Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is notably marked by a significant religious reformation, where he sought to restore the true forms of worship according to the laws given by God to Moses. Hezekiah's efforts are chronicled in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, where his devotion to God and his commitment to purifying the worship practices of Judah are highlighted.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Hezekiah ascended to the throne during a time of spiritual decline in Judah. His father, Ahaz, had led the nation into idolatry, even closing the doors of the temple and erecting altars to foreign gods throughout Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 28:24-25). Upon becoming king, Hezekiah was determined to reverse these practices and restore the worship of Yahweh.

Religious Reforms

One of Hezekiah's first acts as king was to reopen the doors of the temple and repair them (2 Chronicles 29:3). He gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the temple, which had been defiled by the idolatrous practices of his predecessors. Hezekiah declared, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us" (2 Chronicles 29:10).

Hezekiah's reforms included the removal of high places, the destruction of sacred stones, and the cutting down of Asherah poles. He also 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). This act demonstrated Hezekiah's commitment to eliminating idolatry and redirecting the people's worship solely to Yahweh.

Restoration of Temple Worship

Hezekiah reinstituted the temple services, reestablishing the Levitical priesthood and the proper observance of sacrifices and offerings as prescribed in the Law of Moses. He restored the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of Solomon. Hezekiah sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to return to the LORD and celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 30:1-5).

The Passover celebration under Hezekiah was marked by great joy and unity among the people. The chronicler notes, "There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 30:26).

Hezekiah's Faith and God's Deliverance

Hezekiah's faithfulness to God was tested when Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invaded Judah. In response, Hezekiah sought the LORD in prayer and sought counsel from the prophet Isaiah. God delivered Judah by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is remembered for his unwavering dedication to restoring the true worship of God. His reforms brought about a spiritual renewal in Judah, setting a standard for future generations. The biblical account of Hezekiah serves as a testament to the power of faithful leadership and the importance of adhering to God's commandments.2 Chronicles 31:2-21
And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

The Prophet Hosea.
... Thorough-going reforms, like those under Hezekiah and Josiah, were ... Judah and Israel
shall, in the future, be again gathered ... ii.2 (i.11); a glorious king out of ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Zakkala, who were not numerous, it is true, lost everything ... for we know that the
people of Judah aided the ... however, that they overthrew Adoni-bezek, King of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... baptism had been destitute of the true faith: but ... Hyena's gall restores brightness
to the eyes, and its ... by the tears and sackcloth of King Hezekiah, and by his ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... on the border of the salt desert which forms and renders ... to recognise it as feudal
in the true sense of ... of war, and, as such, belongs to the king: the coins of ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... the world by the revelation of the True Law ... anecdote related by Plutarch concerning
this king's relations with ... to Gyges the coins which Babelon restores to the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Who was Hezekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was Nehushtan? | GotQuestions.org

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