Hezekiah’s Assyrian Crisis 18:1–20:21: Although the destruction of Samaria has taken place, the Assyrian ambition is far from quenched. The accession of Hezekiah occurs in less than enviable circumstances, but the early report of his reign ushers in a spring of hope after a long winter of despair (18:1–8). Part of his comprehensive housecleaning includes pulverizing the bronze snake, a venerated object from the days of Moses. One recalls that Moses made the snake for healing, but now this great symbol has to be destroyed, as it has become irredeemably corrupted. Such actions earn Hezekiah the highest commendation from the narrator—even to the point that his rebellion against Assyria and defeat of the Philistines is praiseworthy. While Hezekiah is undertaking his reforms, we are reminded th…