Breakdown of 2 Kings 20:20

"The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" — Hezekiah's impressive engineering feats, like building the pool and conduit to bring water into Jerusalem, weren't the main point of his story. The text points us to the official records, reminding u…

2 Kings 20:20 Meaning Explained

All verses

2 Kings 20:20

The rest of the deeds of Hezekiah and all his might and how he made the pool and the conduit and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

English Standard Version (ESV)

Hezekiah's impressive engineering feats, like building the pool and conduit to bring water into Jerusalem, weren't the main point of his story. The text points us to the official records, reminding us that even great achievements are ultimately secondary to how a leader honored God.

What 2 Kings 20:20 means

King Hezekiah is facing a dire threat from Assyria, but God intervenes, promising him deliverance and a longer life. This verse, concluding the account of Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery, points to his impressive public works, particularly his preparations for the siege by constructing a water system. The author directs readers to other historical records for the full details of Hezekiah's reign and accomplishments.

Beyond the Big Miracles

We often focus on the dramatic moments, like Hezekiah's healing. But what about the everyday acts of leadership that kept a city alive?

This verse points us to the ordinary but vital work of King Hezekiah. While the miraculous intervention of God in his illness is profound, the chronicler reminds us of his practical achievements too.

Engineering for Survival

Hezekiah's most notable engineering feat mentioned here is his water system – specifically, creating a tunnel to bring water into Jerusalem. This wasn't just about convenience; it was a strategic move for survival, especially with the looming threat of the Assyrian army.

A Foundation for Faith

These acts of diligent leadership, though less flashy than divine intervention, demonstrate a king who sought to provide and protect his people. They paint a picture of faith expressed not only in prayer but also in wise, practical action.

The Purpose of Chronicles

Why does the Bible include these seemingly mundane details about kings? What can we learn from the way history is recorded?

The phrase "Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah" refers to the official historical record of the Judean monarchy. Its inclusion here serves a crucial purpose:

A Fuller Picture of Kingship

It assures the reader that Hezekiah's reign wasn't defined solely by the extraordinary events. His commitment to infrastructure, like the water system, was also a key part of his legacy.

God's Providence in Ordinary Means

This shows that God works not only through supernatural acts but also through the wisdom and diligence He grants to human leaders. He values the responsible stewardship of resources and the practical care for His people.

The Value of Recorded Deeds

By referencing the Chronicles, the author validates Hezekiah's entire reign as worthy of remembrance, including his solid, practical leadership.

Understand the original words

Original language

deedsדָּבָר

dabar · Hebrew Noun

Refers to the accomplishments, undertakings, or historical events surrounding an individual's life, often recorded for posterity to assess their moral or military legacy.

mightגְּבוּרָה

geburah · Hebrew Noun

The raw strength, valor, or military power of a king or nation. In Scripture, it is often evaluated by whether it is used in obedience to God or in self-reliance.

conduitתְּעָלָה

te'alah · Hebrew Noun

An artificial channel or watercourse designed to divert water into a city, crucial for survival during a siege. It symbolizes human ingenuity and the necessity of sustaining life in the face of impending adversity.

Historical context

Written: Around the late 7th century BC, after the fall of Jerusalem.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, though modern scholars suggest a compilation by various anonymous sources.
Location: Likely written from Judah, possibly Jerusalem.
Genre: Historical narrative, notable for its use of "seams" or "linking verses" that reference other historical records.

Historical background

This passage points to the historical context of Judah's struggle for survival against the mighty Assyrian empire, highlighting Hezekiah's defensive preparations like the water system as crucial acts of leadership during a time of national crisis.

c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V and then Sargon II, conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them throughout the empire.
c. 715 BC
Hezekiah Becomes King of Judah
Hezekiah ascends to the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah. He would reign for 29 years, facing immense pressure from the Assyrian Empire.
c. 705-701 BC
Assyrian Campaigns against Judah
Sennacherib, the new king of Assyria, launches a major campaign into the Levant, targeting rebellious kingdoms, including Judah.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem. Though the city is not captured, many other Judean cities fall, and a heavy tribute is imposed on Hezekiah.

Key themes

01Secular historical records
02King's practical leadership
03Water infrastructure projects
04Divine action in history

Cross-references

2 Chronicles 32:30

This passage directly parallels 2 Kings 20:20, emphasizing Hezekiah's construction of the pool and aqueduct, highlighting his efforts to secure the city's water supply during times of crisis.

Isaiah 36:1-3

This passage provides context for Hezekiah's reign, showing the political pressures he faced, which makes his significant infrastructure projects like the water conduits even more remarkable as acts of faith and preparation.

Jeremiah 39:4

This verse, written much later, mentions the siege of Jerusalem and the breaching of the city walls, implicitly underscoring the importance of the water systems Hezekiah established in maintaining the city's survival.

Nehemiah 2:13-14

This passage describes Nehemiah inspecting the city's walls and gates, including the 'Valley Gate' and the 'King's Pool,' showing how the infrastructure built by kings like Hezekiah continued to be significant for Jerusalem's defense and well-being generations later.

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What 2 Kings 20:20 means

Original language

deedsדָּבָר

dabar · Hebrew Noun

Refers to the accomplishments, undertakings, or historical events surrounding an individual's life, often recorded for posterity to assess their moral or military legacy.

mightגְּבוּרָה

geburah · Hebrew Noun

The raw strength, valor, or military power of a king or nation. In Scripture, it is often evaluated by whether it is used in obedience to God or in self-reliance.

conduitתְּעָלָה

te'alah · Hebrew Noun

Historical context

Written: Around the late 7th century BC, after the fall of Jerusalem.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, though modern scholars suggest a compilation by various anonymous sources.
Location: Likely written from Judah, possibly Jerusalem.
Genre: Historical narrative, notable for its use of "seams" or "linking verses" that reference other historical records.

Historical background

c. 722 BC

Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom

The Assyrian Empire, under Shalmaneser V and then Sargon II, conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them throughout the empire.

c. 715 BC

Hezekiah Becomes King of Judah

Hezekiah ascends to the throne of the southern kingdom of Judah. He would reign for 29 years, facing immense pressure from the Assyrian Empire.

c. 705-701 BC

Assyrian Campaigns against Judah

Sennacherib, the new king of Assyria, launches a major campaign into the Levant, targeting rebellious kingdoms, including Judah.

c. 701 BC— this verse

Siege of Jerusalem

Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem. Though the city is not captured, many other Judean cities fall, and a heavy tribute is imposed on Hezekiah.