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2 Kings 18–19: Righteous King Hezekiah

“2 Kings 18–19: Righteous King Hezekiah,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 116–17

“2 Kings 18–19,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 116–17

2 Kings 18–19

Righteous King Hezekiah

At the time Assyria was conquering Israel, Hezekiah became king in Judah. He was able to lead the people toward increased righteousness, perhaps because they saw what was happening to Israel and feared the threat of the Assyrians to their own nation. As often happens to those who turn from sin to righteousness, however, Hezekiah and Israel had their commitment tested. For example, when a person who hasn’t paid tithing begins paying it, there may come a month when it doesn’t look like he or she can afford to pay a full tithe. The person may have to ask, “Can I trust the Lord enough to go ahead and pay my tithing and trust that He will bless me in whatever way I need?” Read Ether 12:6. Note the way the Lord has directed us to follow in such challenging times.

Hezekiah and his kingdom’s trial of faith is told about in 2 Kings 18–19. As you read, consider how you would feel if you were in Hezekiah’s situation, both during and after this trial of faith.

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study 2 Kings 18–19.

  1. A Formula for Success

    How does 2 Kings 18:1–8 illustrate the truth of Proverbs 3:5–6?

  2. In Your Own Words

    Summarize the story found in 2 Kings 18–19 by writing in your own words:

    1. What Rab-shakeh said to Hezekiah’s servants (see 2 Kings 18:19–35).

    2. Hezekiah’s reaction to the Rab-shakeh’s words (see 2 Kings 19:1–5).

    3. Isaiah’s message to Hezekiah (see 2 Kings 19:6–7).

    4. What Isaiah said to Hezekiah in response to Hezekiah’s prayer (see 2 Kings 19:20–34).

    5. What happened to the Assyrians (see 2 Kings 19:35–37).

  3. How Does It Happen Today?

    What lesson could modern-day Israelites learn from the story in 2 Kings 18–19? As you write, consider the following questions: In what ways do you feel like you are in the position of Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem? Does it take faith to believe that some of the things the prophets tell us will actually come to pass? How does the story of Hezekiah in these two chapters relate to Ether 12:6?