15
But in spite of all this, the people did not abandon their sinful ways until they were taken from their land as prisoners and scattered all over the world. This left the nation few in number, but those who remained were still ruled by the descendants of David.
1
16
Some of the people did what was pleasing to the Lord, but others committed sin after sin.
17
Hezekiah prepared his city to resist a siege and provided it with a water supply. He had a tunnel built through solid rock with iron tools and had cisterns built to hold the water.
2
18
During his reign Sennacherib attacked the city and sent his chief official from Lachish. He challenged Jerusalem and boasted arrogantly.
3
19
The people lost their courage and shook with fear; they were in pain, like a woman in labor.
20
But they prayed to the merciful Lord, the Holy One in heaven, who quickly answered their prayers and sent Isaiah to save them.
4
21
The Lord struck the Assyrian camp; his angel wiped them out.
22
Yes, Hezekiah did what was pleasing to the Lord and firmly followed the example of his ancestor David. This was what was commanded by the great prophet Isaiah, whose visions were trusted.
23
He made the sun move backward and lengthened the king's life.
5
24
He comforted the mourners in Jerusalem. His powerful spirit looked into the future,
25
and he predicted what was to happen before the end of time, hidden things that had not yet occurred.