II Kings 20
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Set thine house in order - It appears from the text that he was smitten with such a disorder as must terminate in death, without the miraculous interposition of God: and he is now commanded to set his house in order, or to give charge concerning his house; to dispose of his affairs, or in other words, to make his will; because his death was at hand. "This sickness," says Jarchi, "took place three days before the defeat of Sennacherib." That it must have been before this defeat, is evident. Hezekiah reigned only twenty-nine years, Kg2 18:2. He had reigned fourteen years when the war with Sennacherib began, Kg2 18:13, and he reigned fifteen years after this sickness, Kg2 20:6; therefore 14+15=29, the term of his reign. Nothing can be clearer than this, that Hezekiah had reigned fourteen years before this time; and that he did live the fifteen years here promised. That Hezekiah's sickness happened before the destruction of Sennacherib's army, is asserted by the text itself: see Kg2 20:6.
Open source ↗HEZEKIAH'S LIFE LENGTHENED. (Kg2 20:1-7) In those days was Hezekiah sick--As his reign lasted twenty-nine years (Kg2 18:2), and his kingdom was invaded in the fourteenth (Kg2 18:13), it is evident that this sudden and severe illness must have occurred in the very year of the Syrian invasion. Between the threatened attack and the actual appearance of the enemy, this incident in Hezekiah's history must have taken place. But according to the usage of the sacred historian, the story of Sennacherib is completed before entering on what was personal to the king of Judah (see also Isa. 37:36-38:1). Set thine house in order--Isaiah, being of the blood royal, might have access to the king's private house. But since the prophet was commissioned to make this announcement, the message must be considered as referring to matters of higher importance than the settlement of the king's domestic and private affairs. It must have related chiefly to the state of his kingdom, he having not as yet any son (compare Kg2 20:6 with Kg2 21:1). for thou shall die, and not live--The disease was of a malignant character and would be mortal in its effects, unless the healing power of God should miraculously interpose.
Open source ↗In these days was Hezekiah sick unto death,.... Of this sickness of Hezekiah, the message of the prophet Isaiah to him, and his prayer upon it; see Gill on Isa 38:1; see Gill on Isa 38:2; see Gill on Isa 38:3. . 2 Kings 20:4 kg2 20:4 kg2 20:4 kg2 20:4And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court,.... Of the king's palace, which is called the other court within the porch, Kg1 7:8 so it is according to the marginal reading, which we follow; but the textual reading is, "the middle city"; Jerusalem was divided into three parts, and this was the middle part Isaiah was entering into: but before he did, so it was: that the word of the Lord came to him, saying; as follows.
Open source ↗Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery. - Compare the parallel account in Isa 38 with Hezekiah's psalm of thanksgiving for his recovery (Isa 38:9-20 of Isaiah). Kg2 20:1-2 "In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death." By the expression "in those days" the illness of Hezekiah is merely assigned in a general manner to the same time as the events previously described. That it did not occur after the departure of the Assyrians, but at the commencement of the invasion of Sennacherib, i.e., in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign, is evident from Kg2 20:6, namely, both from the fact that in answer to his prayer fifteen years more of life were promised him, and that he nevertheless reigned only twenty-nine years (Kg2 18:2), and also from the fact that God promised to deliver him out of the hand of the Assyrians and to defend Jerusalem. The widespread notion that his sickness was an attack of plague, and was connected with the pestilence which had broken out in the Assyrian camp, is thereby deprived of its chief support, apart from the fact that the epithet (שׁחין (Kg2 20:7), which is applied to the sickness, does not indicate pestilence. Isaiah then called upon him to set his house in order. לביתך צו: set thy house in order, lit., command or order with regard to thy house, not declare thy (last) will to thy family (Ges., Knob.), for צוּה is construed with the accus. pers. in the sense of commanding anything, whereas here ל is synonymous with אל (Sa2 17:23). "For thou wilt die and not live;" i.e., thy sickness is to death, namely, without the miraculous help of God. Sickness to death in the very prime of life (Hezekiah was then in the fortieth year of his age) appeared to the godly men of the Old Testament a sign of divine displeasure. Hezekiah was therefore greatly agitated by thi…
