2 Kings 18:18

2 Kings 18:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then they called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.

King James Version KJV

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

American Standard Version ASV

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they sent for the king, and Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to them.

Free Bible Version FBV

They called for the king. Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, the palace manager, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah, son of Asaph, the record-keeper, went out to speak with them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And called to the King. Then came out to them Eliakim the sonne of Hilkiah, which was steward of the house, and Shebnah the chanceller, and Ioah the sonne of Asaph the recorder.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And they call unto the king, and go out unto them doth Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who [is] over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the remembrancer.

World English Bible WEB

When they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came out to them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they called for the king: and there went out to them Eliacim the son of Helcias who was over the house, and Sobna the scribe, and Joahe the son of Asaph the recorder.

Translation for Translators T4T

They sent a message requesting King Hezekiah to come to them, but the king sent three of his officials to talk to them. He sent Hilkiah’s son Eliakim, who supervised the palace; Shebna, the official secretary; and Asaph’s son Joah, who communicated the king’s messages to the people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Kings 18:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Kings 18:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙ אֶל הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וַ/יֵּצֵ֧א אֲלֵ/הֶ֛ם אֶלְיָקִ֥ים בֶּן חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל הַ/בָּ֑יִת וְ/שֶׁבְנָה֙ הַ/סֹּפֵ֔ר וְ/יוֹאָ֥ח בֶּן אָסָ֖ף הַ/מַּזְכִּֽיר

וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙ qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

וַ/יֵּצֵ֧א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֲלֵ/הֶ֛ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֶלְיָקִ֥ים ʼElyâqîym H471 Eliakim N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chilqîyâh H2518 Hilkiah N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/בָּ֑יִת bayith H1004 place Art | N-ms

וְ/שֶׁבְנָה֙ Shebnâʼ H7644 Shebna Conj | N-proper

הַ/סֹּפֵ֔ר çâphar H5608 to recount Art | N-ms

וְ/יוֹאָ֥ח Yôwʼâch H3098 Joah Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָסָ֖ף ʼÂçâph H623 Asaph N-proper

הַ/מַּזְכִּֽיר zâkar H2142 to remember Art | V-Hiphil

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Kings 18:18

וַֽ/יִּקְרְאוּ֙ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

וַ/יֵּצֵ֧א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

אֲלֵ/הֶ֛ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

אֶלְיָקִ֥ים ʼElyâqîym H471 "Eliakim" N-proper

Eliakim was a king of Judah during the Divided Monarchy, son of Josiah and Zebidah, and father of Jehoiachin. He is mentioned in 2 Kings 23:34 and Jeremiah 27:1.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.34; son of: Josiah (H2977) and Zebidah (H2080); half-brother of: Jehoahaz (H3059H), Zedekiah (H6667H) and Shallum (H7967J); married to Nehushta (H5179); father of: Jehoiachin (H3078); also called Zedekiah at Jer.27.1; Eliakim at 2Ki.23.34; 1x Another name of ye.ho.ya.qim (יְהוֹיָקִים "Jehoiakim" H3079) § Eliakim = "God raises" or "God sets up" 1) the son of Hilkiah, master of Hezekiah's household 2) Josiah's son, enthroned by Pharaoh 3) a priest who assisted Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Eliakim. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Nehemiah 12:41; Isaiah 22:20.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

חִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ Chilqîyâh H2518 "Hilkiah" N-proper

Hilkiah was a significant Israelite with several roles, including high priest during Josiah's reign and father of Jeremiah. His name means my portion is Jehovah, reflecting his devotion to God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.1.1; brother of: Shallum (H7967R); father of: Jeremiah (H3414L) § Hilkiah = "my portion is Jehovah" 1) father of Eliakim, an officer of Hezekiah 2) high priest in the reign of Josiah 3) a Merarite Levite, son of Amzi 4) another Merarite Levite, 2nd son of Hosah 5) one of those who stood on the right of Ezra when he read the law and probably a Levite and a priest 6) a priest of Anathoth, father of the prophet Jeremiah 7) father of Gemariah who was one of Zedekiah's envoys to Babylon

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Hillkiah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 34:14; Isaiah 22:20.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/בָּ֑יִת bayith H1004 "place" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

וְ/שֶׁבְנָה֙ Shebnâʼ H7644 "Shebna" Conj | N-proper

Shebna was a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court in Judah, mentioned in 2 Kings 18.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.18; also called Shebnah at 2Ki.18.18,26; § Shebna = "vigour" a person of high position in the court of king Hezekiah of Judah; subsequently the secretary of Hezekiah

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Shebna, Shebnah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Isaiah 22:15; Isaiah 36:3.

