New International VersionThey called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them.
New Living TranslationThey summoned King Hezekiah, but the king sent these officials to meet with them: Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace administrator; Shebna the court secretary; and Joah son of Asaph, the royal historian.
English Standard VersionAnd when they called for the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder.
Berean Standard BibleThen they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.
King James BibleAnd when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
New King James VersionAnd when they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came out to them.
New American Standard BibleThen they called to the king, and Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the household, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the secretary, went out to them.
NASB 1995When they called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, came out to them.
NASB 1977When they called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, came out to them.
Legacy Standard BibleThen they called to the king, and Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, came out to them.
Amplified BibleWhen they called for the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the [king’s] household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the secretary went out to [meet] them.
Christian Standard BibleThey called for the king, but Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebnah the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came out to them.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen they called for the king, but Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, Shebnah the court secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the court historian, came out to them.
American Standard VersionAnd when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
Contemporary English VersionThey called out to Hezekiah, and three of his highest officials came out to meet them. One of them was Hilkiah's son Eliakim, who was the prime minister. The other two were Shebna, assistant to the prime minister, and Joah son of Asaph, keeper of the government records.
English Revised VersionAnd when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen they called for King Hezekiah, Eliakim, who was in charge of the palace and was the son of Hilkiah, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah, who was the royal historian and the son of Asaph, went out to the field commander.
Good News TranslationThen they sent for King Hezekiah, and three of his officials went out to meet them: Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace; Shebna, the court secretary; and Joah son of Asaph, who was in charge of the records.
International Standard VersionWhen they called for the king, Hilkiah's son Eliakim, who managed the household, Shebnah the scribe, and Asaph's son Joah the recorder went out to them.
NET BibleThey summoned the king, so Eliakim son of Hilkiah, the palace supervisor, accompanied by Shebna the scribe and Joah son of Asaph, the secretary, went out to meet them.
New Heart English BibleWhen they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.
World English BibleWhen they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came out to them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they call to the king, and Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who [is] over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph, the remembrancer, go out to them.
Young's Literal Translation And they call unto the king, and go out unto them doth Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who is over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the remembrancer.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they will call for the king, and there will go forth to them Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph reminding. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they called for the king: and there went out to them Eliacim the son of Helcias who was over the house, and Sobna the scribe, and Joahe the son of Asaph the recorder.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they called for the king. But there went out to them Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, the first ruler of the house, and Shebnah, the scribe, and Joah, the son of Asaph, the keeper of records.
New American BibleThey called for the king, but Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, the master of the palace, came out, along with Shebnah the scribe and the chancellor Joah, son of Asaph.
New Revised Standard VersionWhen they called for the king, there came out to them Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was in charge of the palace, and Shebnah the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph, the recorder. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was the steward of the household, and Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd they called to the King, and Eliakim, son of Khelqia, the Steward, and Shebna the Scribe, and Yuakh, son of Asaph, the Chronicler went out to them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd they cried to Ezekias: and there came to him Heliakim the son of Chelcias the steward, and Somnas the scribe, and Joas the son of Saphat the recorder.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem17Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. 18Then they calledforthe king;and Eliakimsonof Hilkiahthe palaceadministrator,Shebnahthe scribe,and Joahsonof Asaphthe recorder,went outto them.19The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours?…
Cross References Isaiah 36:3Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him.
2 Kings 19:2And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
Isaiah 37:2And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
2 Chronicles 32:9-12Later, as Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces besieged Lachish, he sent his servants to Jerusalem with a message for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem: / “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: What is the basis of your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege? / Is not Hezekiah misleading you to give you over to death by famine and thirst when he says, ‘The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria?’ ...
Isaiah 36:22Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.
2 Kings 18:37Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.
2 Kings 19:5So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,
Isaiah 37:5So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,
2 Samuel 8:18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priestly leaders.
1 Kings 4:3Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, were secretaries; Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the recorder;
1 Kings 18:3and Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was in charge of the palace. (Now Obadiah greatly feared the LORD,
2 Chronicles 34:20and commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the servant of the king:
Nehemiah 8:9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.
