Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in the kingdom. His reign, which is detailed in 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, and Isaiah 36–39, was marked by significant afflictions and adversities that tested his faith and leadership.

Reformation and Initial Success

Hezekiah ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years in Jerusalem. His early reign was characterized by religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship of Yahweh. He removed high places, smashed sacred stones, and cut down Asherah poles, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4. Hezekiah's commitment to God is noted in 2 Kings 18:5-6 : "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses."

The Assyrian Threat

One of the most significant adversities Hezekiah faced was the threat from the Assyrian Empire. In the 14th year of his reign, King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah and captured its fortified cities. The Assyrian king sent his field commander to Jerusalem with a message of intimidation, urging Hezekiah to surrender. The Assyrian envoy mocked Hezekiah's trust in God, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:19-25.

In response, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that the LORD would defend the city. In a miraculous deliverance, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery

Another significant affliction in Hezekiah's life was his severe illness. As recorded in 2 Kings 20:1 , "In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, 'This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.'" Faced with the prospect of death, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding Him of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion.

God heard Hezekiah's prayer and granted him an additional 15 years of life. As a sign of this promise, the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moved backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:8-11). This miraculous healing demonstrated God's power and mercy, reinforcing Hezekiah's reliance on divine intervention.

Pride and Humility

Despite his faithfulness, Hezekiah was not immune to human weakness. After his recovery, envoys from Babylon visited him, and in a moment of pride, he showed them all the treasures of his kingdom. This act of pride led to a prophetic rebuke from Isaiah, who foretold that everything in Hezekiah's palace would be carried off to Babylon, and some of his descendants would become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18).

Hezekiah's response to this prophecy was one of humility and acceptance, acknowledging the LORD's will. His life serves as a testament to the complexities of faith, demonstrating that even the most devout can falter but also find redemption through repentance and reliance on God.

Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is remembered for his steadfast faith in the face of adversity and his efforts to lead Judah back to the worship of the true God. His life illustrates the trials and triumphs of a leader who sought to honor God amidst external threats and personal challenges.2 Chronicles 32:25,26
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done to him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem.
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A Psalm of Remembrance
... their continual exercises of soul, their deep afflictions, their desperate adversities,
and their ... The Lord hath heard my cry, like Hezekiah, and has ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a psalm of remembrance.htm

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