2 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 21
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
slept
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב
slept
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 8
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
And Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
And Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
2 of 8
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
3 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲבֹתָ֑יו
with his fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑יו
with his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
5 of 8
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה
and Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה
and Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
6 of 8
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 20 takes place during Hezekiah's reign in Judah, late 8th century BCE, around 715-686 BCE. The chapter's theme (Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery) 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 20 regarding god's mercy and human presumption?
- 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 Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 20: God's mercy and human presumption. 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.