And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
2 KINGS 20:20KJVWhat does 2 Kings 20:20 mean?
2 Kings 20:20 says that the rest of King Hezekiah’s deeds, his strength, and specifically his work in making a pool and a conduit to bring water into Jerusalem, are recorded in the official chronicles of the kings of Judah. The verse points readers to another source for more details about Hezekiah’s reign and achievements.
This verse is part of a summary at the end of Hezekiah’s story, likely written by the author of Kings for later readers. It highlights Hezekiah’s practical accomplishments, especially his famous water project, which was a significant feat for the city’s safety and well-being. The verse also shows that not every detail is included here, but more can be found in another historical record.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:20
- The word for "pool" is בְּרֵכָה (b'rekhah), meaning a reservoir or artificial pool. This refers to a real structure Hezekiah built, likely what is now called the "Pool of Siloam," which was crucial for Jerusalem’s water supply.
- The word for "conduit" is תְּעָלָה (te'alah), which means a channel or tunnel for water. This points to Hezekiah’s tunnel, a remarkable engineering project that brought water safely into the city during times of threat.
- The word for "acts" is דָּבָר (davar), which often means "word" or "matter," but here refers to the events or deeds of Hezekiah’s reign. This shows the verse is summarizing his notable actions, not just his words.
Why 2 Kings 20:20 matters
- This verse clears up that Hezekiah was not only a spiritual leader but also a practical and capable king who took real steps to protect his people, especially by securing the city’s water supply.
- The mention of the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" shows that the biblical account is selective, and there were other historical records available to ancient readers.
- By highlighting the water project, the verse connects to the wider story of Jerusalem’s survival during times of siege, showing how Hezekiah’s actions had lasting importance for the city.