2 Kings 18:5

KJV

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

He trusted {H982} in the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}; so that after {H310} him was none like him among all the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, nor any that were before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He put his trust in ADONAI the God of Isra'el; after him there was no one like him among all the kings of Y'hudah, nor had there been among those before him.

Berean Standard Bible

Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him.

American Standard Version

He trusted in Jehovah, the God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among them that were before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 18:5 offers a profound and unparalleled commendation of King Hezekiah of Judah, declaring him exceptional among all kings who reigned before or after him due to his steadfast and unwavering trust in the LORD God of Israel. This verse serves as a pivotal theological statement, establishing the foundational principle of Hezekiah's reign—his deep personal faith—which undergirds his subsequent radical religious reforms and his remarkable resilience in the face of the formidable Assyrian Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears early in the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, immediately following his introduction and a concise summary of his initial righteous actions. Verses 3 and 4 of [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign") detail his immediate and drastic religious reforms, including the removal of high places, the breaking of sacred pillars, the cutting down of Asherah poles, and even the destruction of Nehushtan, the bronze serpent that had become an object of worship. Verse 5 functions as a theological explanation and justification for these bold actions, asserting that they stemmed directly from Hezekiah's profound trust in the LORD. It sets the spiritual tone for the remainder of his narrative, particularly the dramatic account of the Assyrian invasion and God's miraculous deliverance in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Assyrian Invasion and Deliverance"), where Hezekiah's trust is put to its ultimate test.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah ascended the throne of Judah at a critical juncture in Israelite history, succeeding his father, King Ahaz, who was notoriously wicked and led Judah into deep syncretism and idolatry, even sacrificing his own son ([2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Idolatry")). The nation was also under immense geopolitical pressure from the burgeoning Neo-Assyrian Empire, which had already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and exiled its people ([2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria and Exile of Israel")). In this environment of religious apostasy and external threat, Hezekiah's radical reforms and his unwavering trust in Yahweh represented a profound counter-cultural stance. His decision to destroy long-standing cultic sites and even a revered artifact like Nehushtan (which dated back to Moses' time, [Numbers 21:9](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent")) demonstrates a commitment to monotheistic purity that defied popular practice and political expediency.
* **Key Themes:** Hezekiah's reign, encapsulated by this verse, highlights several crucial themes. Foremost is the theme of **Unwavering Trust in God**, which is presented as the singular defining characteristic that sets Hezekiah apart. Unlike many kings who sought alliances with foreign powers or relied on military might, Hezekiah consistently placed his faith in the LORD, even when facing the overwhelming might of the Assyrian Empire, as vividly portrayed in his prayer in [2 Kings 19:15-19](/2_kings/19-15 "2 Kings 19:15-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance"). This trust leads directly to the theme of **Exceptional Righteousness and Obedience**, as his faith is not passive but active, compelling him to undertake sweeping religious reforms that cleansed the land of idolatry. The verse also underscores the **Source of True Strength and Deliverance**, demonstrating that genuine security and success for God's people come not from human wisdom or power, but from a steadfast reliance on the covenant-keeping God, a truth echoed throughout the prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In quietness and trust shall be your strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trusted (Hebrew, _bāṭaḥ'_):** This verb signifies a deep, confident reliance, a leaning upon, or a feeling of security in someone or something. It implies more than mere intellectual assent; it denotes an active, volitional dependence. In the context of 2 Kings 18:5, Hezekiah's *bāṭaḥ* was not a passive hope but an active, demonstrated trust that informed his bold decisions to defy Assyria and to purify Judah's worship, even when such actions seemed politically and religiously perilous. It speaks to a profound inner conviction that Yahweh alone was his refuge and strength.
* **None like him (Hebrew, _kāmōhû lō’-hāyāh'_):** This superlative phrase is a rare and powerful commendation in the biblical narrative of kings. While other kings like David ([1 Kings 15:5](/1_kings/15-5 "1 Kings 15:5 - David's Obedience")) and Josiah ([2 Kings 23:25](/2_kings/23-25 "2 Kings 23:25 - Josiah's Unparalleled Obedience")) received high praise, the specific wording used for Hezekiah emphasizes an unparalleled degree of *trust* in the LORD. It suggests that Hezekiah's reliance on God was uniquely pure, consistent, and unwavering among all the kings of Judah, both those who preceded him and those who followed. This exceptionalism is particularly highlighted by the context of his defiance of Assyria, where human wisdom would have dictated surrender.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He trusted in the LORD God of Israel;":** This opening clause establishes the core characteristic of Hezekiah's reign: his profound and active faith in Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. This trust is presented as the primary motivation and guiding principle for all his subsequent actions, setting him apart from the idolatrous practices of his predecessors and contemporaries.
* **"so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah,":** This part of the commendation asserts Hezekiah's unique standing among all the kings who would succeed him on the throne of Judah. It highlights that no future monarch would attain the same level of consistent and profound trust in the LORD.
* **"nor [any] that were before him.":** This final clause extends the superlative judgment to encompass all the kings who reigned *before* Hezekiah. Together with the preceding clause, it unequivocally declares Hezekiah's trust in the LORD to be unparalleled in the entire history of the Judahite monarchy, marking him as singularly devoted in this specific aspect of his faith.

#### Literary Devices
The language of 2 Kings 18:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Superlative Commendation**, using the phrase "none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." This is a form of **Hyperbole**, designed not to suggest absolute perfection, but to emphasize the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of Hezekiah's *trust* in Yahweh. It functions as a powerful theological statement, setting Hezekiah's reign apart as a model of faithfulness. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between Hezekiah and the many unfaithful kings who preceded and followed him, especially his wicked father Ahaz. The verse serves as a **Theological Thesis Statement** for Hezekiah's entire narrative, framing his subsequent actions, particularly his reforms and his defiance of Assyria, as direct outgrowths of this foundational trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's unparalleled trust in the LORD God of Israel, as highlighted in 2 Kings 18:5, resonates deeply with the broader biblical theology of faith as the foundational principle for a right relationship with God. His example demonstrates that genuine trust is not merely intellectual assent but an active, courageous reliance on God's character and promises, even in the face of overwhelming human odds. This profound reliance on Yahweh led to tangible acts of obedience, such as the purification of worship, and ultimately resulted in divine deliverance. The verse underscores God's valuing of such wholehearted devotion, showing that faithfulness is not only rewarded but also sets a standard for future generations. It reminds us that true strength and security are found not in human alliances or material possessions, but in a steadfast relationship with the sovereign God.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust shall be your Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's exemplary trust in 2 Kings 18:5 offers a compelling model for believers in every generation. In a world that constantly encourages self-reliance, worldly strategies, and immediate gratification, Hezekiah's story calls us back to the primacy of absolute dependence on God. His trust was not passive; it propelled him to courageous and often unpopular actions, such as dismantling deeply entrenched idolatrous practices and defying a global superpower. For us, this translates into actively choosing to lean on God's wisdom and strength in our decisions, rather than our own understanding or the prevailing cultural currents. It challenges us to pursue spiritual purity in our own lives, removing "high places" of sin or idolatry, and to stand firm in our convictions even when it means going against the tide. Ultimately, Hezekiah's commendation reminds us that God honors and empowers those who place their complete confidence in Him, demonstrating that a life lived in radical trust is the most effective and spiritually fruitful path.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to fully trust God, and what steps can you take to deepen that trust?**
* **How does Hezekiah's active and courageous trust inspire you to address areas of spiritual compromise or idolatry in your own life or community?**
* **Considering the challenges Hezekiah faced, how can his example encourage you to rely on God's strength when facing seemingly overwhelming obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Was Hezekiah truly perfect, given the "none like him" statement?**

Answer: The phrase "none like him" in 2 Kings 18:5 is a superlative commendation that highlights Hezekiah's unparalleled *trust in the LORD*, specifically in the context of his religious reforms and his reliance on God during the Assyrian crisis. It does not imply absolute moral perfection or sinlessness. The Bible itself records instances where Hezekiah fell short, such as his prideful display of his treasures to the Babylonian envoys in [2 Kings 20:12-19](/2_kings/20-12 "2 Kings 20:12-19 - Hezekiah shows his treasures to Babylon"), an act that drew divine rebuke and prophecy of future judgment. Similarly, while King David was "a man after God's own heart" ([1 Samuel 13:14](/1_samuel/13-14 "1 Samuel 13:14 - A man after God's own heart")), he committed serious sins. The "none like him" statements in Scripture often refer to a specific, outstanding quality or a particular period of exemplary faithfulness, rather than an overall perfect character. For Hezekiah, this unique quality was his consistent and profound trust in Yahweh, distinguishing him from the general pattern of idolatry and wavering faith among Judah's kings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hezekiah stands out as an exemplary king in his trust and devotion, his reign ultimately points to the perfect King, Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's trust in the LORD, which led to the cleansing of the temple and the land, foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of spiritual purification and the establishment of a new covenant. Jesus is the one in whom perfect trust was placed, and who Himself perfectly trusted the Father in all things, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Hezekiah's reliance on God for deliverance from Assyria prefigures Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, securing eternal salvation for His people ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). Furthermore, Hezekiah's unique commendation as "none like him" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is truly unique and without peer—the "author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith")), the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to live lives of genuine trust in God, participating in the new covenant that Hezekiah's reforms only dimly anticipated.

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 23:25

¶ And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there [any] like him.

2 Kings 19:10

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Ephesians 1:12

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Job 13:15

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Psalms 84:12

O LORD of hosts, blessed [is] the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?