Introduction
Hezekiah begins to reign; he removes the high places, breaks to pieces the brazen serpent, and walks uprightly before God, 2 Kings 18:1-6 . He endeavors to shake off the Assyrian yoke, and defeats the Philistines, 2 Kings 18:7 , 2 Kings 18:8 . Shalmaneser comes up against Samaria, takes it, and carries the people away into captivity, 2 Kings 18:9-12 . And then comes against Judah, and takes all the fenced cities, 2 Kings 18:13 . Hezekiah sends a message to him at Lachish to desist, with the promise that he will pay him any tribute he chooses to impose; in consequence of which Shalmaneser exacts three hundred talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold; to pay which Hezekiah is obliged to take all his own treasures, and those belonging to the temple, 2 Kings 18:14-16 . The king of Assyria sends, notwithstanding, a great host against Jerusalem; and his general, Rab-shakeh, delivers an insulting and blasphemous message to Hezekiah, vv. 17-35. Hezekiah and his people are greatly afflicted at the words of Rab-shakeh, 2 Kings 18:36 , 2 Kings 18:37 .
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