Jeremiah 26:24Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
Matthew 11:28-30Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Treasury of Scripture And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder. Eliakim. 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, whichwas over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. Isaiah 22:20-24 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: … Isaiah 36:3,22 Then came forth unto him Eliakim, Hilkiah's son, which was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph's son, the recorder… Shebna. Isaiah 22:15-19 Thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, Go, get thee unto this treasurer,even unto Shebna, whichis over the house,and say, … the scribe. 2 Samuel 8:17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar,were the priests; and Seraiahwas the scribe; the recorder. 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiahwas over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahiludwas recorder; 2 Samuel 20:24 And Adoramwas over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahiludwas recorder: 1 Kings 4:3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder. Jump to Previous AdministratorAsaphChroniclerEliakimEli'akimForthHilkiahHilki'ahHilkijahHouseHouseholdJoahJo'ahPalaceRecorderRemembrancerScribeSecretaryShebnaShebnahJump to Next AdministratorAsaphChroniclerEliakimEli'akimForthHilkiahHilki'ahHilkijahHouseHouseholdJoahJo'ahPalaceRecorderRemembrancerScribeSecretaryShebnaShebnah2 Kings 18 1.Hezekiah's good reign4.He destroys idolatry, and prospers9.The inhabitants of Samaria are carried captive for their sins13.Sennacherib invading Judah, is pacified by a tribute17.Rabshakeh, by blasphemous persuasions, solicits the people to revoltThen they called for the king.This phrase occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. The Assyrian officials, led by the Rabshakeh, called for King Hezekiah to negotiate terms of surrender. This reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, where emissaries would first attempt to negotiate before engaging in full-scale warfare. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and psychological warfare, often using intimidation to subdue their enemies without battle. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator,
Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, held a significant position as the palace administrator, also known as the "over the house." This role was akin to a chief steward or prime minister, responsible for managing the king's household and affairs. Eliakim's presence indicates his high status and trustworthiness in Hezekiah's court. His name, meaning "God will establish," reflects the theocentric worldview of the Israelites, where names often carried theological significance. Shebnah the scribe,
Shebnah served as the scribe, a position of considerable importance, responsible for recording events, drafting official documents, and advising the king. InIsaiah 22:15-19, Shebnah is criticized for his pride and self-aggrandizement, suggesting a complex character who may have had ambitions beyond his station. The role of the scribe was crucial in maintaining the administrative and bureaucratic functions of the kingdom. and Joah son of Asaph the recorder,
Joah, the son of Asaph, served as the recorder or chronicler, tasked with documenting the events of the kingdom and maintaining official records. This position was vital for preserving the history and legal matters of the nation. The mention of Asaph may connect Joah to the Levitical family of musicians and temple servants, indicating a heritage of service to God and the community. went out to them.
The delegation of Eliakim, Shebnah, and Joah going out to meet the Assyrian envoys demonstrates the protocol of sending high-ranking officials to engage in diplomatic discussions. This act of going out signifies a willingness to negotiate and possibly avert conflict. It also highlights the gravity of the situation, as these officials represented the king and the nation in a time of crisis. The encounter underscores the tension between faith in God's deliverance and the political realities facing Judah. Persons / Places / Events 1. Eliakim son of HilkiahHe was the palace administrator, a high-ranking official in King Hezekiah's court. His role was crucial in managing the affairs of the kingdom and representing the king in diplomatic matters. 2. Shebna the scribeShebna held the position of scribe, responsible for recording and managing official documents. His role was significant in maintaining the records and communications of the kingdom. 3. Joah son of AsaphJoah served as the recorder, tasked with chronicling events and maintaining historical records. His position was vital for preserving the history and decisions of the kingdom. 4. The KingAlthough not named in this verse, the king referred to is King Hezekiah of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. 5. The Assyrian ThreatThis event occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, a critical moment in Judah's history where faith and leadership were tested. Teaching Points Leadership in CrisisEliakim, Shebna, and Joah exemplify the importance of wise and faithful leadership during times of national crisis. Their roles remind us of the need for integrity and reliance on God when facing challenges. The Role of Faithful ServantsThe presence of these officials highlights the significance of having faithful servants who can represent godly leadership and uphold righteousness in governance. God's Sovereignty in AppointmentsThe transition from Shebna to Eliakim, as seen in Isaiah, underscores God's sovereignty in appointing leaders. It reminds us to trust God's timing and purposes in leadership changes. The Power of RepresentationAs representatives of the king, these officials had the responsibility to convey the king's intentions and maintain the kingdom's integrity. This teaches us about the power and responsibility of representing Christ in our daily lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Kings 18:18?
2.How does 2 Kings 18:18 demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in crisis?
3.What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to the officials' arrival?
4.How does 2 Kings 18:18 connect to God's faithfulness in 2 Chronicles 32?
5.How should we respond when facing intimidation from worldly powers?
6.What role does prayer play when confronted with challenges like Hezekiah faced?
7.Who were Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah in 2 Kings 18:18, and what were their roles?
8.Why did the king of Assyria send officials to meet Hezekiah's representatives in 2 Kings 18:18?
9.How does 2 Kings 18:18 reflect the political tensions between Judah and Assyria?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 18?
11.Who is Eliakim, son of Hilkiah?
12.2 Kings 18:5-6 - How can we verify Hezekiah's unprecedented devotion when other kings are also praised elsewhere?
13.2 Kings 18:25 - Is the claim that the Assyrian king was acting by God's command consistent with other biblical accounts of divine judgment?
