Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery 1In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” 2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3“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. 4Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard,a the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 5“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. 6I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” 7Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered. 8Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” 9And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” 10“It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” 11So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz. Hezekiah Shows His Treasures 12At that time Merodach-baladanb son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness. 13And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 14Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” 15“What have they seen in your palace?” Isaiah asked. “They have seen everything in my palace,” answered Hezekiah. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” 16Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD: 17The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 18And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 19But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?” Manasseh Succeeds Hezekiah 20As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnelc to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 21And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh reigned in his place. Footnotes: 4 a LXX and an alternate MT reading; the other alternate reads the middle of the city 12 b Some Hebrew manuscripts, LXX, and Syriac (see also Isaiah 39:1); MT Berodach-baladan 20 c Or watercourse or conduit Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Kings 20 Summary Hezekiah's Illness and RecoveryVerses 1–3 – Hezekiah’s Terminal Diagnosis and Prayer Verses 4–11 – Immediate Answer and Miraculous Sign Verses 12–15 – Babylonian Envoys and Foolish Tour Verses 16–19 – Prophecy of Future Exile Verses 20–21 – Closing Notes on Hezekiah’s Reign 2 Kings 20 documents a period of crisis and recovery in the life of King Hezekiah. The chapter unfolds with Hezekiah's grave illness and his miraculous recovery, instigated by his fervent prayers and God's response through Prophet Isaiah. This healing is coupled with an extraordinary event - the reversal of time. However, the chapter concludes with a looming prophecy about the downfall of Jerusalem because of Hezekiah's prideful actions. Historical Setting: Judah in the Late 8th Century BC • Hezekiah reigned roughly 715-686 BC, a time when Assyria dominated the Near East. Sennacherib’s invasion (2 Kings 18-19) had just been turned back through divine intervention. • Babylon, at this stage, was a rebellious vassal of Assyria. Merodach-baladan ruled only intermittently, so his embassy was partly a political maneuver, courting Judah as an ally against Assyria. Hezekiah’s Illness and the Fig Poultice Archaeologists have found medical texts from Egypt and Mesopotamia that prescribe figs for inflammations. God often uses ordinary means—here a simple compress—while at the same time acting supernaturally by adding fifteen years to the king’s life. Compare John 9:6-7, where Jesus mixes clay with saliva yet performs a miracle. Isaiah’s Court Ministry Isaiah is active under four kings (Isaiah 1:1). In 2 Kings 19 he prayed for national deliverance; in chapter 20 he intercedes for an individual king. The prophet models how God’s word addresses both public crises and personal needs. Hebrews 1:1 echoes this pattern: “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” The Sundial of Ahaz • Text: “So the shadow that had covered the stairway went back ten steps” (2 Kings 20:11). • Possibilities: (1) A stepped gnomon casting shadows, (2) a simply terraced stairway where the sun’s angle measured time. Either God altered the earth’s rotation or refracted light in a localized miracle—Scripture does not specify the mechanism. • Parallels: Joshua 10:13, when the sun “stood still,” and Habakkuk 3:11, where “sun and moon stood in their courses.” The God of creation controls celestial motion. Archaeology: Hezekiah’s Tunnel and Inscription Second Kings 20:20 mentions a conduit bringing water inside Jerusalem. In 1838, explorers rediscovered the 1,750-foot tunnel running from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. A paleo-Hebrew inscription once found inside reads, “The tunnel… was completed… the water flowed.” Modern dating places its carving in Hezekiah’s reign, confirming the biblical note. Babylonian Envoys—Why Hezekiah’s Response Matters Isaiah detects pride (cf. 2 Chronicles 32:25-26). Instead of testifying to God’s healing, Hezekiah flaunts wealth. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction.” The visit becomes a seed for future exile (2 Kings 24-25). God’s people are called to steward blessings rather than showcase them. Key Themes and Takeaways 1. God hears earnest prayer (20:5). Psalm 34:15: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous.” 2. Life extension is in God’s hands (20:6). Job 14:5: “Man’s days are determined… You have set his limits.” 