What does 2 Kings 20:20 mean?
"¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 20:20
The Bible verse 2 Kings 20:20 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
This verse appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the second book of Kings, which is a historical account of the kings of Israel and Judah. This particular verse is part of the concluding remarks of the reign of King Hezekiah, who was the 13th king of Judah. The verse essentially serves as a summary of Hezekiah's achievements and an acknowledgement of the written records of his reign.
Hezekiah was a key figure in the history of Judah, and his reign is characterized by his efforts to reform the religious practices of the nation and his commitment to following God's commandments. Throughout the book of 2 Kings, Hezekiah's faithfulness and trust in God are highlighted, and he is remembered as a righteous king who led the people of Judah to worship the one true God.
The verse specifically mentions Hezekiah's construction of a pool and a conduit to bring water into the city. This act demonstrates Hezekiah's concern for the well-being of his people and his desire to ensure that they had access to water, which was essential for survival. It also reflects Hezekiah's prowess as a leader and an administrator, as he undertook large-scale infrastructure projects for the benefit of his kingdom.
The mention of the "book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah" in this verse is significant because it alludes to the historical records that were kept during the reigns of the kings. These chronicles served as a way to document the events and achievements of the various kings, and they provided a means for future generations to learn about the history of Judah. The inclusion of this reference in the verse emphasizes the importance of preserving historical records and the legacy of the rulers of Judah.
One of the broader themes that can be drawn from this verse is the idea of leadership and stewardship. Hezekiah's actions in providing for his people and his commitment to following God's laws serve as an example of effective and righteous leadership. His concern for the welfare of the people and his efforts to ensure their access to essential resources demonstrate his dedication to serving as a responsible and caring ruler.
Furthermore, the verse also highlights the significance of historical documentation and the preservation of records. It underscores the value of keeping written accounts of important events and achievements, as they serve as a means for future generations to understand their heritage and learn from the experiences of the past.
In terms of symbolism, the pool and conduit constructed by Hezekiah can be seen as representing his commitment to providing for the needs of his people and ensuring their well-being. Water is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent life, purity, and renewal, and Hezekiah's efforts to bring water into the city can be interpreted as an act of bringing life and sustenance to the people under his care.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 20:20 in the King James Version presents a summary of the reign of King Hezekiah and his accomplishments, emphasizing his leadership, care for his people, and the value of historical records. It serves as a testament to the importance of effective governance, the preservation of history, and the responsibility of leaders to provide for the needs of their communities.
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2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 20:20
2 Kings 20:2 - "Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 10:20 - "And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it."
2 Kings 2:20 - "And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him."
2 Kings 25:20 - "And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:"
2 Kings 14:20 - "And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David."
2 Kings 20:21 - "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 21:20 - "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did."
2 Kings 13:20 - "¶ And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year."
2 Kings 20:7 - "And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."
2 Kings 11:20 - "And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house."
2 Kings 8:20 - "¶ In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves."
2 Kings 7:20 - "And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died."
1 Kings 20:2 - "And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,"
2 Kings 20:4 - "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,"
2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
2 Kings 3:20 - "And it came to pass in the morning, when the meat offering was offered, that, behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water."
2 Kings 16:20 - "And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 20:10 - "And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees."
2 Kings 4:20 - "And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died."
2 Kings 23:20 - "And he slew all the priests of the high places that were there upon the altars, and burned men's bones upon them, and returned to Jerusalem."
1 Kings 20:20 - "And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen."
2 Kings 20:18 - "And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."
2 Kings 20:11 - "And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz."
2 Chronicles 20:34 - "Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel."
"And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it." - 2 Kings 10:20
"And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD." - 2 Kings 20:16
"Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying," - 2 Kings 20:2