Reading for October 13th

Read 2 Kings 20.1-21 In 20.1-21: Hezekiah's illness and the Babylonian envoy. The stories in this chapter are probably out of order and originally preceded the invasion of Sennacherib in 701 BCE, since v. 6 promises defense of Jerusaelm, and the visit of Merodach-baladan must have preceded Hezekiah's revolt against Assyria. In verse 7: The lump of figs served as a poultice, a medicinal substance applied directly to the skin, to draw out the boil. In verses 8-11: Comparable to Josh 10.12-13, where the sun stood still, here it retreated 10 hours. In verses 12-19: Merodach-baladan is Marduk-apal-iddina, who ruled in Babylon 720-709 and again in 702 and opposed Assyria. His visit to Jerusalem would have involved plotting for Hezekiah's revolt against Assyria. In this context, however, it has been used to foreshadow the Babylonian exile. Eunuchs (v. 18) were castrated males who were often employed as guardians and servants in the royal harem. However, the Hebrew word may simply mean a palace servant or official. In verse 20: The conduit by which Hezekiah brought water into the city probably refers to the Siloam tunnel in Jerusalem, which contained as inscription describing its construction. In verse 21: There is no notice about Hezekiah's burial "in the city of David" as there was for his predecessors. The reason is unclear, though it may reflect an actual change in practice. 2 Chr 32.33 says he was buried "on the ascent to the tombs of the descendants of David, " which may suggest that the royal tombs of Judah were full. Comments or Questions...