Study Desk

So the new residents worshiped the LORD, but they also appointed for themselves priests of all sorts to serve in the shrines of the high places.

For the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites and commanded them, "Do not worship other gods or bow down to them; do not serve them or sacrifice to them.

And you must always be careful to observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments He wrote for you. Do not worship other gods.

He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze serpent called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.

Then they called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.

You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. On whom are you now relying, that you have rebelled against me?

For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master's servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen?

Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern,

until I come and take you away to a land like your own land-a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey-so that you may live and not die. But do not listen to Hezekiah, for he misleads you when he says, 'The LORD will deliver us.'

But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, "Do not answer him."

to tell him, "This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for the children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.

Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rab-shakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives."

They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone-the work of human hands.

For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

I will defend this city and rescue it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.'"

In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover."

I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.'"

"It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps," answered Hezekiah, "but not for it to go back ten steps."

At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah's illness.

But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?"