2 Kings 18:15

KJV

And Hezekiah gave [him] all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hezekiah {H2396} gave {H5414} him all the silver {H3701} that was found {H4672} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and in the treasures {H214} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hizkiyahu gave him all the silver that could be found in the house of ADONAI and in the treasuries of the royal palace.

Berean Standard Bible

Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace.

American Standard Version

And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of Jehovah, and in the treasures of the king’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 18:15 records a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's reign, depicting his desperate act of stripping both the sacred Temple treasury and the royal palace reserves of their silver to pay a massive tribute to the invading Assyrian king, Sennacherib. This profound material sacrifice underscores the immense pressure and fear gripping Judah, highlighting Hezekiah's initial, human-driven attempt to avert the seemingly inevitable destruction of Jerusalem and secure temporary peace through appeasement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, which begins in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign and Assyrian Invasion"). The preceding verses establish Hezekiah as one of Judah's most righteous kings, noted for his unwavering trust in the Lord and his zealous reforms against idolatry, including the destruction of the bronze serpent Nehushtan ([2 Kings 18:3-7](/2_kings/18-3-7 "2 Kings 18:3-7 - Hezekiah's Righteousness and Reform")). However, this period of faithfulness is immediately challenged by the formidable Assyrian Empire. [2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah") details Sennacherib's invasion of Judah, capturing many fortified cities. Faced with overwhelming military might and the imminent threat to Jerusalem, Hezekiah sends a message to Sennacherib at Lachish, acknowledging his offense and agreeing to pay any demanded tribute ([2 Kings 18:14](/2_kings/18-14 "2 Kings 18:14 - Hezekiah's Plea and Agreement to Tribute")). Verse 15 then specifies the staggering cost of this appeasement, setting the stage for Sennacherib's continued arrogance and God's miraculous intervention in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - God Delivers Jerusalem from Assyria"), where Hezekiah ultimately turns to the Lord in prayer.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Reign and the Assyrian Threat") took place around 701 BCE, during the reign of Sennacherib, one of the most powerful and ruthless Assyrian monarchs. Assyria was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, renowned for its brutal military campaigns, its policy of mass deportations, and its practice of exacting heavy tribute from conquered or subservient nations. Kings like Hezekiah often found themselves in an impossible position, caught between resistance that promised destruction and submission that entailed immense financial and political humiliation. Paying tribute, often in vast quantities of gold and silver, was a common practice to avoid total annihilation, though it frequently led to repeated demands and eventual annexation. The "house of the LORD," or the Temple in Jerusalem, was not only the religious center of Judah but also its primary treasury, holding vast amounts of wealth accumulated from offerings, gifts, and previous reigns. Stripping it of its silver was an act of profound desperation, signifying the depletion of both sacred and national resources, a last resort to preserve the city and its people from the Assyrian onslaught.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - The Reigns of Kings in Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Desperate Measures and Appeasement**. Hezekiah's action demonstrates the extreme pressure and fear gripping Judah, leading him to compromise even sacred resources in a bid for survival. This initial response contrasts sharply with his later, unwavering trust in God. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Material vs. Divine Security**. Hezekiah's immediate response leans on human negotiation and material wealth, implicitly contrasting with the ultimate reliance on God's power and protection that would later characterize his fervent prayer in [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2_kings/19-15-19 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer of Deliverance"). Thirdly, it subtly points to the **Cost of Compromise**. While the tribute bought temporary respite, it did not ultimately deter Sennacherib, foreshadowing the futility of human efforts alone against a divinely ordained threat. Finally, this act sets the stage for the overarching theme of **God's Sovereignty and Deliverance**, even when His people falter in their trust, as seen in the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35-36 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - God Destroys the Assyrian Army"), underscoring that true salvation comes from the Lord alone.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** This common Hebrew word (H3701, כֶּסֶף) denotes silver, money, or wealth. In this context, it emphasizes the literal and immense value of the tribute Hezekiah was forced to pay. Silver was a primary medium of exchange and a significant store of wealth in the ancient world, signifying a severe depletion of both the sacred Temple reserves and the king's personal treasury. Its mention here highlights the economic devastation inflicted upon Judah and the sheer magnitude of the Assyrian demand.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** The Hebrew word (H1004, בַּיִת) refers to a dwelling, house, or temple. In the phrase "house of the LORD" (בֵּית יְהוָה, _bayith Yᵉhôvâh'_), it specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem (H3068, יְהֹוָה), originally built by Solomon ([1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Building of Solomon's Temple")). This was the central place of worship for Israel, consecrated to God, and often served as a national treasury for sacred offerings and accumulated wealth. Stripping the Temple of its silver was not merely an economic transaction but a profound act of desperation, bordering on sacrilege, demonstrating the depth of Hezekiah's fear and the perceived urgency of the threat.
