College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
2 Kings 18 - Introduction
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Three Chapter s of Kings are devoted to the reign of good King Hezekiah. After a somewhat lengthy introduction to the reign of this king (2 Kings 18:1-12), the author discusses a political crisis (2 Kings 18:13 to 2 Kings 19:37) and a personal crisis (2 Kings 20:1-19) during which Hezekiah manifested exemplary faith. A brief and stereotyped conclusion brings the discussion of this reign to a conclusion (2 Kings 20:20-21). The theme throughout these Chapter s is that of tiny Judah attempting to extricate itself from the shackles of tributary allegiance to mighty Assyria.
REVIEW OF CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
I. FACTS TO MASTER
A. Identify each of the following:
1. Abi
7. Rabsaris
13. Esarhaddon
2. Nehushtan
8. Rab-shakeh
14. Nisroch
3. Shalmaneser
9. Eliakim
15. Adram-melech
4. Sennacherib
10. Shebna
16. Berodach-baladan
5. Hezekiah
11. Joah
17. Sharezer
6. Tartan
12: Tirhakah
B. Of what significance are each of the following places?
1. Gaza
7. Egypt
13. Libnah
2. Samaria
8. Hamath
14. Ethiopia
3. Halah
9. Arpad
15. Lebanon
4. Habor
10. Sepharvaim
16. Carmel
5. River Gozan
11. Hena
17. Armenia
6. Lachish
12. Ivah
18. Babylon
C. Of what significance was each of the following?
1. a pool
6. figs
2. a conduit
7. cherubim
3. letters and a present
8. bronze serpent
4. sundial
9. bruised reed
5. boil (sore)
10. a letter
D. How do the following numbers fit into the narrative?
1. Fifteen years
2. Third day
3. Ten degrees (steps)
4. Three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold
5. Two thousand horses
II. QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.
The sixth year of Hezekiah was the ninth year of Hoshea (2 Kings 18:10)that is, 722 B.C. But in the fourteenth year of Hezekiahwhich must be 701 B.C.Sennacherib invaded Judah (2 Kings 18:13). How would you explain this chronological discrepancy?
2.
In what way does the Assyrian account of Sennacherib's invasion supplement the Biblical account? What problems are raised by the secular account?
3.
Why do some scholars feel that Sennacherib must have invaded Judah twice? Is this reconstruction necessary?
4.
For what purpose did Sennacherib send his officers to the walls of Jerusalem? Why did they deliver their ultimatum in Hebrew rather than Aramaic, the language of diplomacy?
5.
What are the major arguments put forth by Rab-shakeh to induce the Jews to surrender?
6.
What position did Isaiah take with regard to the invasion of Sennacherib in 701 B.C.
7.
On what occasions did Hezekiah pray? Why did he on one occasion spread the letter of the Assyrian king be fore the Lord?
8.
Two signs were granted to Hezekiah. What were they? How did these signs differ from one another?
9.
How did the Assyrian threat against Judah come to an end? What is the chronological relationship between the decimation of the Assyrian army and the death of Sennacherib?
10.
Why did God reveal to Hezekiah that he would die of illness? Besides the natural desire to live, what other factors contributed to Hezekiah's earnest prayer regarding his illness?
11.
Chronologically, when did Hezekiah's illness occur?
12.
If you knew you had only fifteen more years to live, how would you reorder your life? How did Hezekiah use his fifteen grace years?
13.
For what purpose did Isaiah order a lump of figs to be put on Hezekiah's sore?
14.
Why did Hezekiah ask for a sign to verify the promise of his speedy recovery? Is it wrong for believers to ask for miraculous signs from God?
15.
How was it that the shadow on the sundial went back ten steps? What evidence is there that the effects of this miracle were observable only in Palestine?
16.
What motivated the king of Babylon to send an embassy to Hezekiah? Why did Hezekiah show these visitors all his treasures?
17.
How was Hezekiah rebuked for his indiscretion with regard to the Babylonians?
18.
Why did Hezekiah regard the negative prophecy of Isaiah as good? 2 Kings 20:19
19.
Describe the water tunnel constructed during the reign of Hezekiah.