And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not.

2 KINGS 18:7KJV
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2 Kings 18:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 18:7 mean?

2 Kings 18:7 says that the LORD was with King Hezekiah, causing him to succeed wherever he went, and that Hezekiah rebelled against the king of Assyria by refusing to serve him. The verse highlights both Hezekiah’s prosperity under God’s favor and his bold decision to stop obeying Assyria.

This verse is part of a summary about King Hezekiah’s reign over Judah. The writer is describing how Hezekiah’s trust in the LORD led to success in his actions, especially in his political break from Assyrian control. The verse sets the stage for the coming conflict with Assyria and shows Hezekiah’s faith-driven leadership.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 18:7

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing a special relationship and covenant support for Hezekiah.
  • prospered (שָׂכַל, sakhal): This word often means to act wisely or to succeed. Here, it highlights that Hezekiah’s success was not just luck or skill, but a result of God’s guidance and favor.
  • rebelled (מָרַד, marad): This term means to rise up against authority. The verse uses it to show that Hezekiah’s refusal to serve Assyria was a deliberate and risky act of resistance, not just a passive withdrawal.

Why 2 Kings 18:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Hezekiah’s success was directly linked to God’s presence with him, not just his own abilities or political moves.
  • It emphasizes the courage involved in Hezekiah’s rebellion against Assyria, a major world power at the time, showing this was a significant and dangerous choice.
  • This verse connects to the larger story of Hezekiah’s reign, setting up the dramatic events that follow and highlighting the theme of trusting God in the face of overwhelming odds.

Where else these words appear

“rebelled” Hebrew H4775 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
  • 2 Kings 24:1 In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him.
  • Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

“prospered” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 23:29 In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.
  • Isaiah 36:13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, Hear ye the words of the great king, the king of Assyria.