16. Some of them did what pleased God,but others sinned even more.
17. Hezekiah strengthenedthe city’s defenses,and he provided a water supply.He tunneled through rockwith iron tools,and he constructed storage tanksfor water.
18. During his rule,Sennacherib moved on Jerusalem,commissioned the field commander,and departed.The field commander attacked Zion,and made great boastsin his arrogance.
19. Then the people’s hearts and handswere shaken,and they were in agonylike a woman who is in labor.
20. They called upon the Lordwho is merciful,reaching out their hands to him.The holy one at once heard themfrom heaven,and he rescued them through Isaiah.
21. The Lord struck downthe camp of the Assyrians,and his messenger destroyed them.
22. Hezekiah did what was pleasingto the Lord,and he kept to the ways of Davidhis ancestor,as Isaiah the prophet, who was greatand whose visions were reliable,had commanded.