2 Kings 18 Commentary

Hezekiah becomes king of Judah during the third year of Hoshea, king of Israel to the north. Hezekiah of Judah was 25 when he received the throne, and reigned for nearly thirty years in Jerusalem. He was as righteous a king as the revered David his predecessor. Hezekiah reformed Judah by destroying every place of idol-worship in the kingdom. He trusted in God, followed Him, and kept His commandments.

God blesses King Hezekiah’s efforts. The Judean king wins battles against the Philistines in Gaza and ceases to send tribute to Assyria. To the north, Assyria captures Israel’s capital, Samaria, after a three-year siege and enslaves the Israelites.

On the heels of several military victories, Sennacherib the King of Assyria sends his trusted advisor “The Rabshakeh” (the chief cup-bearer) to Jerusalem with the intention of convincing its king, Hezekiah, and its inhabitants to surrender out of fear.

Rabshakeh, who is the spokesperson for Sennacherib king of Assyria begins his speech outside of Jerusalem. His speech includes fearmongering, lies, and other Assyrian propaganda aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender without a fight.

Rabshakeh finishes his propaganda campaign of fearmongering aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender to the king of Assyria.