Then Hilkiah's son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph's son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh. Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administratorEliakim, whose name means "God will establish," was a significant figure in the court of King Hezekiah. As the son of Hilkiah, he held the esteemed position of palace administrator, a role that involved managing the king's household and affairs. This position required wisdom and integrity, reflecting Eliakim's trustworthiness and capability. Historically, the role of a palace administrator was crucial in maintaining the order and function of the royal court, and Eliakim's presence in this narrative underscores the gravity of the situation with the Assyrian threat. Shebna the scribe
Shebna, serving as the scribe, was responsible for recording and managing official documents and communications. The Hebrew term for scribe, "sopher," indicates a learned individual skilled in writing and record-keeping. In the context of ancient Israel, scribes were vital for maintaining the continuity of legal and historical records. Shebna's involvement in this delegation highlights the importance of accurate communication and documentation during times of crisis. and Joah son of Asaph the recorder
Joah, whose name means "Yahweh is brother," was the son of Asaph and served as the recorder. The recorder, or "mazkir" in Hebrew, was tasked with chronicling events and maintaining the annals of the kingdom. This role was essential for preserving the history and decisions of the monarchy. Joah's lineage, being the son of Asaph, suggests a heritage of service and dedication to the temple and the king, as Asaph was a prominent figure associated with temple worship and music. went to Hezekiah
The delegation's approach to King Hezekiah signifies the urgency and seriousness of the situation. Hezekiah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms in Judah, was faced with a dire threat from the Assyrian empire. The act of going to Hezekiah indicates their reliance on his leadership and decision-making in this critical moment. with their clothes torn
Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of mourning, distress, or repentance in ancient Israel. This act symbolized the depth of their anguish and the gravity of the message they bore. The torn garments of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah visually communicated the dire circumstances and the emotional weight of the Assyrian threat. and reported to him the words of the Rabshakeh
The Rabshakeh, an Assyrian official, had delivered a message of intimidation and blasphemy against the God of Israel. By reporting these words to Hezekiah, the officials were not only conveying the Assyrian demands but also highlighting the spiritual challenge posed by the Rabshakeh's defiance of God. This moment set the stage for Hezekiah's response, which would ultimately demonstrate his faith and reliance on divine intervention. Persons / Places / Events 1. Eliakim son of HilkiahHe was the palace administrator, a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court, responsible for managing the affairs of the royal household. 2. Shebna the scribeA scribe or secretary, Shebna was responsible for recording and managing official documents and communications. 3. Joah son of AsaphThe recorder, Joah was tasked with chronicling events and maintaining records, serving as a historian of sorts for the kingdom. 4. HezekiahThe King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. 5. RabshakehAn Assyrian official and spokesman for King Sennacherib, who delivered a message intended to intimidate and demoralize the people of Judah. Teaching Points The Power of Faithful LeadershipHezekiah's reliance on God during a crisis serves as a model for leaders today. Despite overwhelming odds, he sought divine guidance and intervention. The Role of Godly CounselorsEliakim, Shebna, and Joah, though distressed, faithfully reported the situation to Hezekiah. Surrounding oneself with wise and godly advisors is crucial in times of trouble. Responding to IntimidationThe tearing of clothes by the officials symbolizes deep distress and humility. In the face of intimidation, believers are called to humble themselves and seek God's help. The Importance of Prayer and TrustHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to turn to God in prayer, demonstrating trust in God's power and promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the response of Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah to the Rabshakeh's message reflect their understanding of the situation, and what can we learn from their actions? 2. In what ways does Hezekiah's leadership during this crisis serve as an example for modern-day leaders facing challenges? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking godly counsel in our own lives, especially when facing difficult decisions or threats? 4. What does the tearing of clothes by the officials symbolize, and how can this act of humility be relevant to our spiritual lives today? 5. How does the account of Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and power in our own times of crisis? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 36-37These chapters parallel the events of 2 Kings 18-19, providing additional context and details about the Assyrian threat and Hezekiah's response. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign, emphasizing his faith and the miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians. Psalm 46Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem during Hezekiah's reign, highlighting themes of God's protection and sovereignty. People Abi, Abijah, Ahaz, Asaph, David, Elah, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Hoshea, Israelites, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabsaris, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Shalmaneser, Shebna, Tartan, Zachariah, ZechariahPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Gaza, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hamath, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Administrator, Asaph, Clothes, Commander, Eliakim, Field, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Household, Joah, Palace, Recorder, Scribe, Secretary, Shebna, TornDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 18:37 5519 secretary Library Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
'Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel.... 6. He clave to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments.'--2 KINGS xviii. 5,6. Devout people in all ages and stations are very much like each other. The elements of godliness are always the same. This king of Israel, something like two thousand six hundred years ago, and the humblest Christian to-day have the family likeness on their faces. These words, which are an outline sketch of the king's character, are really …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Woman of Samaria
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 1856.) 2 Kings xviii. 9-12. And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria, and besieged it. 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. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons A Living Book
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Symbol of "Asshur", the principal Assyrian idol.] There is only one Book that never grows old. For thousands of years men have been writing books. Most books are forgotten soon after they are written; a few of the best and wisest are remembered for a time. But all at last grow old; new discoveries are made; new ideas arise; the old books are out of date; their usefulness is at an end. Students are the only people who still care to read them. The nations to which the …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Old Testament and Archeology
A century ago the student of the world's history found it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to paint for himself a clear picture of events antedating B.C. 400. Concerning earlier periods, he was, aside from the Old Testament, practically without records that could claim contemporaneousness with the events recorded. But, one hundred years ago, men had commenced to test every statement, be it historical, or scientific, or theological, by severe canons of criticism, and if it could not stand …
Frederick Carl Eiselen—The Christian View of the Old Testament Gihon, the Same with the Fountain of Siloam.
I. In 1 Kings 1:33,38, that which is, in the Hebrew, "Bring ye Solomon to Gihon: and they brought him to Gihon"; is rendered by the Chaldee, "Bring ye him to Siloam: and they brought him to Siloam." Where Kimchi thus; "Gihon is Siloam, and it is called by a double name. And David commanded, that they should anoint Solomon at Gihon for a good omen, to wit, that, as the waters of the fountain are everlasting, so might his kingdom be." So also the Jerusalem writers; "They do not anoint the king, but …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The History Books
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Assyrian idol-god] Thus little by little the Book of God grew, and the people He had chosen to be its guardians took their place among the nations. A small place it was from one point of view! A narrow strip of land, but unique in its position as one of the highways of the world, on which a few tribes were banded together. All around great empires watched them with eager eyes; the powerful kings of Assyria, Egypt, and Babylonia, the learned Greeks, and, in later times, …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 18:37 NIV2 Kings 18:37 NLT2 Kings 18:37 ESV2 Kings 18:37 NASB2 Kings 18:37 KJV
2 Kings 18:37 Commentaries
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