2 Kings 18:8
New International Version
From watchtower to fortified city, he defeated the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory.

New Living Translation
He also conquered the Philistines as far distant as Gaza and its territory, from their smallest outpost to their largest walled city.

English Standard Version
He struck down the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

Berean Standard Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

King James Bible
He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

New King James Version
He subdued the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

New American Standard Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

NASB 1995
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

NASB 1977
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

Legacy Standard Bible
He struck the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.

Amplified Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza [the most distant city] and its borders, from the [isolated] lookout tower to the [populous] fortified city.

Christian Standard Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

American Standard Version
He smote the Philistines unto Gaza and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.

Contemporary English Version
Hezekiah defeated the Philistine towns as far away as Gaza--from the smallest towns to the large, walled cities.

English Revised Version
He smote the Philistines unto Gaza and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He conquered the Philistines from the [smallest] watchtower to the [largest] fortified city all the way to Gaza and its territory.

Good News Translation
He defeated the Philistines and raided their settlements, from the smallest village to the largest city, including Gaza and its surrounding territory.

International Standard Version
He attacked the Philistines, invading Gaza and its borders from watchtower to fortified garrison.

Majority Standard Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

NET Bible
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from the watchtower to the city fortress.

New Heart English Bible
He struck the Philistines to Gaza and its borders, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.

Webster's Bible Translation
He smote the Philistines, even to Gaza, and its borders, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.

World English Bible
He struck the Philistines to Gaza and its borders, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
he has struck the Philistines, even to Gaza and its borders, from a tower of watchers to the fortified city.

Young's Literal Translation
he hath smitten the Philistines unto Gaza, and its borders, from a tower of watchers unto the fenced city.

Smith's Literal Translation
He struck the rovers even to Azzah, and her bounds from the tower of those watching to the fortified city.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He smote the Philistines as far as Gaza, and all their borders, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He struck the Philistines as far as Gaza, and in all their borders, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.

New American Bible
It was he who struck the Philistines as far as Gaza, and all its territory from guard post to garrisoned town.

New Revised Standard Version
He attacked the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He smote the Philistines as far as Gaza and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he struck the Philistines unto Aza and its borders, from the tower of the guard and unto the city fortress.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He smote the Philistines unto Gaza and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fortified city.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
He smote the Philistines even to Gaza, and to the border of it, from the tower of the watchmen even to the strong city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hezekiah Destroys Idolatry in Judah
7And the LORD was with Hezekiah, and he prospered wherever he went. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him. 8He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city. 9In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 31:1
When all this had ended, the Israelites in attendance went out to the cities of Judah and broke up the sacred pillars, chopped down the Asherah poles, and tore down the high places and altars throughout Judah and Benjamin, as well as in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the Israelites returned to their cities, each to his own property.

2 Chronicles 32:1
After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself.

Isaiah 36:1
In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.

2 Kings 17:5-6
Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. / In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes.

2 Kings 19:9-11
Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared?

2 Kings 17:18
So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained,

2 Kings 19:35-37
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

2 Kings 20:6
I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”

2 Chronicles 32:22
So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hands of King Sennacherib of Assyria and all others, and He gave them rest on every side.

Isaiah 37:36-38
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

Joshua 10:40
So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the foothills, and the slopes, together with all their kings—leaving no survivors. He devoted to destruction everything that breathed, just as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded.

Joshua 11:16-17
So Joshua took this entire region: the hill country, all the Negev, all the land of Goshen, the western foothills, the Arabah, and the mountains of Israel and their foothills, / from Mount Halak, which rises toward Seir, as far as Baal-gad in the Valley of Lebanon at the foot of Mount Hermon. He captured all their kings and struck them down, putting them to death.

1 Samuel 7:14
The cities from Ekron to Gath, which the Philistines had taken, were restored to Israel, who also delivered the surrounding territory from the hand of the Philistines. And there was peace between the Israelites and the Amorites.

2 Samuel 8:1
Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines.

1 Kings 15:20
And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth.


Treasury of Scripture

He smote the Philistines, even to Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

the Philistines

1 Chronicles 4:41
And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.

2 Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Bethshemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt there.

Isaiah 14:29
Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.

