2 Kings 20 The Siege of Samaria

1 Hezekiah’s Illness
In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”

2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,

3 “Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him:

5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord.

6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”

7 Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered.

8 Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the Lord on the third day from now?”

9 Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?”

10 “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.”

11 Then the prophet Isaiah called upon the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.

12 Envoys From Babylon
At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of Hezekiah’s illness.

13 Hezekiah received the messengers and showed them all that was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine oil—his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.

14 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, “What did those men say, and where did they come from?”
“From a distant land,” Hezekiah replied. “They came from Babylon.”

15 The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?”
“They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”

16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord:

17 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.

18 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, that will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

19 “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?”

20 As for the other events of Hezekiah’s reign, all his achievements and how he made the pool and the tunnel by which he brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah?

21 Hezekiah rested with his fathers. And Manasseh his son succeeded him as king.

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Analysis of 2 Kings Chapter 20

2 Kings Chapter 20 is a fascinating and deeply significant chapter in the Old Testament that recaps the severe illness of King Hezekiah, his remarkable healing, and the subsequent events that followed. This chapter integrates themes of faith, prayer, divine intervention, human frailty, and the complexities of political interactions. The chapter is split into three main sections: Hezekiah’s illness and recovery, the sign of the sundial, and Hezekiah’s interactions with the Babylonian envoys.

Hezekiah’s Illness and Healing (Verses 1-11)

The chapter begins with King Hezekiah gravely ill and at the point of death. Isaiah the prophet brings a message from God that Hezekiah must set his house in order because he will not recover. This announcement signifies a decree of divine will and indicates the gravity of Hezekiah’s condition.

Verses 1-3: Hezekiah’s Reaction and Prayer

Upon receiving the news of his imminent death, Hezekiah does not resign himself to fate. Instead, he turns his face to the wall and prays to the Lord, recalling his faithful service and dedication. Hezekiah’s response underscores his close relationship with God and belief in the power of sincere, heartfelt prayer. His prayer is earnest and emotional, as evidenced by his tears.

Interpretation: This section emphasizes the importance of turning to God in times of distress. Hezekiah’s reaction serves as an example of genuine faith and reliance on divine mercy. It also illustrates the human aspect of kingship and leadership, highlighting that even powerful figures are vulnerable and dependent on God’s grace.

Verses 4-7: Divine Response and Healing

Before Isaiah leaves the middle court, God responds to Hezekiah’s prayer. Through Isaiah, God declares that Hezekiah’s life will be extended by fifteen years. Furthermore, God promises to deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. Isaiah then instructs Hezekiah’s attendants to apply a poultice of figs to the boil, resulting in Hezekiah’s recovery.

Interpretation: This divine intervention signifies God’s willingness to alter the course of events in response to sincere prayer and repentance. The specificity of the fifteen-year extension reveals God’s control over life and destiny. The use of a poultice indicates that God’s healing often works through natural means, integrating the divine and human efforts in the process of recovery.

Verses 8-11: The Sign of the Sundial

Hezekiah asks for a sign to confirm God’s promise of healing. Isaiah offers him a choice: should the shadow on the sundial move forward ten steps or backward ten steps? Hezekiah opts for the latter, viewing the backward movement as a more extraordinary sign. God grants this miraculous sign, causing the shadow to regress ten steps.

Interpretation: The sign of the sundial symbolizes God’s control over time and nature. It serves as a divine reassurance to Hezekiah and reinforces the authenticity of Isaiah’s prophecy. This event highlights God’s omnipotence and willingness to provide tangible signs to bolster the faith of His servants.

Hezekiah’s Interaction with the Babylonian Envoys (Verses 12-19)

Following his recovery, Hezekiah receives envoys from Babylon. This section reveals significant political dynamics and prophetic insight into future events.

Verses 12-15: The Babylonian Envoys

Merodach-Baladan, king of Babylon, sends letters and a gift to Hezekiah upon hearing of his recovery. Hezekiah, in turn, shows them all his treasures and armory. This display of wealth and military resources illustrates Hezekiah’s pride and possibly a desire to impress the Babylonian envoys.

Interpretation: Hezekiah’s actions indicate a lapse in judgment. Despite his previous demonstration of faith, he now seeks validation through material wealth and political alliances. This behavior contrasts starkly with his earlier display of humility and dependence on God.

Verses 16-19: Isaiah’s Prophecy

Isaiah confronts Hezekiah about the visit from the envoys. Upon learning that Hezekiah showed them everything, Isaiah delivers a sobering prophecy: all the treasures and resources displayed will eventually be carried off to Babylon, and some of Hezekiah’s descendants will become eunuchs in the Babylonian court.

Interpretation: This prophecy foreshadows the Babylonian exile and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride and reliance on worldly power. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God over nations and the unfolding of historical events according to divine will.

Verse 19: Hezekiah’s Response

Hezekiah accepts Isaiah’s prophecy but remarks that the judgment is favorable because it will not occur in his lifetime. This response reveals a certain degree of self-centeredness, as Hezekiah seems relieved that the calamity will not affect him directly.

Interpretation: Hezekiah’s response reflects a human tendency to prioritize immediate comfort over long-term consequences. Despite his faith, Hezekiah exhibits a flawed human nature, underscoring the complexity of biblical characters.

Summary and Reflection

2 Kings Chapter 20 provides a profound narrative that intertwines personal faith, divine intervention, and political complexities. It highlights Hezekiah as a multifaceted individual, showcasing his deep faith and piety, as well as his human vulnerabilities and lapses in judgment.

The chapter begins with a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and the compassion of God. Hezekiah’s heartfelt plea exemplifies the importance of turning to God in times of crisis, and God’s immediate and miraculous response affirms His readiness to hear and answer sincere prayers.

The miraculous sign of the sundial serves as a divine reassurance, demonstrating God’s control over time and nature. This event not only strengthens Hezekiah’s faith but also serves as a powerful witness to future generations about God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

However, the chapter also delves into themes of pride and the repercussions of misplaced trust. Hezekiah’s decision to showcase his wealth and military strength to the Babylonian envoys reveals a momentary shift in his reliance, moving away from divine dependency towards a more worldly approach. This lapse in judgment results in a prophetic declaration of future calamity, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of pride and the importance of maintaining humility and trust in God.

In conclusion, 2 Kings Chapter 20 offers a rich tapestry of lessons and reflections for readers. It encourages a deepened faith and reliance on God, underscores the importance of humility, and provides a prophetic glimpse into the future that demonstrates God’s ultimate control over history.

Understanding the Key Messages in 2 Kings 20: Insights and Explanation

The king of Aram besieged Samaria and caused a severe famine in the city. The people suffered greatly and resorted to cannibalism. Elisha prophesied that the next day, there would be an abundance of food, and it happened as he said. The king's officer, who doubted Elisha's words, was trampled to death in the rush to get food. Despite this temporary relief, Samaria remained under siege from Aram.

Notes

This chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God's prophet, Elisha, in the midst of a desperate situation.