3. Signs confirm promises (20:9-11). Mark 16:20 reports the Lord confirming the gospel “by the signs that accompanied it.” 4. Earthly peace doesn’t erase future accountability (20:19). Romans 14:12: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Scripture Connections • Parallel narrative: Isaiah 38-39 repeats the events almost verbatim, adding Hezekiah’s prayer composition (Isaiah 38:9-20). • Chronicles account: 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 supplements that God left Hezekiah “to test him and know what was in his heart.” • Messianic echo: Fifteen added years allowed Hezekiah’s son Manasseh to be born, preserving David’s line. Ultimately, this protects the promise of the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Matthew 1:10-11). Lessons for Today • Turn to the wall—pray honestly. God welcomes tears and plain speech. • Accept that God can blend practical remedies with miraculous power. • Hold blessings loosely; wealth is temporary. Better to display God’s glory than personal treasure. • Remember that short-term peace should not dull concern for future generations. Living faithfully now shapes the legacy we pass on. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 5:16The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. This verse underscores the effectiveness of fervent prayer, as demonstrated by Hezekiah. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. This proverb aligns with Hezekiah's experience and serves as a warning against pride. Isaiah 38:1-8 This passage provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering additional insights into his prayer and God's response. Teaching Points Hezekiah's Illness and PrayerIn those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, '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). Despite the grim prognosis, Hezekiah turns to God in prayer, demonstrating his faith and dependence on the Lord. God's Response to Prayer Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 'Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people: This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you.' (2 Kings 20:4-5). God hears Hezekiah's prayer and grants him an additional fifteen years of life, showing His compassion and willingness to intervene. The Sign of the Sun's Shadow This is the sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has descended on the stairway of Ahaz. (2 Kings 20:9-11). God provides a miraculous sign to confirm His promise, emphasizing His control over creation and His faithfulness to His word. Hezekiah's Pride and Consequences Later in the chapter, Hezekiah's pride leads him to show his treasures to the envoys from Babylon, resulting in a prophecy of future exile for Judah. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and complacency. Practical Applications Turn to God in Times of CrisisLike Hezekiah, we should bring our concerns and fears to God in prayer, trusting in His power and compassion. Trust in God's Promises God's faithfulness to His promises is unwavering. We can rely on His word and trust that He will fulfill what He has spoken. Guard Against Pride We must remain humble and vigilant, recognizing that pride can lead to spiritual downfall and negative consequences. Seek God's Signs and Confirmation While we should not demand signs, we can ask God for confirmation and guidance in our decisions and trust that He will lead us. People 1. HezekiahHezekiah is the king of Judah who falls ill and is told by the prophet Isaiah to set his house in order because he will die. Hezekiah prays to the LORD, and his life is extended by fifteen years. He is a central figure in this chapter, demonstrating faith and reliance on God. 2. Isaiah Isaiah is the prophet who delivers God's message to King Hezekiah. He initially tells Hezekiah that he will die, but after Hezekiah's prayer, Isaiah returns with a message from God that Hezekiah's life will be extended. Isaiah's role as a prophet is crucial in communicating God's will. 3. The LORD Referred to as "the LORD" in the BSB, God is the one who hears Hezekiah's prayer and decides to extend his life. The LORD's interaction with Hezekiah through Isaiah highlights His sovereignty and mercy. 4. The Servants of Hezekiah These individuals are mentioned when Hezekiah orders them to bring a cake of figs to place on his boil, which leads to his recovery. They serve the king and follow his instructions. 5. Merodach-baladan He is the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, who sends envoys with letters and a gift to Hezekiah after hearing of his illness and recovery. His mention indicates the political relationships and interests of surrounding nations in Judah. Places 1. JerusalemThis is the capital city of Judah, where King Hezekiah reigns. In 2 Kings 20:1, Hezekiah is in Jerusalem when he falls ill. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness. 2. The House of the LORD This refers to the temple in Jerusalem, where Hezekiah goes to pray in 2 Kings 20:5. The Hebrew term is "בֵּית יְהוָה" (Beit Yahweh), indicating the temple as the dwelling place of God. 3. Babylon Mentioned in 2 Kings 20:12, Babylon is the kingdom from which envoys come to visit Hezekiah. The Hebrew name for Babylon is "בָּבֶל" (Bavel), which is historically significant as a major city and empire in the ancient Near East. Events 1. Hezekiah's Illness and Isaiah's ProphecyHezekiah becomes mortally ill, and the prophet Isaiah visits him with a message from the LORD: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) can imply both physical and familial affairs. 2. Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Response Hezekiah turns his face to the wall and prays earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion (2 Kings 20:2-3). The LORD hears his prayer and sees his tears, promising to heal him and add fifteen years to his life (2 Kings 20:5-6). 3. The Sign of the Sun's Shadow As a sign of His promise, the LORD causes the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps (2 Kings 20:9-11). The Hebrew term for "steps" (מַעֲלוֹת, ma'alot) can also mean "degrees" or "ascents," indicating a miraculous reversal of time. 4. Hezekiah's Recovery and Wealth Display After his recovery, Hezekiah receives envoys from Babylon and shows them all his treasures and armory (2 Kings 20:12-13). This act of pride and lack of discernment foreshadows future consequences. 5. Isaiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity Isaiah confronts Hezekiah about his actions and prophesies that all the treasures will be carried off to Babylon, and some of Hezekiah's descendants will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18). The Hebrew word for "eunuchs" (סָרִיסִים, sarisim) can also mean "officials," indicating a loss of royal dignity. 6. Hezekiah's Acceptance of God's Will Hezekiah humbly accepts the word of the LORD, acknowledging that there will be peace and security in his days (2 Kings 20:19). His response reflects a submission to God's sovereign plan. 7. Hezekiah's Death and Legacy The chapter concludes with a summary of Hezekiah's reign, noting his accomplishments and the construction of a pool and tunnel to bring water into the city (2 Kings 20:20-21). Hezekiah's legacy is marked by his faithfulness and the LORD's deliverance during his reign. Topics 1. Hezekiah's Illness and PrayerHezekiah falls gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah tells him to set his house in order because he will die. Hezekiah prays to the LORD, reminding Him of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. The Hebrew root for "pray" (פָּלַל, ^palal^) emphasizes intercession and supplication. ^"In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, '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) 2. God's Response and Promise of Healing God hears Hezekiah's prayer and sees his tears, promising to heal him and add fifteen years to his life. The LORD also promises to deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian king. The Hebrew word for "heal" (רָפָא, ^rapha^) signifies restoration and wholeness. ^"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: 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) 3. The Sign of the Sun's Shadow As a sign of His promise, God causes the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps. This miraculous event underscores God's control over creation. The Hebrew term for "sign" (אוֹת, ^oth^) often indicates a divine signal or miracle. ^"This is the sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has descended on the stairway of Ahaz.’ So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had descended."^ (2 Kings 20:9-11) 4. Hezekiah's Pride and the Babylonian Envoys Hezekiah shows the Babylonian envoys all his treasures, which reveals his pride and lack of discernment. This act foreshadows future consequences for Judah. The Hebrew root for "pride" (גָּאוֹן, ^ga'on^) conveys arrogance and self-exaltation. ^"At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness."^ (2 Kings 20:12) 5. Isaiah's Prophecy of Babylonian Captivity Isaiah prophesies that all the treasures of Hezekiah's house will be carried off to Babylon, and some of his descendants will become eunuchs in the palace of the Babylonian king. This prophecy highlights the consequences of Hezekiah's actions. ^"Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the word of the LORD: Behold, the days are coming when everything in your house, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD.'"^ (2 Kings 20:16-17) 6. Hezekiah's Response to the Prophecy Hezekiah accepts the word of the LORD through Isaiah, acknowledging the goodness of God's judgment. His response reflects a resignation to God's will, though it also reveals a short-sighted relief that the disaster will not occur in his lifetime. ^"But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, 'The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.' For he thought, 'Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?'"