הַ/סֹּפֵ֔ר çâphar H5608 "to recount" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

וְ/יוֹאָ֥ח Yôwʼâch H3098 "Joah" Conj | N-proper

Joah means Jehovah is brother, the name of four Israelites, including a chronicler to Hezekiah and a doorkeeper in David's time. He is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 29:12. Joah was a common name in biblical times.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ch.29.12b; father of: Eden (H5731A) § Joah = "Jehovah is brother" 1) son of Asaph and chronicler to Hezekiah 2) a Gershonite son or grandson of Zimmah 3) a Korhite, 3rd son of Obed-edom and doorkeeper in the time of David 4) son of Joahaz and chronicler to king Josiah

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Joah. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; 2 Chronicles 29:12; Isaiah 36:3.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

אָסָ֖ף ʼÂçâph H623 "Asaph" N-proper

Asaph means gatherer, the name of several Israelites, including a Levite and the father of Hezekiah's secretary. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:24 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. Asaph was a common name in biblical times.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.24; son of: Korah (H7141I); brother of: Assir (H0617) and Elkanah (H0511); father of: Assir (H0617H) and Kore (H6981); also called Abiasaph at Exo.6.24; Asaph at 1Ch.26.1; Another name of ev.ya.saph (אֶבְיָסָף, אֲבִיאָסָף "Ebiasaph" H0043) § Asaph = "gatherer" 1) the father of Hezekiah's secretary 2) a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David 3) a Persian officer over the royal forest

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asaph. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Ezra 3:10; Psalms 50:1.

הַ/מַּזְכִּֽיר zâkar H2142 "to remember" Art | V-Hiphil

To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.

Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.

Study Notes — 2 Kings 18:18

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Context
Cross References
2 Kings 18:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18
Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:18
Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:18
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18
Sermons on 2 Kings 18:18

Context — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem

16At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. 17Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.

18Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.

19The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? 20You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 19:2	And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
2	Isaiah 36:3	Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him.
3	2 Samuel 8:16–17	Joab son of Zeruiah was over the army; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;
4	2 Chronicles 34:8	Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, in order to cleanse the land and the temple, Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
5	Isaiah 37:2	And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
6	1 Kings 4:3	Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
7	2 Samuel 20:24	Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
8	Isaiah 22:15–24	This is what the Lord GOD of Hosts says: “Go, say to Shebna, the steward in charge of the palace: What are you doing here, and who authorized you to carve out a tomb for yourself here—to chisel your tomb in the height and cut your resting place in the rock? Look, O mighty man! The LORD is about to shake you violently. He will take hold of you, roll you into a ball, and sling you into a wide land. There you will die, and there your glorious chariots will remain—a disgrace to the house of your master. I will remove you from office, and you will be ousted from your position. On that day I will summon My servant, Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I will drive him like a peg into a firm place, and he will be a throne of glory for the house of his father. So they will hang on him the whole burden of his father’s house: the descendants and the offshoots—all the lesser vessels, from bowls to every kind of jar.
9	Isaiah 36:22	Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.

2 Kings 18:18 Summary

[This verse tells us that the king of Assyria sent his representatives to King Hezekiah, and three important men from Judah went out to meet them. This was a big deal because the Assyrians were a powerful and intimidating army, and the people of Judah were likely very afraid. As we read this verse, we can remember that God is always with us, even in scary or uncertain times, as seen in Joshua 1:9 and Matthew 28:20. We can trust in His power and protection, just like King Hezekiah did, and seek to honor Him in all our decisions and actions.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the king of Assyria send his representatives to King Hezekiah?

The king of Assyria sent his representatives to King Hezekiah because Hezekiah had stopped paying tribute to Assyria, and the king of Assyria wanted to assert his dominance over Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 18:7 and 2 Chronicles 32:1.

Who were the three men that went out to meet the Assyrian representatives?

The three men who went out to meet the Assyrian representatives were Eliakim, the palace administrator, Shebnah, the scribe, and Joah, the recorder, as stated in 2 Kings 18:18, and they were likely chosen for their high positions in the kingdom and their ability to negotiate with the Assyrians.

