Hezekiah remained under Assyria as long as Sargon lived. His strike for independence was favored by Assyria’s losing control of Babylon—the rebellion of Merodach-baladan. II Kings 20:12.
Hezekiah heeded the warning of Isaiah not to join in the confederation of Egypt, Ethiopia, and others to resist Assyria.
These are the times Isaiah walked through the streets of Jerusalem clothed in a loincloth uttering his warnings.
Hezekiah instituted sweeping reforms—political, social, and religious. II Kings 18:3-6.
He removed the image of Moses’ snake from the temple.
He tried to enlist the Northern Kingdom in these reforms.
Sargon died—his son Sennacherib took over. (705-681). Hezekiah refused to pay tribute. Rebellion began. II Kings 18:7.
Hezekiah was aided by uprisings in both Egypt and Babylon.
Under the leadership of Tyre, Syria and Phoenicia revolted.
Anticipating siege, he dug the famous Siloam Tunnel (II Kings 20:20), bringing water from the Gihon springs.
In 701 Sennacherib struck. Babylon was pacified. Tyre was subdued. Babylos, Arvad, Ashdod, Moab, Edom, and Ammon hastened to pay tribute.
Hezekiah resisted—was subdued—his land split up—his tribute so high he had to strip the temple of all its royal treasures.
The later years of Hezekiah are uncertain. Assyria was in trouble with the Babylos revolt.
Egypt assailed Judah. Hezekiah resisted. The prophet assured him Jerusalem would not be taken. II Kings 19:29-34. Isa 14:24-27.
The Assyrians retired—did not take Jerusalem. Hezekiah died—his son Manasseh made peace.
The Assyrian army retreated because of a plague of field mice which ate up their equipment. This is referred to as “the angel of the Lord” destroying the army. II Kings 19:35. Isa 37:36.