2 Kings 19 - 21

Sennacherib continues to threaten the land of Judah; but Isaiah the prophet encourages King Hezekiah to keep his trust in the Lord. Hezekiah prays, submitting himself and the land to whatever God wishes. His only request is that God will be known as the only God. God answers that Sennacherib will not enter the city of Jerusalem, and that Jerusalem will be spared. that night 185,000 of the Assyrian army were struck down, and Sennacherib returned to Ninevah where he was assassinated by his sons.

Hezekiah becomes ill to the point of death, but petitions God to extend his life - a request that God honors. During the fifteen years following this illness, Hezekiah acts foolishly by displaying the wealth of Jerusalem to envoys from Babylon. This would eventually lead to the invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Also during this time, a son is born to Hezekiah named Manasseh. This prince would succeed his father, but would not walk in his ways or follow his example. All that Hezekiah had done to promote the sole worship of God was undone by his son and grandson, Amon. Manasseh and Amon's leadership brought great disaster and judgment on the land. Following Amon's assassination, his young son (8 years old) Josiah is placed on the throne of Judah.