Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as well as for his political and military activities. The Bible provides insight into the key figures who served in Hezekiah's administration, often referred to as his "cabinet."

Key Figures in Hezekiah's Cabinet:

1. Eliakim son of Hilkiah · Eliakim served as the palace administrator, a position of high authority and responsibility. He is mentioned in 2 Kings 18:18, where he is described as being over the household, indicating his role as a chief steward or prime minister. Eliakim was a trusted advisor and played a crucial role during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible states, "When they called for the king, Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder, went out to them."

2. Shebna the Scribe · Shebna held the position of scribe, which involved being a secretary or recorder, responsible for official documents and correspondence. His role is highlighted in 2 Kings 18:18 and Isaiah 22:15-19, where he is rebuked by the prophet Isaiah for his pride and self-aggrandizement. Isaiah prophesied that Shebna would be removed from his office, indicating a shift in Hezekiah's cabinet.

3. Joah son of Asaph · Joah served as the recorder, a role that involved chronicling events and maintaining official records. He is mentioned alongside Eliakim and Shebna in 2 Kings 18:18, indicating his involvement in diplomatic and administrative matters during Hezekiah's reign.

4. Isaiah the Prophet · While not a member of the cabinet in the administrative sense, Isaiah played a significant advisory role during Hezekiah's reign. His prophecies and counsel were instrumental in guiding the king through political and spiritual challenges. Isaiah's interactions with Hezekiah are recorded in several passages, including Isaiah 37, where he reassures the king of God's deliverance from the Assyrian threat.

5. Azariah the High Priest · Although not explicitly mentioned as part of the cabinet, the high priest held a significant religious position during Hezekiah's reign. Azariah, as the high priest, would have been involved in the king's religious reforms, which included the restoration of temple worship and the celebration of the Passover as described in 2 Chronicles 29-31.

Hezekiah's Reforms and Administration:

Hezekiah's reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of idolatrous practices introduced by his predecessors. His administration was characterized by efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and politically. The king's reliance on trusted officials and advisors was crucial in implementing these reforms and in navigating the challenges posed by external threats, particularly from the Assyrian Empire.

The cabinet of Hezekiah reflects a blend of administrative, religious, and prophetic influences, highlighting the importance of wise counsel and faithful leadership in the governance of Judah.Isaiah 36:3
Then came forth to him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder.
Nave's Topical Index

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Faucher-Gudin, from a cast of the Medic intaglio in the Cabinet des Medailles. ... On
the death of Hezekiah, his successor, Manasseh, had, as we know, been tempted ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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