14.2 Kings 18:13 - Does the timeline of Sennacherib's invasion align with known Assyrian records?What Does 2 Kings 18:18 Mean Then they called for the king.“Then they called for the king.” (2 Kings 18:18a) • The Assyrian officials have arrived at Jerusalem’s wall (2 Kings 18:17) and now demand to speak directly with King Hezekiah. • Their “call” is a show of dominance—intended to intimidate, just as Goliath taunted Israel (1 Samuel 17:8-11). • God’s covenant people often face voices that challenge faith; the right response is to trust the Lord rather than surrender to pressure (Psalm 20:7;Isaiah 30:15).
And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator,“…Eliakim son of Hilkiah, who was over the household…” • Eliakim manages the palace, comparable to Joseph under Pharaoh (Genesis 41:40). • He stands in the gap for Hezekiah, foreshadowing Christ, our faithful Steward who represents us before the Father (Hebrews 3:5-6). • His presence signals that Hezekiah chooses wise, godly leadership (2 Kings 19:2;Proverbs 11:14).
Shebnah the scribe,“…Shebnah the scribe…” • Shebnah, charged with official correspondence, shows that every word exchanged will be recorded—a reminder that words matter (Matthew 12:36). • Earlier, Shebnah’s pride had been rebuked (Isaiah 22:15-19), yet he still serves. God’s grace often gives second chances (Jonah 3:1). • Together with Eliakim, he forms a balanced leadership team—one humbled by correction, one trusted with authority.
and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.“…and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them.” • Joah functions as historian, ensuring an accurate account, just as Ezra later chronicled post-exile events (Ezra 7:6). • The trio stepping out instead of the king modelsProverbs 15:22—seeking counsel and delegation. • Their action protects Hezekiah from direct confrontation, while still honoring diplomatic protocol (2 Kings 18:37). • Spiritually, it pictures believers representing the King of kings in a hostile world (2 Corinthians 5:20), standing firm yet respectful.
summary2 Kings 18:18 records Assyria’s demand for King Hezekiah and the calculated response: three trusted officials confront the enemy’s boasts. Their roles illustrate godly stewardship, humility, and faithful record-keeping. Under pressure, Judah leans on wise delegation and steadfast trust in God—an enduring lesson to meet intimidation by standing firm in the Lord’s truth and order. (18) And whenthey had called to the king.--They demanded a parley with Hezekiah himself. The king sent out his chief ministers; as to whom see 1Kings 4:1-4. For Eliakim and Shebna see further, Isaiah 22:15; Isaiah 22:20seq.Verse 18. - And when they had called to the king - i.e., when they had announced that they had a message to deliver to the king - there came out to them; by Hezekiah's order, doubtless. Learning that they were three of Sennacherib's highest officials, he sent out to them three of the chief officers of his own court. Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household. Recently promoted to that high position, instead of Shebna, according to the prophecy ( Isaiah 22:19-22), and perhaps by the influence of Isaiah. And Shebna the scribe; or, secretary - the official employed to draw up documents, such as treaties, protocols, despatches, and the like. He had been removed to this inferior position, to make room for Eliakim, but had not yet suffered, the banishment with which Isaiah ( Isaiah 22:18) had threatened him. And Joah the son of Asaph the recorder; or, remembrancer - the person whose chief duty it probably was to chronicle events as they occurred, and finally to draw up the memoir of each reign at its close. (For another view, see the comment on 1 Kings 4:3.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then they calledוַֽיִּקְרְאוּ֙(way·yiq·rə·’ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readforאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe king;הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingand Eliakimאֶלְיָקִ֥ים(’el·yā·qîm)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 471:Eliakim -- 'God sets up', three Israelitessonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Hilkiahחִלְקִיָּ֖הוּ(ḥil·qî·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2518:Hilkiah -- 'my portion is Yah', the name of several Israelitesthe palaceהַבָּ֑יִת(hab·bā·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A houseadministrator,עַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstShebnahוְשֶׁבְנָה֙(wə·šeḇ·nāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7644:Shebna -- secretary and majordomo of Hezekiahthe scribe,הַסֹּפֵ֔ר(has·sō·p̄êr)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5608:To count, recount, relateand Joahוְיוֹאָ֥ח(wə·yō·w·’āḥ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3098:Joah -- 'the LORD is brother', the name of several Israelitessonבֶּן־(ben-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Asaphאָסָ֖ף(’ā·sāp̄)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623:Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelitesthe recorder,הַמַּזְכִּֽיר׃(ham·maz·kîr)Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2142:To mark, to remember, to mention, to be malewent outוַיֵּצֵ֧א(way·yê·ṣê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximto them.אֲלֵהֶ֛ם(’ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
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OT History: 2 Kings 18:18 When they had called to the king (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg) |
