2 Kings 18:8

Translations

Modern

He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

Traditional

He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.

Literal

He struck the Philistines as far as Gaza and its border, from a tower of watchers to a fortified city.

Latin

Ipse percussit Philisthæos usque ad Gazam, et omnes terminos eorum, a turre custodum usque ad civitatem munitam.

Original

Hebrew

English

He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

Notes

2 Kings 18:7–8

Because Hezekiah was deeply committed to his faith, God blessed him, and he succeeded in all his endeavors. Hezekiah began a series of reforms, including:
- cleaning, repairing, and renovating the temple (2 Chronicles 29:3–36);
- celebrating the Passover (2 Chronicles 30); and
- restoring important worship practices in Judah (2 Chronicles 31:1–19).
He rebelled against the king of Assyria: In the ancient Near East, rebellions and stopping tribute payments often happened when a new ruler took power. King Sennacherib of Assyria replaced Sargon II in 704 BC. Assyria's focus on issues in southern Mesopotamia at that time might have encouraged Hezekiah. Assyria responded by invading Judah in 701 BC (2 Kings 18:13–19:36).
He also defeated the Philistines, who had been a threat during Ahaz's rule (2 Chronicles 28:18).

2 Kings 18:1–12

The statement about Hezekiah becoming king (2 Kings 18:1–2) includes a detailed review of his spiritual dedication (2 Kings 18:3–7a). It is followed by information about the political situation during his reign (2 Kings 18:7b–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahaz Assyria Hezekiah The Philistines Nehemiah’s Confidence in God

Events

Reign of Hezekiahc. 726 BC

Related verses

2 Kings 17:9
The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD their God that were not right. From watchtower to fortified city, they built high places in all their cities.
Isaiah 14:29
Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg.
2 Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines had also raided the cities of the foothills and the Negev of Judah, capturing and occupying Beth-shemesh, Aijalon, and Gederoth, as well as Soco, Timnah, and Gimzo with their villages.
1 Chronicles 4:41
These who were noted by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings as well as the Meunites who were there, devoting them to destruction even to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks.
2 Chronicles 26:10
Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields.
Isaiah 5:2
He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour!

Parallels

2 Chronicles 29:1–2

Places

Gaza: Philistine city; Samson's exploits; Philip's ministry Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

Elah Gaza Hezekiah Inscriptions Kings, Books of First and Second Kohath, Kohathites Philistia, Philistines Sennacherib Warfare Watchtower

Topics

Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah Prophecies Concerning Israel: Hezekiah's Good Reign The Philistines: Defeated by Hezekiah Tower for Watchmen (Sentinels)

2 Kings 18:8

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?