Open source ↗The historian, having shown us blaspheming Sennacherib destroyed in the midst of the prospects of life, here shows us praying Hezekiah delivered in the midst of the prospects of death - the days of the former shortened, of the latter prolonged. I. Here is Hezekiah's sickness. In those days, that is, in the same year in which the king of Assyria besieged Jerusalem; for he reigning reigned? in all twenty-nine years, and surviving this fifteen years, this must be in his fourteenth year, and so was that, Kg2 18:13. Some think it was at the time that the Assyrian army was besieging the city or preparing for it, because God promises (Kg2 20:6): I will defend the city, which promise was afterwards repeated, when the danger came to be most imminent, Kg2 19:34. Others think it was soon after the defeat of Sennacherib; and then it shows us the uncertainty of all our comforts in this world. Hezekiah, in the midst of his triumphs in the favour of God, and over the forces of his enemies, is seized with sickness, and under the arrest of death. We must therefore always rejoice with trembling. It should seem he was sick of the plague, for we read of the boil or plague-sore, Kg2 20:7. The same disease which was killing to the Assyrians was trying to him; God took it from him, and put it upon his enemies. Neither greatness nor goodness can exempt us from sickness, from sore and mortal sicknesses. Hezekiah, lately favoured of heaven above most men, yet is sick unto death - in the midst of his days (under forty) and yet sick and dying; and perhaps he was the more apprehensive of its being fatal to him because his father died when he was about his age, two or three years younger. "In the midst of life we are in death." II. Warning brought him to prepare for death. It is brought by Isaiah, w…
Open source ↗20:1-19 About that time: This general time reference indicates that the order of events is thematic rather than chronological. The episode concerning Merodach-baladan (20:12-19), whom Sennacherib had driven from Babylon before 701 BC, happened earlier than the events of chs 18–19 but after Hezekiah’s illness (20:12). 20:1 Since Isaiah was already active in Hezekiah’s reign before Sennacherib moved to take Jerusalem, he was readily available to the king during that emergency (19:2). • Set your affairs in order: Hezekiah’s illness was terminal.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites חָלָה (châlâh, H2470) — properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or… מוּת (mûwth, H4191) — to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… אָמוֹץ (ʼÂmôwts, H531) — Amots, an Israelite בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) צָוָה (tsâvâh, H6680) — (intensively) to constitute, enjoin חָיָה (châyâh, H2421) — to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Open source ↗סָבַב (çâbab, H5437) — to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… קִיר (qîyr, H7023) — a wall (as built in a trench) פָּלַל (pâlal, H6419) — to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ, H577) — oh now! יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God זָכַר (zâkar, H2142) — properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention;… הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) פָּנִים (pânîym, H6440) — the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and… אֶמֶת (ʼemeth, H571) — stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness שָׁלֵם (shâlêm, H8003) — complete (literally or figuratively); especially friendly לֵבָב (lêbâb, H3824) — the heart (as the most interior organ); עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… עַיִן (ʻayin, H5869) — an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape) חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites בָּכָה (bâkâh, H1058) — to weep; generally to bemoan בְּכִי (Bᵉkîy, H1065) — a weeping; by analogy, a dripping
Open source ↗יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites יָצָא (yâtsâʼ, H3318) — to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and… תִּיכוֹן (tîykôwn, H8484) — central חָצֵר (châtsêr, H2691) — a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls) עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude)
Open source ↗שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites נָגִיד (nâgîyd, H5057) — a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally… עַם (ʻam, H5971) — a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God אֱלֹהִים (ʼĕlôhîym, H430) — gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with… דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse אָב (ʼâb, H1) — father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… תְּפִלָּה (tᵉphillâh, H8605) — intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… דִּמְעָה (dimʻâh, H1832) — weeping רָפָא (râphâʼ, H7495) — properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure
Open source ↗יָסַף (yâçaph, H3254) — to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing) יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to… חָמֵשׁ (châmêsh, H2568) — five עָשָׂר (ʻâsâr, H6240) — ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth שָׁנֶה (shâneh, H8141) — a year (as a revolution of time) נָצַל (nâtsal, H5337) — to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense עִיר (ʻîyr, H5892) — a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere… כַּף (kaph, H3709) — the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of… מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king אַשּׁוּר (ʼAshshûwr, H804) — Ashshur, the second son of Shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them… גָּנַן (gânan, H1598) — to hedge about, i.e. (generally) protect עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant דָּוִד (Dâvid, H1732) — David, the youngest son of Jesse
