2 Kings 18:6

KJV

For he clave to the LORD, [and] departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

For he clave {H1692} to the LORD {H3068}, and departed {H5493} not from following {H310} him, but kept {H8104} his commandments {H4687}, which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he clung to ADONAI and did not leave off following him, but obeyed his mitzvot, which ADONAI had given Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses.

American Standard Version

For he clave to Jehovah; he departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 18:6 offers a profound commendation of King Hezekiah of Judah, highlighting his unparalleled faithfulness and unwavering devotion to the LORD. This verse serves as the foundational explanation for his subsequent righteous reign, religious reforms, and the divine favor he experienced amidst the geopolitical turmoil of the Assyrian period. It encapsulates his deliberate and consistent adherence to God's revealed will, setting him apart as a monarch who truly "clave" to the LORD, unlike many of his predecessors and even his own father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of Hezekiah's reign in [2 Kings 18:1-5](/2_kings/18-1 "2 Kings 18:1-5 - Introduction of King Hezekiah"). The preceding verses establish his age at accession, his mother's name, and, critically, a summary judgment of his reign: "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done" ([2 Kings 18:3](/2_kings/18-3 "2 Kings 18:3 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")). Verse 4 then details his radical religious reforms, including the destruction of idolatrous altars, sacred pillars, Asherah poles, and even the bronze serpent Nehushtan, which had become an object of worship. Verse 6, therefore, provides the theological rationale for these actions and his overall success, serving as a pivotal statement that explains *why* he was able to accomplish such righteous deeds and *how* he differed from previous kings who failed to fully eradicate idolatry. It sets the stage for the dramatic narratives of Assyrian invasion and divine deliverance that follow in the rest of [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah and Sennacherib") and [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hezekiah reigned in Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period dominated by the menacing expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. His father, King Ahaz, had made Judah a vassal state to Assyria, even adopting Assyrian religious practices in Jerusalem. This context of political subjugation and widespread syncretism makes Hezekiah's commitment to the LORD all the more remarkable. His reforms were not merely religious but also an act of national defiance against Assyrian cultural and religious hegemony. The "commandments which the LORD commanded Moses" refer to the Mosaic Law, the covenant stipulations given at Sinai, which formed the bedrock of Israelite identity and worship. Throughout the period of the kings, adherence to this Law was the standard by which their reigns were judged. Hezekiah's reign, therefore, represents a significant turning point, a return to covenant fidelity in a time of profound national apostasy and external threat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - The Reigns of Israel and Judah"): the **covenant faithfulness** of God and the requirement of **human obedience** to that covenant. It underscores the theme of **righteous leadership** and its profound impact on a nation's spiritual and physical well-being. Hezekiah's "cleaving" to the LORD stands in stark **contrast** to the apostasy of his predecessors, particularly his father Ahaz, and the northern kingdom of Israel, which had just fallen to Assyria due to its unfaithfulness ([2 Kings 17:7-23](/2_kings/17-7 "2 Kings 17:7-23 - The Fall of Samaria")). The verse also introduces the theme of **divine favor and blessing** that accompanies obedience, which is immediately evident in [2 Kings 18:7](/2_kings/18-7 "2 Kings 18:7 - The LORD was with Hezekiah"). It emphasizes that true reform and national strength are rooted not in political alliances or military might, but in an unwavering, personal devotion to the God of Israel and adherence to His commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleave (Hebrew, _dāḇaq'_):** This verb signifies an intense, personal attachment, a sticking or clinging to something or someone. It implies an inseparable bond, a deep loyalty, and a persistent adherence. Used elsewhere to describe a man cleaving to his wife ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man and His Wife")), or the tongue cleaving to the roof of the mouth in thirst ([Psalm 22:15](/psalms/22-15 "Psalm 22:15 - The Psalmist's Thirst")). In the context of Hezekiah and the LORD, it denotes a profound, intentional, and enduring commitment that went beyond mere ritualistic observance. It was a heart-level devotion that informed all his actions.
* **Kept (Hebrew, _šāmar'_):** This verb means to guard, observe, preserve, or keep. When applied to commandments, it implies not just passive knowledge but active, diligent adherence and protection of the divine precepts. It speaks of a careful and consistent obedience, a conscious effort to live in accordance with God's revealed will. This "keeping" is the outward manifestation of the inward "cleaving," demonstrating that Hezekiah's faith was not just intellectual assent but a lived reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he clave to the LORD,"**: This initial clause establishes the fundamental characteristic of Hezekiah's reign: his intimate and unwavering devotion to God. The verb "clave" (dāḇaq) conveys a deep, personal, and persistent attachment, signifying that his relationship with the LORD was the defining feature of his life and kingship. It implies a conscious, deliberate choice to remain loyal and connected to God, resisting the pervasive idolatry and syncretism of his era.
* **"[and] departed not from following him,"**: This phrase elaborates on the nature of Hezekiah's "cleaving," emphasizing its constancy and steadfastness. It indicates that his devotion was not episodic or wavering, but a continuous journey of obedience. He did not stray from the path God had laid out, nor did he abandon the principles of true worship, even when faced with immense political pressure or the allure of foreign gods. This highlights his spiritual resilience and commitment to a singular allegiance.
* **"but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses."**: This final clause provides the concrete evidence and practical expression of Hezekiah's cleaving and steadfastness. His devotion was not abstract but manifested in active obedience to the Law given through Moses. This refers to the entire body of covenant stipulations, including laws regarding worship, justice, and moral conduct. By explicitly linking his obedience to Moses's commands, the text affirms Hezekiah's commitment to the foundational covenant relationship between God and Israel, distinguishing him as a king who truly lived according to divine revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey Hezekiah's exceptional character. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of the theme of unwavering obedience, first with "clave to the LORD," then reinforced by "departed not from following him," and finally concretized by "kept his commandments." This tripartite structure builds a comprehensive picture of his faithfulness. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** implied, as Hezekiah's devotion is implicitly set against the backdrop of the unfaithfulness of previous kings, particularly his father Ahaz, and the recently fallen Northern Kingdom. The use of the verb "clave" (dāḇaq) is a form of **Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of physical adhesion to describe a profound spiritual and relational bond. This vivid imagery elevates Hezekiah's commitment beyond mere compliance to a deep, personal intimacy with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration of Hezekiah's faithfulness in 2 Kings 18:6 resonates deeply with core biblical theological themes. It underscores the covenantal nature of God's relationship with His people, where blessings are intrinsically linked to obedience and devotion. Hezekiah's example serves as a powerful testament to the principle that true leadership and national well-being are founded upon a steadfast commitment to God's revealed will. His "cleaving" to the LORD is the human response to God's own unwavering faithfulness, demonstrating that a genuine relationship with the Creator demands exclusive allegiance and active adherence to His commands. This verse highlights the enduring relevance of the Mosaic Law as the standard for righteous living and the pathway to divine favor, even centuries after its initial promulgation.