What was the significance of the location where the Assyrian representatives stationed themselves?

The Assyrian representatives stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer's Field, which was a strategic location that allowed them to threaten the city's water supply and intimidate the people of Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Kings 18:17 and Isaiah 7:3.

How does this event relate to the larger story of God's relationship with His people?

This event is part of the larger story of God's relationship with His people, as seen in the Bible, where God often uses foreign nations to discipline His people for their disobedience, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:25 and Isaiah 10:5-6.

Reflection Questions

What can we learn from King Hezekiah's decision to strip the gold from the temple and give it to the king of Assyria, and how can we apply that to our own lives?
How do we respond when faced with threats or intimidation, and what can we learn from the example of Eliakim, Shebnah, and Joah?
What role does faith and trust in God play in our lives, especially in times of uncertainty or danger, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
How can we balance the need to be wise and strategic in our decisions with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Kings 18:18

[See comments on 2 Kings 18:17]

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Kings 18:18

And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18

When they had called the king i.e. sent a message to him to come or send to treat with them. Eliakim the son of Hilkiah; of whom see , &c. Over the household, Heb. over the house; either of God; or rather, of the king here mentioned; as appears from Isaiah 22. Shebna the scribe; so called to distinguish him from an other Shebna who was over the house, .

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18

2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder. Ver. 18. Eliakim … which was over the household.] In the place of false Shebna, who had been controller in Ahaz’ s days, but was now made secretary, a place of honour, but less power, and not of so great pains; fitter therefore for a man now grown old. See Jun. on Isaiah 22:15.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18

(18) And when they had called to the king.—They demanded a parley with Hezekiah himself. The king sent out his chief ministers; as to whom see 1 Kings 4:1-4. For Eliakim and Shebna see further, Isaiah 22:15; Isaiah 22:20 seq.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18

Verse 18. Called to the king] They wished him to come out that they might get possession of his person. Eliakim - over the household] What we would call lord chamberlain. Shebna the scribe] The king's secretary. Joah - the recorder.] The writer of the public annals.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Kings 18:18

18. And when they had called to the king] i.e. Had made it known in some way to the warders that they had a message for the king. Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household] This is the man who is spoken of in such terms of praise by Isaiah (2 Kings 22:20-20). There God, by His prophet, calls him ‘my servant Eliakim’ and declares that ‘he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah’ and that ‘the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder’. The security of all things in his time is used by the prophet to prefigure a period of great blessing and peace. The office he held was a very dignified one, the highest under the king. It was held by Ahishar in Solomon’s days (1 Kings 4:6) and by Azrikam in the days of Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:7), and the Hebrew word there employed to describe it (nagid) is one used of great rulers and princes, and marks the high position of the holder. and Shebna [R.V. Shebnah] the scribe] The orthography of the name is varied in this chapter. In verse 37 it is written Shebna, but here and in 26 ‘Shebnah’. The R.V. in each case follows the Hebrew. This Shebnah had originally held the office which was at this time Eliakim’s (Isaiah 22:15-19) but had been put down because of his luxury and also because he was a favourer of the alliance with Egypt. This latter policy was always opposed by the prophets, and it was perhaps by Isaiah’s influence that Shebnah had been reduced to the lower post of royal secretary. Joah the son of Asaph the recorder] Joah is only mentioned in this narrative and the parallel chapter in Isaiah. His office was that of ‘chronicler’, so that he was a necessary member of the deputation sent to confer with the Assyrian envoys. Thus a faithful statement would be put on record of all that took place.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Kings 18:18

When they had called to the king - The ambassadors summoned Hezekiah, as if their rank were equal to his. Careful of his dignity, he responds by sending officers of his court.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Kings 18:18

18. Over the household — Holding the office of royal chamberlain. See note on 1 Kings 4:6. Scribe… recorder — See notes on 2 Samuel 8:16-17.

Sermons on 2 Kings 18:18

	Sermon	Description
	Seven Steps to Discipleship by Bruce Wilkinson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of making a covenant with the Lord and following His commandments with all of one's heart and soul. The speaker emphasizes that
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah 21-25 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the United States and the world, highlighting the military buildup by Russia and the impending superwar. The preacher em

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