Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is remembered as one of the most righteous and reformative kings in the history of Israel. His reign, which lasted from approximately 715 to 686 BC, is documented in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's influence is marked by his steadfast commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his efforts to restore religious purity and national integrity in Judah.Religious Reforms Hezekiah's reign is characterized by significant religious reforms aimed at eradicating idolatry and restoring the worship of the one true God. Upon ascending the throne, Hezekiah initiated a series of reforms to cleanse the land of pagan practices. He destroyed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. Notably, 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). Hezekiah's reforms extended to the temple in Jerusalem, which he reopened and repaired. He reinstituted the Levitical priesthood and restored the observance of the Passover, inviting all Israel to join in the celebration (2 Chronicles 30:1-5). This act of unification and return to the covenantal practices of their forefathers was a significant step in re-establishing the spiritual identity of the nation. Trust in the Lord Hezekiah's influence is further exemplified by his unwavering trust in the Lord during times of national crisis. When faced with the threat of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. The Lord responded to Hezekiah's faith by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, delivering Judah from destruction (2 Kings 19:35). The king's reliance on God is also evident in his personal life. When Hezekiah fell ill and was at the point of death, he prayed earnestly to the Lord, who granted him an additional fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20:1-6). This miraculous healing served as a testament to Hezekiah's faith and God's faithfulness. Legacy of Righteousness Hezekiah's influence extended beyond his immediate reforms and victories. His reign set a standard for righteousness and devotion to God that would be remembered throughout the history of Judah. The biblical narrative commends Hezekiah for his faithfulness, stating, "He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him" (2 Kings 18:5). Hezekiah's life and leadership serve as a powerful example of the impact of godly influence. His commitment to the Lord and his efforts to lead his people back to true worship left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape of Judah, demonstrating the profound effect of righteous leadership on a nation. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 29:1Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 30:1 2 Chronicles 31:1 Library The Ambassadors from Babylon Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing. The Kingdom of Judah. Words to Rest On Ahaziah A Godly Reformation Growth in Grace Jer. 6:16 the Good Way. Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave Proverbs Resources How much influence is the Bible supposed to have on society? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Hellenism, and how did it influence the early church? | GotQuestions.org Who was Plato? How did Platonism / Platonic thought influence society in Bible times? | GotQuestions.org Influence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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