2 Kings 18:9-10 (NKJV) 9 Now it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea the son of Elah, king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it. 10 And at the end of three years they took it…
It is important to understand that Israel and Judah were two separate kingdoms. Hezekiah was the king of Judah.
In yesterday’s scripture, the prophet Isaiah had reassured king Hezekiah that he need not fear the king of Assyria, an ungodly nation, and the threats that he had made against Judah.
It must be noted that Hezekiah was a good king. He honored God in all he did.
2 Kings 18:5 (NKJV) 5 He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him.
In the opening verses, Assyria had marched against Samaria (in Israel), laying siege to the city. And after three years, they had overtaken that city and gained control of it.
Ultimately, Israel fell. And its people were exiled to Assyria.
God allowed this to happen because of Israel’s disobedience, which is referenced in these verses:
2 Kings 18:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Then the king of Assyria carried Israel away captive to Assyria, and put them in Halah and by the Habor, the River of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, but transgressed His covenant and all that Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded; and they would neither hear nor do them.
Approximately 14 years later, Sennacherib, the newest king of Assyria, came up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took control of them.
Sennacherib then sent his diplomats to deliver a message to king Hezekiah, warning him not to resist further advances by Assyria’s army. And he assessed a levee against Hezekiah, demanding what was known as a tribute payment to prevent further military action against the nation of Judah.
We will continue tomorrow!
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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