Introduction
Chapters 17–20 of 2 Kings shed light on a trying time in Israel and Judah’s past. Both kingdoms are at odds with the Father and managing Assyrian incursions. However, only one kingdom finally seeks God’s direction and forgiveness, which ultimately leads to its rescue. The central theological motive relates to the historical setting (The Northern Kingdon) and the theological genre. Namely, the highlight of the piece is the contrast between God’s approach to an illustration of faith vs. its lack.
Overview
During the beginning of his reign, Hosea witnessed the Assyrian conquest of Israel as a result of God’s protective hand being withdrawn as a result of persistent idolatry. Nonetheless, Judah remains the established kingdom of God since no improvement was made in Israel under the rule of Jeroboam. The circumstances change when Hezekiah becomes king of Judah because he governs righteously before God. Hezekiah’s commitment to God as an individual is what keeps God’s benevolent hand over the kingdom of Judah in defense against the Assyrians. A king who was content to finish his long life in a false sense of tranquility, leaving what was to be his son Manasseh and his successors, is what shall be witnessed at the close of Hezekiah’s reign.
Destruction of the Kingdom
The people are warned in 2 Kings 17 for breaking Yahweh’s commandments. They are reminded of their history, including the desert, the covenant, and the Exodus. God delivered them, but they disregarded his commandments. This resulted in retribution for their transgression. Elah’s son Hosea first assumed the throne as king of Israel and governed the nation for nine years (2 Kings 17:1). Although God did not consider Hosea to be a good ruler, there had been worse kings before him (2 Kings 17:2). Even though Hosea was giving tribute to Shalmaneser, the Assyrian king assaulted him (2 Kings 17:3). The reason Shalmaneser invaded Israel is only explained in verse 4. It appears that Shalmaneser is resentful towards Hosea because of his dishonest dealings with Egypt (2 Kings 17:4). Shalmaneser imprisoned Hosea for his actions and attacked the entire nation. Samaria endured the three-year siege (2 Kings 17:5). The Israelites were sent to Assyria after the Assyrians seized Samaria after three years (2 Kings 17:6).
These verses illustrate that Israel continued to violate the covenant by worshipping false gods. People participated in corrupt ethical behavior, practiced corruption, disregarded the Lord’s prophets, and rejected their warnings (Rosenberg, 2020). It is evident that the people of Israel have neglected their need to acknowledge God’s kindness via belief, unwavering dedication, and pure worship. In these circumstances, God’s patience diminished, the uprising continued for hundreds of years, and God’s judgment of captivity and exile was on the horizon.
The collapse of the Northern Kingdom is typically explained theologically in 2 Kings 17:7–23. Israel was captured and exiled as a result of their disobedience, as shown in verse 7 (2 Kings 17:7). According to conventional wisdom, the events reported in chapter 6 have an interpretation that is introduced in 2 Kings 17:7 (Burnette-Bletsch, 2022). The Israelites engaged in a number of heathen practices that God found offensive, which is listed in verses 8–17. They sacrificed people (2 Kings 17:17), worshipped idols (2 Kings 17:12), and burnt incense (2 Kings 17:11), much like the people God had freed them from. The premises that God gave the people of Israel in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy were directly disobeyed by doing this (Rosenberg, 2020). To warn Judah and Israel, God sent prophets (2 Kings 17:15-16). God allowed them to be taken captive and to be removed from the land that had been given to them (2 Kings 17:14). This can be seen as a result of the people’s failure to hear this warning and as a result of their long history of ignorance and disobedience.
According to verses 18–20, God grew enraged and parted from Israel, leaving the southern tribe of Judah as a result of Israel’s contempt for the rules and commandments given to the people. Israel, who engaged in the same behavior, was no better than the southern tribe. As a result, God entirely severed His relationship with all of Israel (2 Kings 17:19). The historical development of the North is outlined in verses 21–23. These verses seem to have happened during the events mentioned in verses 1-6 based on how the text flows. Jeroboam, son of Nabat, took the throne after Israel disconnected from the House of David (2 Kings 17:22). It can be observed that he continued to lead Israel into wickedness until God entirely withdrew from them, allowing for their exile.
The Assyrian monarch scattered diverse people from other captured countries to replace the Israelites after they were driven out of Samaria (2 Kings 17:24). Because some of the victims refused to worship the Lord, the Lord sent lions to slaughter them (2 Kings 17:25). When the Assyrian king heard the news, he gave the order to send one of the Israelite priests back to instruct the people in worshiping the Lord (2 Kings 17:26-29). Each national group was described, but their pagan worship persisted. The Lord made an effort to establish a covenant with them and lead them in the right direction, but they chose to maintain their pagan beliefs (2 Kings 17:35-41).
The Reign of Hezekiah
2 Kings 18 discusses Hezekiah’s rule as he assumed the throne as king of Judah. He smashed the bronze serpents that Moses had crafted as well as the pillars of Asherah. Hezekiah put his confidence in the Lord, which the Lord appreciated. Hezekiah, king of Judah, who was the son of Asa and was 25 years old when he took power and who ruled for 29 years, is introduced in the first two verses. Similar to David, Hezekiah was acceptable in God’s eyes (2 Kings 18:3). The editorial note that favorably compares Hezekiah to David is the most striking in this passage, and the passages that follow support this claim (Burnette-Bletsch, 2022). Readers are supposed to understand the scope of Hezekiah’s accomplishments after reading this account (Moseley, 2021). All pagan customs and emblems in Judea were destroyed by him (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah had faith in the Lord that no other king of Judah had, either before or after him (2 Kings 18:5).
The reader is given a glimpse into Hezekiah’s deeds that set him apart from others in verses 6–8. He steadfastly followed the Lord and his instructions, and the Lord blessed him as a reward (2 Kings 18:7). Hezekiah fought off the Philistines, overthrew Assyria, and kept his hold on the boundary (2 Kings 18:8). The events in 2 Samuel 17:1-6 are similarly repeated in verses 9–12. This block also reminds readers that Samaria’s spiritual rebellion, rather than the continued defiance of Assyria, was the primary factor in her downfall (Holland, 2021). The Assyrian king seized every outlying city of Judah in verses 13–16. Hezekiah sent all the gold and silver to Judah to appease the king (2 Kings 18:14). In order to pay the Assyrians, he stripped the gold of the Temples’ doors and doorframes (2 Kings 18:16).
The Assyrian monarch dispatched his principal officer and military commander from Lachish to King Hezekiah in Jerusalem despite paying tribute (2 Kings 18:17). This army’s entrance had significant repercussions for Judah. They stopped the water flow, which is customary in siege warfare. Hezekiah was called by the king and sent delegates in his stead (2 Kings 18:18). When Hezekiah was called, he sent a group of three officials to equal Sennacherib’s delegation. The King of Judah presents himself as someone who wants to be treated equally in discussions. The field commander asked Hezekiah’s emissary if he relied on Egypt or the Lord in his message (2 Kings 18:19-22). He asks this in an effort to cast doubt on Hezekiah’s belief that he has offended God and that the Assyrian invasion is a result. To persuade Hezekiah to surrender to Assyria, the king promises Judah chariots and horses. The king asserts that he was instructed to attack Judea by the Lord (2 Kings 18:24-25). The second message appears to be directed to supporters of the wall rather than merely elected officials. Particularly when the Judah delegate requested that the Assyrian representatives speak Aramaic (2 Kings 18:26). The Assyrian emissary made use of the populace’s anxiety that their resistance would result in a protracted siege during which they would be without food or water.
The Assyrian commander warns the populace in verses 28–30 not to believe Hezekiah’s assurances that the Lord will deliver them from defeat. If they obey the Assyrian king, they’ll be safe and get good nourishment; if not, they’ll be eating feces (2 Kings 18:29-31). The Assyrians contest God’s promise to save Judah. Judah is expected to follow the Assyrian monarch to the promised land (2 Kings 18:32). The proud Assyrians assert that no other gods of their country have ever protected them and that Assyria is capable of overpowering any deity (2 Kings 18:33-35). The representative returns to report what was said after Hezekiah commands him to be quiet.
The Assyrian Army
In 2 Kings 19, Hezekiah’s warning that Assyria is attempting to take the country of Judah is the first statement in Samuel. He sends emissaries to the prophet Isaiah for intercession and direction out of dismay (Holland, 2021). The brutality and threats of the king played a role when the Lords disclosed in the prophesy Judah’s victory against the Assyrians. The verses open with Hezekiah’s messengers informing him of the prophet Isaiah’s response to his pleading plea, which is followed by a brief assurance from the oracle (2 Kings 19:3). This message alarms Hezekiah, who then humbles himself by ripping off his clothing, donning sackcloth, and going to the temple. Hezekiah sent sackcloth-clad messengers to Isaiah, including the chief priest who also served as secretary and the palace administrator (2 Kings 19:10). Hezekiah dispatched them in anticipation of receiving prophecy. Isaiah’s answer to the messengers’ visit was succinct, assertive, and reassuring, underscoring the tumultuous nature of their connection. The ability of Hezekiah to deliver Judah is still in doubt in the eyes of the Assyrian king (2 Kings 19:15). He confidently states that God cannot help him since Assyria is so strong (2 Kings 19:19). The Assyrian conquests and their God’s failure to save them are also briefly recalled by the monarch.
