to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
of three
H7969
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
of three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 15
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
שֵׁ֖שׁ
it even in the sixth
H8337
שֵׁ֖שׁ
it even in the sixth
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
6 of 15
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
לְחִזְקִיָּ֑ה
of Hezekiah
H2396
לְחִזְקִיָּ֑ה
of Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
7 of 15
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
הִ֣יא
H1931
הִ֣יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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
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.
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.