Gaza [heb] Azzah

2 Kings 17:9
And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

2 Chronicles 26:10
Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.

Isaiah 5:2
And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

Jump to Previous
Borders City Defeated Far Fenced Fortified Gaza Gazah Limits Overcame Philistines Smitten Smote Struck Territory Thereof Tower Walled Watchers Watchman Watchmen Watchmen's Watchtower
Jump to Next
Borders City Defeated Far Fenced Fortified Gaza Gazah Limits Overcame Philistines Smitten Smote Struck Territory Thereof Tower Walled Watchers Watchman Watchmen Watchmen's Watchtower
2 Kings 18
1. Hezekiah's good reign
4. He destroys idolatry, and prospers
9. The inhabitants of Samaria are carried captive for their sins
13. Sennacherib invading Judah, is pacified by a tribute
17. Rabshakeh, by blasphemous persuasions, solicits the people to revolt














He defeated
The Hebrew root for "defeated" is נָכָה (nakah), which means to strike, smite, or conquer. This word conveys a sense of decisive victory and divine empowerment. In the context of Hezekiah's reign, it underscores his role as a king who was not only politically astute but also spiritually aligned with God's will. His victories were seen as a direct result of his faithfulness to God, reflecting the biblical principle that obedience to God leads to success.

the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant and persistent enemy of Israel throughout the Old Testament. They were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. Historically, they were known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry, often posing a formidable threat to Israel. Hezekiah's victory over them signifies a turning point, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people from even the most entrenched adversaries.

as far as Gaza
Gaza was one of the five major cities of the Philistines and served as a strategic and economic hub. The mention of Gaza highlights the extent of Hezekiah's campaign and the thoroughness of his victory. It also serves as a geographical marker, indicating the breadth of the territory reclaimed under his leadership. This victory would have been seen as a significant achievement, restoring Israelite control over important trade routes and territories.

and its borders
The phrase "and its borders" suggests a comprehensive victory that extended beyond the city itself to the surrounding regions. This indicates not only a military triumph but also a consolidation of power and influence. In biblical terms, it reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to expand the territory of His people when they walk in obedience to Him.

from watchtower
A "watchtower" in ancient times was a structure used for surveillance and defense, often located on the outskirts of a city or in rural areas. The mention of watchtowers implies that Hezekiah's campaign was thorough, reaching even the most remote and fortified positions of the Philistines. Spiritually, it symbolizes vigilance and the importance of being watchful against the encroachments of the enemy.

to fortified city
Fortified cities were heavily defended urban centers, often surrounded by walls and equipped with military defenses. The phrase "to fortified city" indicates that Hezekiah's victories were not limited to minor skirmishes but included the conquest of major strongholds. This demonstrates the completeness of his campaign and the strength of his leadership. In a spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the power of God to overcome even the most daunting challenges when they trust in Him.

(8) He smote.--He it was who smote. The reduction of the Philistines was probably subsequent to the retreat of Sennacherib. (Comp. 2Chronicles 32:22; Isaiah 11:14.)

Unto Gaza.--The southernmost part of the Philistine territory.

From the tower of the watchmen . . . city.--See Note on 2Kings 17:9. The entire land of Philistia was ravaged by the Judean forces.

Verse 8. - He smote the Philistines. Hezekiah's Philistine war seems to have followed on an attempt which Sargon made to bring the whole country under the Assyrian dominion. Sargon attacked Philistia in B.C. 720, made Gaza and the other towns subject, and committed the custody of them to tributary kings, in whom he had confidence. But opposition soon manifested itself. Sargon's creatures were expelled - Akhimiti from Ash-clod, Padi from Ekron. Hezekiah assisted in this war of independence, attacked Sargon's viceroys, and helped the cities to free themselves. About the year B.C. 711 Sargon speaks of a league against Assyria, to which the parties were Philistia, Judaea, Edom, and Moab ('Eponym Canon,' p. 130). The Philistines, whom Hezekiah "smote," must be regarded as Assyrian partisans, whom he chastised in the interests of the national party. He did not seek conquests in Philistia for himself. Even unto Gaza. Gaza seems to have remained faithful to Assyria from its capture in B.C. 720. And the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen unto the fenced city. (On this expression, see the comment upon 2 Kings 17:9.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He
הֽוּא־ (hū-)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

defeated
הִכָּ֧ה (hik·kāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

the Philistines
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֛ים (pə·liš·tîm)
Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 6430: Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia

as
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

far as Gaza
עַזָּ֖ה (‘az·zāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5804: A Philistine city

and its borders,
גְּבוּלֶ֑יהָ (gə·ḇū·le·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1366: A cord, a boundary, the territory inclosed

from
מִמִּגְדַּ֥ל (mim·miḡ·dal)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

watchtower
נוֹצְרִ֖ים (nō·wṣ·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5341: To watch, guard, keep

to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

fortified
מִבְצָֽר׃ (miḇ·ṣār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4013: A fortification, castle, fortified city, a defender

city.
עִ֥יר (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement


Links
2 Kings 18:8 NIV
2 Kings 18:8 NLT
2 Kings 18:8 ESV
2 Kings 18:8 NASB
2 Kings 18:8 KJV

2 Kings 18:8 BibleApps.com
2 Kings 18:8 Biblia Paralela
2 Kings 18:8 Chinese Bible
2 Kings 18:8 French Bible
2 Kings 18:8 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Kings 18:8 He struck the Philistines to Gaza (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)
2 Kings 18:7
Top of Page
Top of Page