^ (2 Kings 20:19) 7. The Death of Hezekiah The chapter concludes with a brief account of Hezekiah's death and the succession of his son Manasseh. This transition marks a significant shift in Judah's history. ^"As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he made the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? So Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh reigned in his place."^ (2 Kings 20:20-21) Themes 1. Divine Healing and PrayerIn 2 Kings 20:1-6, King Hezekiah falls ill, and Isaiah the prophet tells him to set his house in order because he will die. Hezekiah prays to the LORD, and God hears his prayer, granting him an additional fifteen years of life. This theme highlights the power of prayer and God's ability to heal, emphasizing the Hebrew root "רָפָא" (rapha), meaning "to heal." 2. God's Sovereignty and Mercy The narrative demonstrates God's sovereignty in deciding Hezekiah's fate and His mercy in extending Hezekiah's life. In 2 Kings 20:5, God says, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you." This underscores God's compassionate nature and His control over life and death. 3. The Sign of the Sun's Shadow In 2 Kings 20:8-11, Hezekiah asks for a sign to confirm his healing, and God causes the shadow on the sundial to move backward. This miraculous sign serves as a testament to God's power over creation, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "אוֹת" (oth), meaning "sign" or "miracle." 4. Human Pride and Its Consequences Hezekiah's pride is evident when he shows the Babylonian envoys all his treasures (2 Kings 20:12-15). This act of pride leads to a prophecy of future Babylonian captivity. The theme warns against pride, aligning with the Hebrew word "גָּאוֹן" (ga'on), meaning "pride" or "arrogance." 5. Prophecy and Fulfillment Isaiah's prophecy about the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 20:16-18) highlights the theme of prophecy and its fulfillment. This underscores the reliability of God's word and the Hebrew root "נָבָא" (naba), meaning "to prophesy." 6. Mortality and Legacy The chapter concludes with Hezekiah's death and the transition to his son Manasseh (2 Kings 20:20-21). This theme reflects on human mortality and the importance of one's legacy, resonating with the Hebrew word "מוֹת" (moth), meaning "death." Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Kings 20:9–11: How could the shadow on the sundial move backward without violating the laws of physics? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's reaction to his illness demonstrate his faith in God? How can we exhibit a similar faith in our own lives? 2. What is the significance of the shadow receding ten steps on the sundial? How does this sign relate to God's power over time and nature? 3. Compare Hezekiah's prayer for healing and his response to Isaiah's prophecy about the Babylonians. What does this contrast reveal about his character? 4. Discuss the consequences of Hezekiah's pride. How can we guard against pride in our own lives? 5. How does the prophecy about the future of Jerusalem affect your understanding of the sovereignty of God and human free will? 6. What lessons can we learn from Hezekiah's interaction with the Babylonian envoys? 7. What is the significance of God extending Hezekiah's life by fifteen years? How should we view our own lifespan in light of God's control over life and death? 8. How can the story of Hezekiah's miraculous healing inspire faith and hope in individuals facing serious illness today? 9. How can we apply Hezekiah's acceptance of the prophecy about Jerusalem's downfall to situations where we must accept unpleasant truths in our own lives? 10. How does Hezekiah's story inspire you to pray and seek God's intervention in difficult times? 11. Discuss the role of Prophet Isaiah in this chapter. What can we learn from his faithful service to God and His people? 12. Why do you think Hezekiah chose to show his treasures to the Babylonian envoys? How can we guard against the temptation to flaunt our blessings? 13. How does this chapter demonstrate the power of prayer? 14. How does Hezekiah's life illustrate the consequences of our actions? 15. How might Hezekiah's story have been different if he had sought Isaiah's counsel before showing his treasures to the Babylonian envoys? 16. Reflect on the theme of 'pride and consequences' in this chapter. How can we apply this theme to modern day life? 17. Discuss the theme of 'the temporal and the eternal' in the context of Hezekiah's life. 18. Hezekiah's story contains both miraculous intervention and harsh prophecy. How can we reconcile these two aspects of God's character? 19. What can Hezekiah's response to the prophecy about Babylon teach us about facing the consequences of our actions? 20. How does 2 Kings 20 challenge or encourage you in your personal walk with God? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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