After the declarations of the Lord against Assyria and their king, Sennacherib still stood ready to attack Judah and their king Hezekiah. During the night, however, the Angel of the Lord went out and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, and their fellow warriors found their corpses the next morning. At this sign, Sennacherib went home to … Continue reading The End of Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35 – 37)
Sennacherib in a Staredown with the Lord (2 Kings 19:8 – 34)
The Rabshakeh (one of Assyria's chief officers) went back to the king, Sennacherib, because he heard the king was in battle. When he did, the king sent him back to Hezekiah, king of Judah, with another threatening letter, outlining all the nations that he had defeated, and declaring that Hezekiah's God could not help him. … Continue reading Sennacherib in a Staredown with the Lord (2 Kings 19:8 – 34)
Sennacherib of Assyria Attempts to Extort Judah(2 Kings 18:17 – 19:7)
The King of Assyria, Sennacherib, sent some of his chief officers to Judah to mock Judah's military strength, their dependence on Egypt for support, and their God's ability to deliver them. The three leaders met with three of Judah's leaders, and the Assyrians spoke in Hebrew to try intimidating the Jews on the wall of … Continue reading Sennacherib of Assyria Attempts to Extort Judah(2 Kings 18:17 – 19:7)
Israel Resettled, Hezekiah Reigns in Judah (2 Kings 17:24 – 18:16; 2 Chronicles 29-31)
The king of Assyria sent people to settle Samaria in place of the Israelires. When they first went there, they did not fear the Lord, so He sent lions among them and killed some of them. They blamed the deaths on not knowing the rituals of the God of the land, so the king sent … Continue reading Israel Resettled, Hezekiah Reigns in Judah (2 Kings 17:24 – 18:16; 2 Chronicles 29-31)
The Capture and Captivity of Israel (2 Kings 17:1 – 3; 2 Chronicles 28)
Hoshea became king in Israel after Pekah, and reigned nine years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, but not to the degree of the kings before him. Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him, and forced Hoshea to be his vassal, paying tribute regularly. Hoshea sent word to So, king of … Continue reading The Capture and Captivity of Israel (2 Kings 17:1 – 3; 2 Chronicles 28)
Jotham and Ahaz in Judah (2 Kings 15:32 – 16:20)
Jotham took the throne when his father, Uzziah (Azariah), died. He reigned sixteen years, and did what was right in the sight of the Lord. He built the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord. During his reign, Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel came against Judah. Jotham died, and Ahaz--his son--reigned in … Continue reading Jotham and Ahaz in Judah (2 Kings 15:32 – 16:20)
Pekah’s Losses (2 Kings 15:27 – 31)
The cycle of assassination and intrigue continues as Pekah takes the throne from Pekahiah in Israel. Pekah also continues the reign of evil, following in the sins of Jeroboam. This pattern led to more loss , and eventually Pekah's assassination. Tiglath-Pileser of Assyria took eight cities or territories, and captives away to Assyria. Not long … Continue reading Pekah’s Losses (2 Kings 15:27 – 31)
Menahem’s Cowardice (2 Kings 15:17 – 26)
After Menahem killed Shallum, he became king over Israel in Samaria. He reigned ten years, and was evil in the sight of the Lord. During the course of his reign, Pul, King of Assyria, came against Israel, and Menahem paid him off with ten thousand pieces of silver, which he took from the wealthy people … Continue reading Menahem’s Cowardice (2 Kings 15:17 – 26)
Zechariah and Shallum (2 Kings 15:8 – 16; 2 Chronicles 26 – 27)
After Jeroboam II died, his son Zechariah reigned in his place for six months in Israel (Samaria). He was evil just like his father and other ancestors. Shallum conspired against him and killed him in front of the people and reigned in his place. Jehu had been promised that four generations would follow him on … Continue reading Zechariah and Shallum (2 Kings 15:8 – 16; 2 Chronicles 26 – 27)
Jeroboam II and Azariah (2 Kings 14:23 – 15:7)
Jeroboam, son of Joash, took the throne in Israel and reigned forty-one years. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just like his predecessor named Jeroboam. However, he did restore territory to Israel that had been taken by Damascus and Hamath, which fulfilled the prophecy of Jonah. He later died, and his son … Continue reading Jeroboam II and Azariah (2 Kings 14:23 – 15:7)
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