JUDAH’S KING HEZEKIAH

18 In the third year of Israel’s King Hosheaf son of Elah, Hezekiahg son of Ahaz became king of Judah. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi* daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done.h 4 He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles.i He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made,j for until then the Israelites were burning incense to it. It was called Nehushtan.B

5 Hezekiah relied on the Lord God of Israel;k not one of the kings of Judah was like him, either before him or after him.l 6 He remained faithful to the Lordm and did not turn from following him but kept the commands the Lord had commanded Moses.

7 The Lord was with him, and wherever he went he prospered.n He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.o 8 He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders,p from watchtowerq to fortified city.