Book of 2 Kings - Chapter 18 - Verse 17

During the reign of King Hezekiah, the king of Assyria sent Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rabshakeh with a great army to attack Jerusalem. The Assyrians came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which was located in the highway of the fuller's field. This verse highlights the Assyrian invasion of Jerusalem and the strategic location where the Assyrian officials positioned themselves before the siege of the city. The use of specific names and locations adds historical context to the narrative and sets the scene for the impending conflict between the Assyrians and the people of Judah. King Hezekiah's response to this threat and his trust in God's deliverance are later revealed in the subsequent verses, making this a pivotal moment in the history of Judah.

In this verse, we see the king of Assyria sending his officials- Tartan, Rabsaris, and Rabshakeh along with a great host to attack Jerusalem, which was ruled by King Hezekiah. This event is significant in the historical context as it marks the invasion of Assyria into the kingdom of Judah. The mention of Lachish, Jerusalem, and the upper pool gives us geographical insights into the locations involved in the conflict. The word "conduit" in this verse refers to a water channel or pipe used to bring water to a particular location, highlighting the strategic importance of controlling water sources during times of warfare. The fuller's field was likely a place where cloth was washed and dried, suggesting that the Assyrian officials made a deliberate display of their military might in a visible and strategic location within Jerusalem. This passage can be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of seeking divine protection and guidance in times of conflict and adversity, as King Hezekiah later relies on the prophet Isaiah for counsel and delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat through divine intervention.