2 Kings 18:12
Because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God, but transgressed his Couenant, and all that Moses the seruant of the Lord commanded, and would not heare them, nor doe them. 2 Kings 18:12 (KJV)
them, nor do
them. 2 Kings 18:12 (KJV)
The passage is set within the historical account of King Hezekiah’s reign in Judah. Hezekiah is described earlier as a righteous king who pursued spiritual reform for the nation, seeking to restore true worship of the LORD.
In this verse the people of Israel are said to have “obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God.” Their disobedience is portrayed as a failure to follow the commandments and laws given through Moses, the servant of the LORD. The text emphasizes that they not only heard the divine commands but also refused to put them into practice, transgressing the covenant that promised blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
Moses is highlighted as the one who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai and instructed the people in God’s ways. The verse’s reference to “all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded” underscores the seriousness of rejecting the very foundation of Israel’s covenant relationship.
The historical background notes that the king of Assyria sent a lavish present of silver, gold, garments, and a great multitude of maidservants and concubines to the people of Judah. This political gesture was intended to influence Judah, potentially leading them into complacency rather than encouraging fidelity to God.
Application: Examine your own life for areas where you may be hearing God’s Word without obeying it, or where external influences—such as material temptations or political pressures—might be shaping your decisions. True obedience flows from a genuine love for the LORD and a desire to please Him, not merely from rule‑keeping. Seek to cultivate a heart that both hears and does the Lord’s commands, aligning your life with His will.