* [Deuteronomy 10:20](/deuteronomy/10-20 "Deuteronomy 10:20 - Cleave to the LORD")
* [Joshua 23:8](/joshua/23-8 "Joshua 23:8 - Cleave to the LORD")
* [Psalm 119:33-34](/psalms/119-33 "Psalm 119:33-34 - Keeping God's Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hezekiah's unwavering devotion, as described in 2 Kings 18:6, offers a timeless model for believers today. In a world constantly vying for our allegiance and attention, the call to "cleave to the LORD" is profoundly challenging and liberating. It invites us to cultivate an intimate, inseparable bond with God, one that is not easily swayed by cultural pressures, personal desires, or external threats. This "cleaving" is not a passive state but an active, daily choice to remain connected to the source of all life and truth. It manifests in a consistent refusal to "depart from following Him" and a diligent commitment to "keep His commandments." For us, this means immersing ourselves in His Word, submitting to His Spirit, and living out our faith in practical obedience, trusting that true blessing and enduring strength flow from such a relationship. Hezekiah's life reminds us that genuine spiritual transformation, whether personal or communal, begins with a heart fully devoted to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "cleave to the LORD" and not depart from following Him?**
* **How does your daily life demonstrate that you are actively "keeping His commandments" rather than merely knowing them?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your personal "cleaving" to God and strengthen your commitment to His Word?**

### FAQ
**What does "clave to the LORD" mean in a practical sense for Hezekiah?**

Answer: For Hezekiah, "clave to the LORD" meant a profound, active, and unwavering personal devotion that manifested in specific actions. Practically, it meant he made the worship of the LORD the central priority of his reign, in stark contrast to his idolatrous father, Ahaz. This devotion led him to initiate radical religious reforms, including the destruction of all forms of idolatry in Judah, even the bronze serpent Nehushtan, which had become an object of worship ([2 Kings 18:4](/2_kings/18-4 "2 Kings 18:4 - Hezekiah Destroys Idolatry")). It also meant he trusted in God for deliverance from the mighty Assyrian Empire, rather than relying solely on political alliances or military might, as seen in his prayer and God's miraculous intervention in [2 Kings 19](/2_kings/19 "2 Kings 19 - Sennacherib's Defeat")). His "cleaving" was a consistent, obedient walk with God that informed his decisions as king and shaped the spiritual trajectory of his nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Hezekiah stands as an exemplary king who "clave to the LORD" and kept His commandments, his obedience, like all human efforts, was imperfect and ultimately pointed to the perfect faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's steadfastness foreshadows the ultimate Son of David, Jesus, who perfectly cleaved to the Father's will in every aspect of His life and ministry. Jesus did not merely "depart not from following" God; He perfectly embodied God's will, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). He perfectly "kept His commandments," fulfilling the Law not by abolishing it, but by bringing it to its intended purpose and demonstrating its true spirit ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Where Hezekiah's obedience brought temporary national blessing, Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, secured eternal salvation and established a new covenant, enabling all who believe to be reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to "cleave" to Him in a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, Hezekiah's exemplary life serves as a beautiful, albeit incomplete, picture of the perfect obedience and unwavering devotion found only in the Lamb of God, through whom believers are now able to draw near to God and walk in His ways.

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

Joshua 23:8

But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.

Deuteronomy 10:20

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

John 14:15

¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

1 John 5:3

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

2 Kings 17:13

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.