2 Kings Chapter 18 · Verse 13
Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.
Original Language Analysis
עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
2 of 15
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
חִזְקִיָּ֗ה
Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֗ה
Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
5 of 15
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
עָלָ֞ה
come up
H5927
עָלָ֞ה
come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
אַשּׁוּר֙
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁוּר֙
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
9 of 15
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
עַ֣ל
H5921
עַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָרֵ֧י
cities
H5892
עָרֵ֧י
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
12 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
13 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
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 in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.
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.