Topical Encyclopedia The weeping of Hezekiah is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, highlighting the deep faith and earnest prayer of King Hezekiah of Judah. This event is primarily documented in 2 Kings 20:1-11, Isaiah 38:1-8, and 2 Chronicles 32:24-26. Hezekiah's weeping is a poignant moment that underscores the power of sincere prayer and God's responsiveness to the cries of His people.Context and Background Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian aggression and internal reforms. Known for his piety and dedication to the Lord, Hezekiah initiated significant religious reforms, including the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of temple worship (2 Kings 18:3-6). His reign was characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh, setting a spiritual example for his people. The Illness and Prophecy In the fourteenth year of his reign, Hezekiah fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, was sent by God to deliver a somber message: "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). This pronouncement of impending death was a severe test of Hezekiah's faith and leadership. Hezekiah's Prayer and Weeping Upon receiving the dire prophecy, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the Lord. His prayer was heartfelt and accompanied by weeping, as he pleaded for God's mercy and remembered his faithful service: "Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly (2 Kings 20:3). Hezekiah's weeping was not merely an expression of fear or despair but a demonstration of his deep reliance on God. His tears reflected a sincere heart seeking divine intervention, and his prayer was a testament to his unwavering faith in God's power to heal and deliver. God's Response and the Sign God, moved by Hezekiah's prayer and tears, instructed Isaiah to return to the king with a message of hope and healing: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD" (2 Kings 20:5). God promised to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. As a sign of His promise, God caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps, a miraculous event that confirmed His word to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:8-11). This sign served as a tangible assurance of God's faithfulness and power over time and nature. Theological Significance The weeping of Hezekiah is a profound illustration of the efficacy of prayer and the compassionate nature of God. It demonstrates that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is willing to intervene in their lives in response to genuine faith and repentance. Hezekiah's experience serves as an encouragement for believers to approach God with humility and sincerity, trusting in His ability to change circumstances according to His will. Furthermore, this event highlights the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes. Hezekiah's faithfulness and devotion were key factors in God's favorable response, emphasizing the value of living a life that honors God and seeks His guidance in times of trouble. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 20:3I beseech you, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 38:3 Library On the Prophet Isaiah. I. Motives to Holy Mourning Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing. The Woman of Samaria A Miracle of Grace Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature The Third Season Letter xxxviii. To Marcella. Letter ccxvii. To Amphilochius, the Canons. The Greater Prophets. Resources Who was Rachel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWill there be tears in heaven? | GotQuestions.org What is the Massacre of the Innocents? | GotQuestions.org Weeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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