Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Kings 20

In those days: This phrase gives a general time reference. It shows that the events are grouped by theme, not by strict order of time. The story about Merodach-baladan (2 Kings 20:12–19), who Sennacherib had expelled from Babylon before 701 BC, occurred before the events in chapters 18–19 but after Hezekiah's illness (2 Kings 20:12).

• Isaiah was already active during Hezekiah's reign before Sennacherib tried to capture Jerusalem. He was available to the king during that crisis (2 Kings 19:2).

• Put your house in order: Hezekiah's illness was fatal.

Ahab went to bed sulking (1 Kings 21:4). But Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed.

Hezekiah's dedication to the Lord was similar to his ancestor David's (2 Kings 18:3). Just as God listened to David's prayers (Psalms 6:8–9; 28:6–7; 31:22; 40:1–2), he would also respond to Hezekiah's request.

• When God gave Hezekiah more years to live, he also promised to protect Jerusalem. When Hezekiah responded to Sennacherib’s later invasion (2 Kings 19:14–19) by asking Isaiah for advice (2 Kings 19:2), he was following a well-known example.

• for My sake and for … David: God reminded Hezekiah of this promise during Sennacherib’s invasion (2 Kings 19:34).

Hezekiah wanted a sign to prove his healing, which makes sense. He went from having a terminal illness to being promised fifteen more years of life. God sometimes gave signs as visible symbols of his plans (see also 2 Kings 19:29; Genesis 9:12–17; Exodus 4:1–9; 12:12–13; 31:12–13, 17; 1 Kings 13:1–3).

go back ten steps: The shadow's retreat was unnatural, and this miracle confirmed God's message to Hezekiah.

• Merodach-baladan ruled Babylon from 721 to 710 BC until Sargon of Assyria forced him to flee. He briefly ruled again in 703 BC. This visit likely happened during his exile; he probably sent envoys with good wishes and a gift because he needed an ally against Assyria.

• There was nothing … Hezekiah did not show them: Hezekiah showed the Babylonian envoys his vast treasuries, which had not yet been sent to Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:13–16). However, his attempt to impress them was unwise (2 Kings 20:16–18).

all … will be carried off to Babylon: The Lord's message through Isaiah predicted that the palace treasures in Jerusalem would be taken to Babylon, which happened between 597 and 586 BC (2 Kings 24:10–17; 25:1–21).

some of your descendants … will be taken away: Hezekiah’s son Manasseh was captured and taken to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11–13). This prophecy was fully realized with Hezekiah’s descendants during the Babylonian deportations in:

• 605 BC (see 2 Kings 24:1 and 2 Kings 24:1; Daniel 1:1–7),

• 597 BC (2 Kings 24:10–12; 2 Chronicles 36:10), and

• 586 BC (2 Kings 25:5–7; 2 Chronicles 36:20; Jeremiah 39:1–7; 52:4–15).

• For more about Hezekiah's power, see 2 Kings 18:7–8; 2 Chronicles 32:27–29.

• When Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah built a 1,777-foot tunnel to bring water into the city (2 Chronicles 32:1–5, 30). The tunnel brough water into the Pool of Siloam. An inscription found in AD 1880 honors this engineering achievement.