Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his devout faith and humility before God. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's life and actions provide a profound example of humility, especially in times of crisis and divine judgment.Background and Reign Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah around 715 BC, during a period of spiritual decline and political instability. His father, Ahaz, had led the nation into idolatry and formed alliances with foreign powers, compromising Judah's faithfulness to Yahweh. In contrast, Hezekiah is noted for his commitment to restoring true worship and reliance on God. He initiated religious reforms, including the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:3-6). Humility in Crisis One of the most significant demonstrations of Hezekiah's humility is seen during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. Faced with the threat of destruction, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer, seeking divine intervention rather than relying solely on military might or political alliances. In 2 Kings 19:14-19, Hezekiah's prayer is recorded: "And Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: 'O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.'" This act of laying the Assyrian threat before God exemplifies his humility and dependence on divine power. God responded to Hezekiah's humble plea by sending the prophet Isaiah with a message of deliverance. The angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored the importance of humility and trust in God. Humility in Personal Life Hezekiah's humility is further illustrated in his personal life, particularly during his illness. In 2 Kings 20:1-3, the prophet Isaiah informed Hezekiah that he would die from his illness. In response, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. His prayer was one of sincere humility, acknowledging his dependence on God's mercy. God heard Hezekiah's prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, as well as a sign of His favor by making the shadow on the sundial go backward (2 Kings 20:5-11). Lessons in Humility Despite his overall faithfulness, Hezekiah's life also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. After his recovery, envoys from Babylon visited Hezekiah, and he showed them all his treasures. This act of pride led to a prophetic warning from Isaiah about the future Babylonian exile (2 Kings 20:12-18). Hezekiah's response to this warning was one of acceptance and humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty over the future of his kingdom. Hezekiah's life is a testament to the power of humility before God. His reign highlights the blessings that come from seeking God's guidance and the importance of maintaining a humble heart, even in times of success and prosperity. Through his example, believers are reminded of the need to trust in God's provision and to approach Him with a spirit of humility and reverence. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 32:26Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not on them in the days of Hezekiah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library An Instance Showing How King Hezekiah was Overthrown by the Dart ... Pride and Humility Pride and Humility Manasseh The Evidence of Scripture on Changes of Determination. Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61. Reform Hebrews xi. 28-31 Growth in Grace Much More Versus Much Less Resources What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to humble yourself? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about ego? | GotQuestions.org Humility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Humility: A Characteristic of Saints Humility: Afflictions Intended to Produce Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Leads to Riches, Honor, and Life Humility: Necessary to the Service of God Humility: Saints should be Clothed With Humility: Saints should Beware of False Humility: Saints should Put On Humility: Saints should Walk With Humility: Temporal Judgments Averted By Humility: The Who Have are Greatest in Christ's Kingdom Humility: The Who Have: Delivered by God Humility: The Who Have: Enjoy the Presence of God Humility: The Who Have: Exalted by God Humility: The Who Have: Heard by God Humility: The Who Have: Lifted up by God Humility: The Who Have: Receive More Grace Humility: The Who Have: Regarded by God Humility: The Who Have: Upheld by Honor The Humility of Christ: Declared by Himself The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Associating With the Despised The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Birth The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Death The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Entry Into Jerusalem The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Exposing Himself to Reproach and Contempt The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Obedience The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Partaking of Our Infirmities The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Poverty The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Refusing Honors The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Station in Life The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Subjection to his Parents The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Ordinances The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Submitting to Sufferings The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Washing his Disciples' Feet The Humility of Christ: His Exaltation, the Result of The Humility of Christ: On Account of, he Was Despised The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate Related Terms |
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