Topical Encyclopedia Hizkiah, also spelled Hezekiah, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his devout faith and reformative leadership as the King of Judah. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hizkiah reigned during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, approximately from 715 to 686 BC, and is celebrated for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and his reliance on God during times of national crisis.Background and Ascension to the Throne Hizkiah was the son of King Ahaz and ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 25. His reign is noted for its contrast to that of his father, who had embraced idolatry and led Judah away from the worship of the true God. Hizkiah's mother, Abijah, daughter of Zechariah, is believed to have had a significant influence on his spiritual upbringing. Religious Reforms One of Hizkiah's first acts as king was to initiate a series of religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices in Judah. He reopened the doors of the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been closed by his father, and repaired its damages. Hizkiah called the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and the Temple, restoring the proper worship of Yahweh. He reinstituted the Passover celebration, inviting not only the people of Judah but also those from the northern kingdom of Israel to participate, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 30:1-5. Hizkiah's reforms extended to the destruction of high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles, which were associated with pagan worship. Notably, he broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it, calling it Nehushtan (2 Kings 18:4). Military and Political Challenges Hizkiah's reign was marked by significant military challenges, most notably the Assyrian threat. The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, capturing fortified cities and demanding tribute. Hizkiah initially attempted to appease Sennacherib by paying a heavy tribute, stripping the gold from the doors of the Temple (2 Kings 18:13-16). Despite this, Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem. In response, Hizkiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. The Lord answered Hizkiah's prayers, and an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36). Personal Life and Legacy Hizkiah's personal life was marked by a miraculous healing. When he fell ill and was near death, the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from God that he would not recover. Hizkiah prayed earnestly, and God granted him an additional fifteen years of life, as confirmed by the sign of the sun's shadow moving backward (2 Kings 20:1-11). Hizkiah's reign is also noted for his efforts to strengthen Judah's infrastructure, including the construction of the Siloam Tunnel, which brought water into Jerusalem, ensuring the city's resilience during sieges (2 Chronicles 32:30). Despite his many accomplishments, Hizkiah's later years were marred by pride. He showed the wealth of his kingdom to envoys from Babylon, prompting Isaiah to prophesy that all he had shown would eventually be carried off to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-19). Biblical References · 2 Kings 18-20 · 2 Chronicles 29-32 · Isaiah 36-39 Hizkiah's life and reign serve as a testament to the power of faith and prayer, as well as a reminder of the importance of humility and reliance on God. His account continues to inspire believers to seek God's guidance and to remain steadfast in their devotion. Smith's Bible Dictionary Hizkiah(might of Jehovah), an ancestor of Zephaniah the prophet. (Zephaniah 1:1) (B.C. before 635.) Easton's Bible Dictionary An ancestor of the prophet Zephaniah (1:1). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HIZKIAHhiz-ki'-a (chizqiyah; Septuagint Ezekia, "strength of Yah"): Strong's Hebrew 2396. Chizqiyyah -- "Yah has strengthened," a king of Judah, also ...... Judah, also several other Isr. NASB Word Usage Hezekiah (127), Hizkiah (1). Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Or Chizqiyahuw {khiz-kee-yaw ... /hebrew/2396.htm - 6k Library The Twelve Minor Prophets. Thesaurus Hizkiah (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HIZKIAH. ...Hizkiah (2 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 3:23 The sons of Neariah: Elioenai, and Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three. ... /h/hizkiah.htm - 7k Hezekiah (124 Occurrences) Hizki'ah (1 Occurrence) Neari'ah (2 Occurrences) Neariah (3 Occurrences) Elioenai (8 Occurrences) Eli-oe'nai (7 Occurrences) Azri'kam (4 Occurrences) Azrikam (6 Occurrences) Hizki (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Hizkiah (2 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 3:23 Zephaniah 1:1 Subtopics Hizkiah: An Ancestor of Zephaniah Related Terms |
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