2 Kings 18:1

CHAPTER XVIII

Hezekiah begins to reign; he removes the high places, breaks to

pieces the brazen serpent, and walks uprightly before God, 1-6.

He endeavours to shake off the Assyrian yoke, and defeats the

Philistines, 7, 8.

Shalmaneser comes up against Samaria, takes it, and carries the

people away into captivity, 9-12.

And then comes against Judah, and takes all the fenced cities,

13.

Hezekiah sends a message to him at Lachish to desist, with the

promise that he will pay him any tribute he chooses to impose;

in consequence of which Shalmaneser exacts three hundred

talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold; to pay which

Hezekiah is obliged to take all his own treasures, and those

belonging to the temple, 14-16.

The king of Assyria sends, notwithstanding, a great host against

Jerusalem; and his general, Rab-shakeh, delivers an insulting

and blasphemous message to Hezekiah, 17-35.

Hezekiah and his people are greatly afflicted at the words of

Rab-shakeh, 36, 37.

NOTES ON CHAP. XVIII

Verse 2 Kings 18:1. Now - in the third year of Hoshea] See the note on 2 Kings 16:1, where this chronology is considered.