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2 Kings 18:13

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Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Now in the fourteenth {H702}{H6240} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Hezekiah {H2396} did Sennacherib {H5576} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} come up {H5927} against all the fenced {H1219} cities {H5892} of Judah {H3063}, and took {H8610} them.

In the fourteenth year of King Hizkiyahu, Sancheriv king of Ashur advanced against all the fortified cities of Y'hudah and captured them.

In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.

Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.

Commentary

Context of 2 Kings 18:13

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. After a period of significant religious reform and a renewed commitment to the Lord, as described in earlier verses of 2 Kings chapter 18, Judah faced its greatest external threat. The mighty Assyrian Empire, under the formidable King Sennacherib, was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East. Assyria had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and deported its inhabitants (as recounted in 2 Kings 17:6), and now set its sights on Judah. This invasion was a direct challenge to Judah's sovereignty and, more importantly, a severe test of Hezekiah's trust in the Lord.

Key Themes in 2 Kings 18:13

  • The Overwhelming Threat: The verse immediately establishes the immense military power of the Assyrian Empire. Sennacherib's campaign was comprehensive, targeting "all the fenced cities of Judah."
  • Vulnerability Despite Fortifications: Even Judah's "fenced cities" (fortified, walled cities), designed for defense, proved insufficient against the Assyrian war machine. This highlights the limitations of human strength and preparations against a superior force.
  • Divine Testing and Judgment: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the invasion serves as a severe test of Hezekiah's and Judah's faith. It also carries undertones of divine judgment for past idolatry, even as Hezekiah had initiated reforms.
  • Prelude to Deliverance: This verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, including Hezekiah's desperate prayers and God's miraculous intervention to deliver Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insight for 2 Kings 18:13

The phrase "fenced cities" translates the Hebrew term ʿārê mibṣār (עָרֵי מִבְצָר), which literally means "cities of fortress" or "fortified cities." This emphasizes that these were not small, undefended villages but significant urban centers equipped with walls and defenses. The fact that Sennacherib "took them" underscores the overwhelming military might of Assyria, as even these strongholds fell.

Historical Significance and Cross-References

The Assyrian invasion of Judah in 701 BC, led by Sennacherib, is one of the most well-documented events in biblical history, corroborated by extra-biblical sources like Sennacherib's own annals (the Taylor Prism). This verse initiates the detailed account of this campaign in 2 Kings. The parallel account can be found in Isaiah 36:1. The subsequent narrative in 2 Kings 18:14-16 describes Hezekiah's initial, desperate attempt to appease Sennacherib with tribute, and the climax of the invasion is found in God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege.

Practical Application of 2 Kings 18:13

This verse, though historical, offers timeless lessons. It reminds us that even when we have prepared diligently ("fenced cities"), overwhelming challenges can arise. It sets the stage for a narrative where human strength and strategy ultimately prove insufficient, paving the way for a demonstration of divine power. For believers, it highlights the importance of looking beyond human resources and trusting in God's sovereignty, especially when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The initial success of the enemy in this verse serves to magnify the later, miraculous intervention of God, teaching us that even in our darkest moments, God remains in control.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 36:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, [that] Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

  • Isaiah 36:22 (4 votes)

    Then came Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, that [was] over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the recorder, to Hezekiah with [their] clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

  • Isaiah 10:5 (2 votes)

    ¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

  • Hosea 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.

  • Hosea 12:2 (2 votes)

    The LORD hath also a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacob according to his ways; according to his doings will he recompense him.

  • Isaiah 7:17 (2 votes)

    ¶ The LORD shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; [even] the king of Assyria.

  • Isaiah 7:25 (2 votes)

    And [on] all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns: but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle.