“After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself. to win: Heb. to break them up”
Cross references: : 2 Kings 18:13 ; Isa. 30:1 Hebrew, break them up .
“Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. darts: or, swords, or, weapons”
Hebrew, he was strengthened. He made a double wall. Read 2 Sam. 5:9 . Some read, swords or daggers.
“And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying, spake: Heb. he spoke to their heart”
Hebrew, he spake to their heart .
“With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. rested: Heb. leaned”
This declareth that Hezekiah did ever put his trust in God, and yet made himself strong and used lawful means, lest he should seem to tempt God. That is, the power of man.
“After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying, power: Heb. dominion”
While he besieged Lachish. 2 Kings 18:17
“Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?”
Thus the wicked put no difference between true religion and false, God and idols: for Hezekiah only destroyed idolatry, and placed true religion. Thus the Papists slander the servants of God: for when they destroy idolatry, they say that they abolish religion.
“Who was there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?”
This is his blasphemy, that he will compare the living God to vile idols.
“Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?”
When man hath prosperity, he swelleth in pride, and thinketh himself able to resist and overcome even God himself.
“And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah.”
Herein we see that when the wicked speak evil of the servants of God, they care not to blaspheme God himself: for if they feared God, they would love his servants.
“Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.”
Their words are written, 2 Kings 18:19 .
“And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man.”
Which were invented, made and authorized by man.
“And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.”
This showeth what is the best refuge in all troubles and dangers.
“And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. slew: Heb. made him fall”
To the number of an hundred fourscore and five thousand, as 2 Kings 19:35 , 36 . Hebrew, with shame of face. Meaning, Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons.
“And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth. presents: Heb. precious things”
Thus after trouble God sendeth comfort to all them that patiently wait on him, and constantly put their trust in his mercies.
“In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. gave: or, wrought a miracle for him”
To confirm his faith in God’s promise, who declared to him by his Prophet that his life should be prolonged fifteen years. 2 Kings 20:1 ; Isa. 38:1
“But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.”
He was lifted up with the pride of his victory and treasures, and showeth them for an ostentation to the ambassadors of Babylon.
“Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.”
Or, ranges and partitions. Or, racks.
“This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.”
Which also was called Shiloah [Siloam], whereof mention is made, Isa. 8:6 ; John 9:7 .
“Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. ambassadors: Heb. interpreters”
Here we see the cause, why the faithful are tempted, which is to try whether they have faith or no, and that they may feel the presence of God, who suffereth them not to be overcome by tentations, but in their weakness ministereth strength.