* **treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** The plural noun (H214, אוֹצָר) refers to a depository, storehouse, or accumulated wealth. The mention of "the treasures of the king's house" alongside the Temple's wealth indicates that Hezekiah exhausted all available resources, both sacred and secular, to meet Sennacherib's demands. This underscores the comprehensive nature of the tribute and the extent of Judah's vulnerability, signifying that no stone was left unturned in his desperate attempt to appease the Assyrian king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hezekiah gave [him] all the silver":** This clause directly states Hezekiah's action, emphasizing his personal responsibility for the decision. The verb "gave" (נָתַן, _nâthan_) implies a transfer of possession, a forced surrender rather than a willing gift. The "him" refers to Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, to whom the tribute was paid. The phrase "all the silver" highlights the comprehensive nature of the payment, suggesting a complete emptying of available reserves, indicating the severity of the Assyrian demand and Hezekiah's desperate compliance.
* **"that was found in the house of the LORD":** This specifies the first and most significant source of the silver – the Temple in Jerusalem. This detail is highly significant, as the Temple's wealth was considered sacred, dedicated to God. Its depletion for a foreign king's tribute underscores the severity of the crisis and Hezekiah's desperate willingness to compromise even holy things to save his people and city. It also serves as a stark contrast to his later, renewed trust in God, where he would seek divine intervention rather than relying on material appeasement.
* **"and in the treasures of the king's house":** This indicates the second source of the silver – the royal palace treasury. This shows that Hezekiah exhausted not only the sacred Temple funds but also his personal and state wealth. The combination of both treasuries being emptied paints a vivid picture of the immense financial burden and the dire straits Judah found itself in, demonstrating the king's total commitment to meeting the Assyrian demand, even at the cost of national and sacred patrimony.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and set the stage for subsequent events. There is a strong sense of **Irony** present, as Hezekiah, a king celebrated for his unwavering trust in the Lord and his zealous removal of idolatry, resorts to stripping God's own house to appease a pagan king. This initial act seems to contradict his established character, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the threat and the human tendency to falter under extreme pressure. **Symbolism** is evident in the "silver" itself, which represents not just wealth but also national security, sovereignty, and the very resources God had provided. The "house of the LORD" is a powerful symbol of God's presence, His covenant with His people, and the divine protection promised to Jerusalem; its desecration through depletion underscores the depth of Judah's despair and the perceived abandonment of divine aid. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Contrast**, setting up Hezekiah's initial, human-driven attempt at appeasement against the later, miraculous divine deliverance. This contrast emphasizes the futility of relying on material solutions when faced with an existential threat that only God can overcome, thereby magnifying the power and faithfulness of God in the subsequent chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's desperate act of stripping the Temple and royal treasuries serves as a poignant theological lesson on the temptation to rely on human means and material wealth rather than divine provision and protection in times of crisis. While understandable from a human perspective given the overwhelming Assyrian threat, this action reflects a momentary lapse in the very trust for which Hezekiah was otherwise commended. It highlights the inherent danger of compromising sacred principles or resources in the face of fear, suggesting that true security is not found in appeasing powerful adversaries with earthly treasures, but in unwavering faith in God's sovereignty. This episode underscores that God's people, even righteous leaders, can falter and make choices born of fear, yet God remains faithful to His covenant and capable of delivering them through means far beyond human calculation or material sacrifice. It sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power precisely when human resources are exhausted.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's initial response to Sennacherib's threat resonates deeply with our own human tendencies in crisis. When faced with overwhelming challenges—whether financial ruin, relational breakdown, professional setbacks, or existential fears—it is tempting to resort to immediate, human-devised solutions, even if they involve compromising our values, depleting resources we consider sacred, or making deals that undermine our long-term spiritual well-being. This verse challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies. Do we, like Hezekiah initially, turn to material appeasement or human ingenuity, exhausting our own "silver" and "treasures," or do we, like Hezekiah later, humble ourselves before God and seek His divine intervention? True security and lasting peace are not bought with silver or human compromise, but are found in a steadfast reliance on God's power and faithfulness. This passage calls us to a deeper understanding of stewardship, reminding us that all we possess ultimately belongs to God, and our greatest security is found not in the accumulation or desperate expenditure of earthly wealth, but in His unfailing care and sovereign provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise sacred principles or exhaust my resources to appease a "Sennacherib" (a threatening situation or person)?**
* **How does my initial response to fear or crisis reveal my true source of security – human efforts or divine provision?**
* **What "silver" or "treasures" might I be clinging to, or be tempted to sacrifice, instead of placing my full trust in God?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, learning from Hezekiah's journey of faith?**