Open source ↗יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) לָקַח (lâqach, H3947) — to take (in the widest variety of applications) דְּבֵלָה (dᵉbêlâh, H1690) — a cake of pressed figs תְּאֵן (tᵉʼên, H8384) — the fig (tree or fruit) שׂוּם (sûwm, H7760) — to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and… שְׁחִין (shᵉchîyn, H7822) — inflammation, i.e. an ulcer חָיָה (châyâh, H2421) — to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Open source ↗חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites אוֹת (ʼôwth, H226) — a signal (literally or figuratively), as aflag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God רָפָא (râphâʼ, H7495) — properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure עָלָה (ʻâlâh, H5927) — to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) שְׁלִישִׁי (shᵉlîyshîy, H7992) — third; feminine athird (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a… יוֹם (yôwm, H3117) — a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to…
Open source ↗יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אוֹת (ʼôwth, H226) — a signal (literally or figuratively), as aflag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy,… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God עָשָׂה (ʻâsâh, H6213) — to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… צֵל (tsêl, H6738) — shade, whether literal or figurative הָלַךְ (hâlak, H1980) — to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, H6235) — ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits) מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh, H4609) — elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought… שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not…
Open source ↗יְחִזְקִיָּה (Yᵉchizqîyâh, H3169) — Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) קָלַל (qâlal, H7043) — to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively… צֵל (tsêl, H6738) — shade, whether literal or figurative נָטָה (nâṭâh, H5186) — to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used… עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, H6235) — ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits) מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh, H4609) — elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought… שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… אֲחֹרַנִּית (ʼăchôrannîyth, H322) — backwards
Open source ↗יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man קָרָא (qârâʼ, H7121) — to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God שׁוּב (shûwb, H7725) — to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not… צֵל (tsêl, H6738) — shade, whether literal or figurative עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, H6235) — ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits) מַעֲלָה (maʻălâh, H4609) — elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought… אֲחֹרַנִּית (ʼăchôrannîyth, H322) — backwards יָרַד (yârad, H3381) — to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the… אָחָז (ʼÂchâz, H271) — Achaz, the name of a Jewish king and of an Israelite
Open source ↗עֵת (ʻêth, H6256) — time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc. בְּרֹאדַךְ בַּלְאֲדָן (Bᵉrôʼdak Balʼădân, H1255) — Berodak-Baladan, a Babylonian king בֵּן (bên, H1121) — a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative… בַּלְאֲדָן (Balʼădân, H1081) — Baladan, the name of a Babylonian prince מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king בָּבֶל (Bâbel, H894) — Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire שָׁלַח (shâlach, H7971) — to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications) סֵפֶר (çêpher, H5612) — properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually… חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… חָלָה (châlâh, H2470) — properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or…
Open source ↗חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites שָׁמַע (shâmaʻ, H8085) — to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively,… רָאָה (râʼâh, H7200) — to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied,… בַּיִת (bayith, H1004) — a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.) נְכֹת (nᵉkôth, H5238) — spicery, i.e. (generally) valuables כֶּסֶף (keçeph, H3701) — silver (from its pale color); by implication, money זָהָב (zâhâb, H2091) — gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky בֶּשֶׂם (besem, H1314) — fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant טוֹב (ṭôwb, H2896) — good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the… שֶׁמֶן (shemen, H8081) — grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness כְּלִי (kᵉlîy, H3627) — something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon) מָצָא (mâtsâʼ, H4672) — properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or… אוֹצָר (ʼôwtsâr, H214) — a depository דָּבָר (dâbâr, H1697) — a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Open source ↗בּוֹא (bôwʼ, H935) — to go or come (in a wide variety of applications) יְשַׁעְיָה (Yᵉshaʻyâh, H3470) — Jeshajah, the name of seven Israelites נָבִיא (nâbîyʼ, H5030) — a prophet or (generally) inspired man מֶלֶךְ (melek, H4428) — a king חִזְקִיָּה (Chizqîyâh, H2396) — Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites אָמַר (ʼâmar, H559) — to say (used with great latitude) אֱנוֹשׁ (ʼĕnôwsh, H582) — a man in general (singly or collectively) אַיִן (ʼayin, H370) — where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence) רָחוֹק (râchôwq, H7350) — remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used… אֶרֶץ (ʼerets, H776) — the earth (at large, or partitively a land) בָּבֶל (Bâbel, H894) — Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire
Open source ↗Cross-references
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He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria.
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz