2 Kings 18:1–8

Judah’s King Hezekiah

18 In the third year of Israel’s King Hoshea z son of Elah, Hezekiah a son of Ahaz became king of Judah. 2 He was 25 years old when he became king and reigned 29 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi b daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done. c 4 He removed the * high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the * Asherah poles. d He broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses made, e for the Israelites burned incense to it up to that time. He called it Nehushtan. f

5 Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel; g not one of the kings of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. h 6 He remained faithful to * Yahweh i 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. j He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. k 8 He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, l from watchtower m to fortified city.