2 Chronicles 32:20

In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer,

Study Bible

In response,
This phrase indicates a reaction to a preceding event. In the context of 2 Chronicles 32, King Hezekiah and the people of Judah are facing a significant threat from the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The Assyrian army is known for its might and brutality, and their siege of Jerusalem represents a dire situation. The response of Hezekiah and Isaiah is not one of panic or military strategy, but of turning to God, highlighting the importance of faith and reliance on divine intervention in times of crisis.

King Hezekiah
Hezekiah was the 13th king of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of the God of Israel, tearing down high places, and reinstating the Passover. Hezekiah's leadership during the Assyrian threat is a testament to his faith and trust in God. His actions are often seen as a model of godly leadership, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance in leadership roles.

and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
Isaiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament, whose ministry spanned the reigns of several kings, including Hezekiah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord. Isaiah's involvement in this event underscores the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people. His presence with Hezekiah signifies the importance of spiritual counsel and the power of prophetic insight during times of national crisis.

cried out to heaven in prayer,
This phrase highlights the act of prayer as a powerful response to adversity. The act of crying out to heaven signifies earnest and fervent prayer, seeking divine intervention. In the biblical narrative, prayer is often depicted as a means of accessing God's power and presence. The collaboration between a king and a prophet in prayer illustrates the unity and collective faith of the leaders of Judah. This moment is a reminder of the biblical principle that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people, as seen in other scriptures such as 2 Chronicles 7:14 and James 5:16.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Hezekiah
The 13th king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and religious reforms. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating reliance on God in times of crisis.

2. Prophet Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, son of Amoz, who served as a spiritual advisor to King Hezekiah. His role in this event highlights the importance of prophetic guidance and intercession.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian king Sennacherib. This event underscores the city's significance as a spiritual and political center.

4. Assyrian Threat
The Assyrian army, led by King Sennacherib, posed a significant threat to Judah, prompting Hezekiah and Isaiah to seek divine intervention.

5. Prayer to Heaven
The act of Hezekiah and Isaiah crying out to God in prayer, demonstrating their dependence on divine help rather than solely on military might.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah and Isaiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to pray. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in times of crisis, trusting in His power and sovereignty.

Leadership and Faith
Hezekiah's leadership was marked by faith and reliance on God. As leaders, whether in families, churches, or communities, we should model this dependence on God.

Prophetic Guidance
Isaiah's involvement underscores the value of seeking and heeding godly counsel. We should seek wisdom from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in Scripture.

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
The deliverance of Jerusalem was a testament to God's control over nations and history. We can trust that God is sovereign over our circumstances and will act according to His will.

Community in Prayer
The joint prayer of Hezekiah and Isaiah highlights the strength found in communal prayer. We should not underestimate the power of praying together with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge or inspire your own approach to crises in your life?

2. In what ways can you incorporate the practice of seeking godly counsel, as Hezekiah did with Isaiah, into your decision-making processes?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in your life. How can this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty in current or future challenges?

4. How can the example of communal prayer between Hezekiah and Isaiah influence your participation in prayer groups or church prayer meetings?

5. Considering the power of prayer demonstrated in this passage, what steps can you take to deepen your personal prayer life and reliance on God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 19
This chapter provides a parallel account of the same events, offering additional details about Hezekiah's prayer and God's response.

Isaiah 37
Another parallel account that emphasizes the role of Isaiah and the power of prayer in delivering Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication, promising peace in return, similar to Hezekiah's reliance on prayer.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of righteous prayer, which is exemplified by Hezekiah and Isaiah's intercession.