2 Kings 20 21

2 Kings 20:21 kjv

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 20:21 nkjv

So Hezekiah rested with his fathers. Then Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

2 Kings 20:21 niv

Hezekiah rested with his ancestors. And Manasseh his son succeeded him as king.

2 Kings 20:21 esv

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and Manasseh his son reigned in his place.

2 Kings 20:21 nlt

Hezekiah died, and his son Manasseh became the next king.

2 Kings 20 verses

2 Kings 20 21 Meaning

This verse serves as the concluding summary of King Hezekiah's reign, a common formula in the book of Kings. It records the essential points for which he would be remembered, specifically his formidable strength and, most notably, his significant engineering feat of constructing a pool and conduit to bring water into Jerusalem. The verse directs the reader to other contemporary records for further details, acknowledging the completeness of the written chronicles of Judah. Finally, it notes the transition of power, stating that Manasseh, Hezekiah's son, succeeded him on the throne.

2 Kings 20 21 Context

This verse concludes the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign in 2 Kings, particularly the events detailed in chapter 20. The preceding verses in chapter 20 describe Hezekiah's miraculous healing from a terminal illness, his receiving a sign from the Lord through the shadow receding on the sundial, and critically, his moment of pride when he flaunted his treasury and armory to Babylonian envoys. This act of hubris led to a dire prophecy from Isaiah about the future Babylonian captivity of Judah. Verse 21 functions as the Deuteronomistic Historian's final summary of Hezekiah, acknowledging his might and a major engineering accomplishment (the Siloam Tunnel) that proved vital during Assyrian sieges. The historical context is crucial: Jerusalem was under severe threat from the powerful Assyrian Empire during Hezekiah's reign, especially under Sennacherib. His water project was a crucial strategic defense. The abrupt mention of Manasseh's succession at the end sets a dark tone for the chapters that follow, as Manasseh would become one of Judah's most wicked kings, ushering in an era of deep idolatry and leading Judah further towards divine judgment and eventual exile.

2 Kings 20 21 Word analysis

• And the rest of the acts: Hebrew: וְיֶתֶר דִּבְרֵי (vəyeṯer divrê). This is a common concluding formula throughout the books of Kings, indicating that a more detailed historical record (beyond what is presented in the biblical narrative) existed and served as a source for the author. It suggests a claim of historical veracity and points to the selective nature of the biblical account, which focuses on theological rather than purely historical details.
• of Hezekiah: Hebrew: חִזְקִיָּהוּ (Ḥizqîyyāhû). Means "Yahweh strengthens" or "Yahweh is my strength." His name aligns with his reign where he experienced divine strengthening and deliverance from the Assyrians and sickness.
• and all his might: Hebrew: וְכָל־גְּבוּרָתוֹ (vəḵol-gəḇûrātô). "Might" (גְּבוּרָה - gevurah) refers to strength, power, or heroic deeds. This encompasses his military strength (like defending Jerusalem from Sennacherib), his governance, and impressive infrastructural achievements like the water system. It points to Hezekiah's divinely granted prowess, contrasting perhaps with later human failings.
• and how he made a pool: Hebrew: הַבְּרֵכָה (habbrēḵāh). Specifically refers to the Pool of Siloam. This artificial reservoir was crucial for collecting and storing water. The feat highlighted was not merely making a pool but its connection to an elaborate system.
• and a conduit: Hebrew: הַתְּעָלָה (hattə‘ālāh). Refers to Hezekiah's Tunnel, an extraordinary engineering accomplishment that brought water from the Gihon Spring (outside the city walls) directly into the Pool of Siloam (inside the city walls). This provided a secure, underground water supply during sieges, demonstrating forethought and skill. An inscription found in the tunnel, dating to Hezekiah's time, vividly describes its construction, providing external historical confirmation.
• and brought water into the city: This act was a vital strategic defense measure. Jerusalem previously relied on the Gihon Spring which was outside its defenses. By channeling water inside, Hezekiah secured a lifeline for his people during protracted sieges, especially critical during the Assyrian threat. This practical wisdom and preparation were acts of good stewardship as king.
• are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?: Hebrew: סֵפֶר דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים לְמַלְכֵי יְהוּדָה (sēfer divrê hayyāmîm ləmalḵê Yəhûḏāh). This refers to royal annals or state archives of Judah, not the canonical Book of Chronicles. This standard phrase serves as a literary device to authenticate the summarized account and points to larger records from which the biblical narrative draws, lending credibility. It implies that these historical details are well-documented.
• And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead: Hebrew: וַיִּמְלֹךְ מְנַשֶּׁה בְנוֹ תַּחְתָּיו (vayyimlōḵ Mənašše Bənô taḥtāyw). This is the standard formula for succession. This statement, while brief, is extremely significant. Manasseh's reign (2 Kgs 21, 2 Chr 33) would be notorious for its extreme wickedness and idolatry, which brought about irreversible divine judgment upon Judah, directly contrasting with his father Hezekiah's generally righteous reign. It marks a pivotal shift in Judah's spiritual trajectory.

2 Kings 20 21 Bonus section

• Archaeological Confirmation: Hezekiah's Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam have been extensively excavated and are physical testaments to the biblical account. The Siloam Inscription, discovered in the tunnel in 1880, provides a contemporaneous account of its construction, corroborating the details mentioned in this verse.
• Theological Implication of Succession: The stark contrast between Hezekiah and Manasseh following immediately points to the sovereignty of God over human leadership, even allowing wicked kings to rise, often for divine purposes of judgment or testing. It highlights the often cyclical nature of righteousness and apostasy in Judah's history.
• Biblical Authorship and Sources: The recurring phrase "are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" across the Books of Kings underscores the author's reliance on existing historical records, yet their purpose is not merely to recount history but to interpret it through a theological lens, examining kings' faithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh.

2 Kings 20 21 Commentary

2 Kings 20:21 serves as the final report on one of Judah's most prominent kings, Hezekiah, neatly summarizing his rule and accomplishments, particularly his famed water engineering project. This verse functions both as a literary conclusion to Hezekiah's narrative and a somber transition to his successor, Manasseh. The "book of the chronicles" reference highlights the meticulous historical record-keeping of the ancient world and the Bible's grounding in actual history, while selectively presenting details for theological purposes. Hezekiah's conduit, later identified as the Siloam Tunnel, demonstrates his leadership in practical matters and foresight in protecting his people, a crucial defensive measure in a time of intense conflict. Yet, despite his generally righteous character and achievements, the swift transition to Manasseh's rule is an immediate shift from a faithful king to Judah's most idolatrous one, underscoring the sovereign nature of succession and the ultimate consequences of individual and generational sin for the kingdom's destiny. This sudden change, occurring after Hezekiah's pride in chapter 20, signals that even the good works and faith of a righteous king do not erase the consequences of a nation's ongoing spiritual trajectory and the free will choices of future leaders.