Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his devout faith and earnest pursuit of God. His reign, which lasted from approximately 715 to 686 BC, is marked by significant religious reforms and a steadfast commitment to seeking the Lord, setting him apart as a model of godly leadership in the Old Testament.

Religious Reforms and Devotion

Hezekiah ascended to the throne at a time when Judah was steeped in idolatry, largely due to the influence of his father, Ahaz. Determined to restore true worship, Hezekiah initiated sweeping reforms to cleanse the land of idolatry and re-establish the worship of Yahweh. He reopened the doors of the Temple, which had been closed by Ahaz, and repaired its structure (2 Chronicles 29:3). Hezekiah's reforms included the removal of high places, the destruction of sacred stones, and the cutting down of Asherah poles (2 Kings 18:4).

Hezekiah's commitment to seeking God is further exemplified in his observance of the Passover. He sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, which had not been observed in such a manner since the days of Solomon (2 Chronicles 30:1-5). This act of unification and devotion underscores Hezekiah's desire to lead his people back to God.

Trust in God During Crisis

Hezekiah's faith was tested during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. Faced with the threat of destruction, Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and intervention. He went to the house of the Lord and spread out the threatening letter from Sennacherib before God, praying earnestly for deliverance (2 Kings 19:14-19). The prophet Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God had heard his prayer, and that night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Judah's miraculous deliverance (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Personal Relationship with God

Hezekiah's personal relationship with God is further highlighted in his illness and subsequent recovery. When Hezekiah became terminally ill, the prophet Isaiah informed him of his impending death. In response, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion (2 Kings 20:1-3). God heard his prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, confirming this promise with the miraculous sign of the sun's shadow moving backward (2 Kings 20:5-11).

Legacy of Faith

Hezekiah's legacy is one of faithfulness and devotion to God. The biblical narrative commends him for his trust in the Lord, stating, "Hezekiah 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). His life serves as a testament to the power of seeking God with a sincere heart and the blessings that follow such devotion.

Hezekiah's account is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God earnestly, both in times of peace and crisis. His reforms, prayers, and unwavering trust in the Lord exemplify a life dedicated to pursuing God's will and glory.2 Chronicles 31:21
And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hezekiah
... city united with King Hezekiah and with the priests and Levites in seeking forgiveness
for ... "Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

Ps. cx. Is not Spoken of Hezekiah He Proves that Christ was First ...
... you will venture to object that Hezekiah was either a ... Abraham who brought him tithes,
so God has shown ... Him, that is, believing Him and seeking blessings from ...
/.../chapter xxxiii ps cx is not.htm

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... And of Hezekiah it is written (2 Chronicles 31:21) : "In every work that ... I cried
with my whole heart." Praise and prayer; seeking God and keeping His precepts ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

God's Sovereignty Defined
... and that God the Holy Spirit is now seeking to win ... to him, saying, Turn again, and
tell Hezekiah the captain ... my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter one gods sovereignty defined.htm

A Strange Reward for Faithfulness
... and this 'faithfulness,' though Hezekiah was perfect before God in all ritual
observances and in practical righteousness, and though he was seeking the Lord ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a strange reward for faithfulness.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... The benefits of seeking God were strongly urged. ... unto Zebulun," the couriers sent
out by Hezekiah carried the ... invitation an appeal to repent and turn to God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

Sovereignty of God in Administration
... every reader now sees the point we are seeking to make ... the dial of Ahaz to help the
weak faith of Hezekiah. In New Testament times, God caused a star to herald ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter three sovereignty of god.htm

A Loving Call to Reunion
... left in the northern territory, and Hezekiah may have ... calamity should be our opportunity
for seeking to help ... trouble inclines wanderers to come back to God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a loving call to reunion.htm

Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing.
... that touches the great loving heart of God and moves ... a time of deepest sorrow"his
son was seeking his life ... the Lord will requite me good." Hezekiah was doomed ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/sorrowful yet always rejoicing.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... HYMN 55 Hezekiah's song; or, Sickness and recovery. ... HYMN 62 Christ Jesus, the Lamb
of God, worshipped by all ... HYMN 67 Seeking the pastures of Christ the Shepherd ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

What does the Bible say about seeking/granting asylum? | GotQuestions.org

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Seeking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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