### FAQ
**Why did Hezekiah, a seemingly righteous king, resort to stripping the Temple of its silver?**

Answer: Hezekiah's act, while appearing contradictory to his character as a righteous king, highlights the immense pressure and fear gripping Judah during Sennacherib's invasion. Hezekiah had inherited a kingdom that had previously paid tribute to Assyria, and the Assyrian military machine was notoriously brutal and efficient, having already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His decision was a desperate, pragmatic attempt to save Jerusalem and its inhabitants from total destruction, as Sennacherib had already captured many fortified cities of Judah ([2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion")). It reflects a moment of human weakness and a temporary lapse in his otherwise strong faith, demonstrating that even the most devout individuals can falter under extreme duress. It was a last-ditch effort to avoid a full siege, hoping that the tribute would satisfy the Assyrian king and spare his people.

**Did this act of appeasement work in the long term?**

Answer: No, Hezekiah's act of appeasement only provided temporary relief and did not ultimately deter Sennacherib. While the tribute was paid, Sennacherib's demands continued, and he still sent his commanders, the Rabshakeh, Tartan, and Rabsaris, to Jerusalem to mock and threaten the city, demanding its surrender ([2 Kings 18:17-35](/2_kings/18-17-35 "2 Kings 18:17-35 - Sennacherib's Taunts Against Jerusalem")). This demonstrates the futility of trying to buy off a truly hostile and powerful enemy who seeks total domination. The narrative then shifts dramatically to Hezekiah's renewed prayer and trust in the Lord, which ultimately leads to God's miraculous intervention and the destruction of the Assyrian army ([2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - God Destroys the Assyrian Army")), proving that divine deliverance, not human appeasement or material sacrifice, was the true and lasting solution.

**What was the significance of taking silver from the Temple?**

Answer: Taking silver from the Temple was highly significant because the Temple was considered the sacred dwelling place of God and a repository of wealth dedicated to Him. It symbolized God's presence among His people and was a testament to His provision and their covenant relationship. Depleting its treasures for a pagan king's tribute was an act of profound desperation, bordering on sacrilege, as it involved diverting consecrated wealth for secular, even unholy, purposes. It indicated that Hezekiah had exhausted all other resources and was willing to compromise even the consecrated wealth of the Lord's house to save his kingdom. This act underscores the severity of the crisis and the depth of Hezekiah's fear, demonstrating a shift, however momentary, from reliance on God to reliance on material appeasement. It also sets the stage for God's later, even more dramatic, vindication of His own honor by delivering Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hezekiah's desperate act in [2 Kings 18:15](/2_kings/18-15 "2 Kings 18:15 - Hezekiah's Tribute to Sennacherib") foreshadows the ultimate inadequacy of human efforts and material sacrifices to secure true peace and salvation. Hezekiah's attempt to buy off an enemy with silver from the Temple, though understandable in its human desperation, ultimately failed to provide lasting deliverance or true security. This stands in stark contrast to the perfect and eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While Hezekiah offered earthly silver from a physical temple, Christ, as the true and ultimate Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), offered Himself as the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), shedding His own precious blood, not perishable silver, to pay the infinite debt of sin. His sacrifice on the cross was not an appeasement of an earthly foe, but a propitiation for the wrath of God against humanity's sin ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Where Hezekiah's payment brought only temporary relief and failed to avert further threats, Christ's sacrifice brings eternal redemption and reconciliation with God ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). We are not redeemed by perishable things like silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Thus, Hezekiah's human failure highlights the divine perfection of Christ's work, providing the ultimate and lasting security and salvation that no amount of earthly treasure or human compromise could ever buy.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 16:8

And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent [it for] a present to the king of Assyria.

1 Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

1 Kings 15:19

[There is] a league between me and thee, [and] between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; come and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.

2 Chronicles 16:2

Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

2 Kings 12:18

And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

1 Kings 15:15

And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver, and gold, and vessels.