2 Kings 18:7 – “And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.”
Extended Explanation
This verse highlights God’s favor upon King Hezekiah as he ruled Judah. Because Hezekiah remained faithful to the Lord, God was with him in all his endeavors, leading to success in everything he did. The verse also notes Hezekiah’s bold stance against the king of Assyria. Rather than submitting to Assyrian rule as many surrounding nations did, Hezekiah chose to trust in God and resist this powerful empire. His rebellion wasn’t an act of pride or defiance, but rather a demonstration of his faith in God’s ability to protect Judah from its enemies.
Historical Context
At the time of Hezekiah’s reign, Assyria was the dominant power in the region. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians, and Judah was at risk of the same fate. Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, had previously submitted to Assyria, paying tribute and forming alliances that compromised Judah’s independence and faithfulness to God. Hezekiah, however, broke away from this pattern, choosing instead to rely on God for protection. His decision to rebel against Assyria, rather than continuing to pay tribute, was a significant risk. Yet, this verse makes it clear that Hezekiah’s success came not from his political maneuvers but from God’s presence with him.
Theological Implications
The verse highlights an important theological truth: when we are faithful to God, He is with us in whatever we do. Hezekiah’s success wasn’t due to his own strength or wisdom; it was because God was with him. This reflects the principle that obedience and faithfulness to God lead to His favor and guidance in our lives. Theologically, this verse shows that trusting in God brings true success, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Hezekiah’s refusal to serve Assyria also reinforces the idea that God’s people are called to serve Him alone and not to bow to the pressures of the world.
Literary Analysis
The verse is structured to first emphasize God’s role in Hezekiah’s success, stating, “the Lord was with him,” before mentioning the success itself. This order underscores that it was God’s presence that made all the difference in Hezekiah’s reign. The word “successful” here doesn’t just mean material prosperity or military victory—it refers to God’s approval and blessing over Hezekiah’s actions. The phrase “he rebelled against the king of Assyria” is significant because it shows Hezekiah’s courage and reliance on God over worldly powers. This rebellion was not reckless; it was rooted in faith.
Biblical Cross-References
- Joshua 1:8-9: These verses also speak of the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands and promise success to those who meditate on and follow God’s Word. Like Hezekiah, Joshua was told to trust God and that God would be with him wherever he went.
- 2 Chronicles 32:22: This verse speaks of how God saved Hezekiah and the people of Judah from the hand of the Assyrians, further showing God’s favor and protection over Hezekiah.
- Psalm 46:1-2: This psalm reflects the same trust in God that Hezekiah demonstrated, encouraging believers to not fear, for God is our refuge and strength.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse teaches the importance of trusting in God for success in all aspects of life. It shows that when we align our lives with God’s will and seek to honor Him, we can count on His presence to guide and protect us. Hezekiah’s rebellion against Assyria serves as a reminder that we should not compromise our faith by bowing to worldly pressures or relying on human power. Instead, we are called to stand firm in our trust in God, knowing that He is with us in whatever we face.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse demonstrates God’s faithfulness to those who remain committed to Him. God’s love for Hezekiah is shown in how He guided him to success and protected him from powerful enemies. God’s willingness to be with Hezekiah and bless his efforts reflects His deep care for those who trust in Him. God’s love is not distant or passive; it is active and involved in the lives of His people, leading them through challenges and giving them strength when they rely on Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Hezekiah’s trust in God and the resulting success point forward to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Jesus, like Hezekiah, relied completely on His Father during His earthly ministry. In John 5:19, Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.” Just as Hezekiah’s success came from God being with him, Jesus demonstrated that His mission was fully aligned with God’s will, and His victory over sin and death was the ultimate success. Hezekiah’s faith and success foreshadow the perfect faithfulness of Christ and the victory that believers have in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can Hezekiah’s trust in God during difficult circumstances encourage you in your own life challenges?
- Are there areas where you feel pressured to compromise your faith in order to succeed? How can Hezekiah’s example help you stand firm?
- How does this verse show God’s active involvement in the lives of those who trust Him?
- In what ways does Hezekiah’s success, rooted in God’s presence, point us to the ultimate success found in Jesus Christ?