In response to Hezekiah’s request, Isaiah delivers a horrifying prophecy regarding Assyria and the king’s future (2 Kings 19:21). Isaiah discloses a prophecy that is broken up into three sections in verses 21–33. The Lord corrects Assyria’s arrogant attitude toward their enormous accomplishment before making the last promise to make Assyria return home the same way they came, which denotes a speedy and straightforward return. The first section starts with a promise of a reversal of fate. For David’s benefit as well as His own, God will defend and rescue the city (2 Kings 19:34). God dispatched a death angel to annihilate 185,000 Assyrians (2 Kings 19:36). The Assyrian monarch was led to Nineveh by this incident, where he stayed (2 Kings 19:37). The king’s two sons would ultimately be responsible for his death.
Hezekiah’s Ailment
2 Kings 20 attends to Hezekiah’s ailment. He prayed to God for healing since he thought the sickness would eventually claim his life. In this passage, Hezekiah’s kingdom’s future is also discussed. Hezekiah’s illness and impending death are described at the beginning of the chapter. Isaiah arrives to caution Hezekiah to organize his business (2 Kings 20:1). Hezekiah is horrified by this information and prays to God for healing, thanking him for his lifetime of obedience (2 Kings 20:2-4). Hezekiah’s plea may appear self-serving at first, but it is no different from the prayer of any ill person asking God for a cure. Hezekiah was gifted with fifteen more years of life by the Lord, who also cured him out of compassion. Additionally, God vowed to shield Judah against the Assyrians (2 Kings 20:4-6). Hezekiah is shown in lines 8–11, waiting for a sign of God’s healing. Isaiah inquires as to whether the shadow should go ten paces ahead or back (2 Kings 20:10). Hezekiah advanced ten steps. Isaiah was seeking the Lord, and now the shadow is ten paces away.
After discovering that Hezekiah is unwell, Marduk-Baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, brings presents in verses 12–13. Hezekiah gives visitors a warm welcome and gives them a tour of the kingdom (2 Kings 20:13). When the prophet Isaiah appears, he inquires about the identity and origin of these people. This would be a mistake as King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invades and subdues Judah in 2 Samuel 24. According to Isaiah, Judah would soon be subjugated by Babylon, and her sons will be made eunuchs in the court of Babylon (2 Kings 20:18). Regardless of the prophecies, Hezekiah is glad that he will live in peace. Hezekiah’s refusal to ask God to deliver Babylon for the offspring as well as the city seems uncharacteristic for him. Hezekiah eventually passes away, and Manasseh succeeds him as king (2 Kings 20:20-21). However, he accomplished greatness independently, and 2 Kings recorded his success.
Conclusion
A good illustration of what occurs when you choose to serve or disobey God is found in 2 Samuel 17–20. Through the text, it can be seen have seen how God let the Northern Kingdom continue with its evil deeds and fall to the Assyrians. When the Southern Kingdom decided to ask for God’s compassion, God protected them from their assailants. The conceit and haughtiness of the Assyrians did not cause God to tremble (Hobbs. 2022). He responded to the cries of His children. Hezekiah led his people in the worship of the real God by seeking God, abiding by His rules and regulations, and seeking His face. King Hezekiah is a figure of leadership deserving of respect and imitation. He was also careless, giving his kingdom too much access, which had devastating consequences for Judah’s history. The applicability of interpretations is wide in many areas. It can be done to get a glimpse of the historical setting or be an attempt to contemplate the inner meaning of the scriptures. The examples of the Northern and Southern kingdoms are also indicative in terms of how piousness can be beneficial for all the people regardless of their theological affiliation.
Hezekiah exhibited courage toward both himself and his people. But most significantly, Hezekiah understood that his power came from God, who gave him the wisdom to govern the kingdom of Judah. God helped Hezekiah in whatever he did, and despite the haughtiness of his adversaries, Hezekiah showed no sign of quivering (Hobbs, 2020). This gives us insight into the position that God gives each individual in His kingdom. God responded with kindness and mercy by blessing the country and providing for His people because Hezekiah followed in the paths of God, fulfilled his commands, and led the people of Judah to worship God. Based on this, the qualities of a real leader can be identified. Moreover, the significance of God’s guidance in all that a person does is comprehended, as well as the Lord’s merciful and rewarding response to faith and prayer compared to lack thereof.
Reference List
Burnette-Bletsch, Rhonda. 2022. “Major Review: 2 Kings”. A Journal of Bible and Theology 76, no. 2: 171-190.
Hobbs, T. Raymond. 2020. 1 and 2 Kings. Zondervan Academic: Michigan
Holland, Drew. 2021. “The Genre of Source Texts Used in Chronographic Narratives of 1-2 Kings.” Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament 35, no.1: 126-146.
Moseley, Allan. 2021. “The Land and Its Kings: 1− 2 Kings”. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 64, no.1: 174-176.
Rosenberg, Gil. 2020. “An Allusion Connecting Genesis 18: 10, 14 and 2 Kings 4: 16–17”. Journal of Biblical Literature, 139, no. 4: 701-720.