Hezekiah and the Centralization of Worship (2 Kgs 18:4.22)

Did Hezekiah carry out religious reforms aimed at centralizing worship in Jerusalem? It is difficult to give an unequivocal answer this question. The description of laconic and stereotypical (2 Kgs 18:4.22). historical circumstances, however, seem favor its recognition as historical. Also archaeological research, although not confirming unequivocally, does allow deny such a possibility either, even if many researchers believe that there was no massive influx migrants from the north population growth towards end 8th c. BCE natural demographic process. Texts devoted monarchy (1–2 Sam; 1–2 Kgs) centralization (Deut 12) fit better with situation 7th (time Josiah), both when we look them point view literary criticism perspective political social situation. However, figure could be considered by authors precursor Josiah’s time due “historical” information about his destruction serpent cult Nehushtan.