Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years, approximately from 715 to 686 BC. His reign is notably marked by his deep trust in the LORD, which is vividly illustrated in the biblical narrative. Hezekiah's trust in God is a central theme in the accounts of his life found in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and the book of Isaiah.Reformation and Trust in God Hezekiah is renowned for his religious reforms, which were driven by his unwavering trust in the LORD. Upon ascending to the throne, he initiated a series of reforms to restore proper worship in Judah. Hezekiah reopened the doors of the temple, which his father Ahaz had closed, and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3). He called the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and the temple, emphasizing the importance of returning to the covenant with God. Hezekiah's trust in God was evident as he sought to cleanse the land of idolatry, destroying high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles (2 Kings 18:4). The Assyrian Threat One of the most significant demonstrations of Hezekiah's trust in God occurred during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrian army, known for its might and brutality, laid siege to Jerusalem. In the face of overwhelming odds, Hezekiah's response was not to rely on military alliances or his own strength but to turn to God in prayer. Hezekiah 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, a contemporary of Hezekiah, delivered God's response, assuring the king that the LORD would defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (2 Kings 19:34). That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored Hezekiah's trust in God and God's faithfulness to those who rely on Him. Illness and Recovery Hezekiah's trust in God is further exemplified during his illness. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover and should set his house in order (2 Kings 20:1). In response, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. God heard his prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, confirming this promise with the sign of the sun's shadow moving backward (2 Kings 20:5-11). Legacy of Trust Hezekiah's life and reign are a testament to the power of trusting in God. His reliance on the LORD during times of national crisis and personal distress serves as an enduring example for believers. The biblical narrative commends Hezekiah for his trust, 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). His account encourages the faithful to place their trust in God, regardless of the circumstances they face. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 18:5He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Hezekiah, the Praying King Of Creation The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... God is Our Refuge Prayer and Obedience (Continued) Words to Rest On part 2 The Third Season Resources Why should I trust GotQuestions.org? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we learn to trust God like the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about trusting others? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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