What can we learn from Hezekiah's example of doing "what was right"? Key Passage “[Hezekiah] did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done.” — 2 Kings 18:3 Background Snapshot • Hezekiah began to reign over Judah at age 25 (2 Kings 18:2). • He followed a spiritually disastrous king, Ahaz, whose compromises flooded Judah with idolatry (2 Chron 28). • Within his first month Hezekiah launched sweeping reforms (2 Chron 29:3). What Doing Right Looked Like for Hezekiah • Cleansed and reopened the temple: “He brought in the priests…and said, ‘Consecrate yourselves…remove the defilement from the sanctuary.’” — 2 Chron 29:5–6 • Removed high places and smashed idols: “He removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles.” — 2 Kings 18:4 • Destroyed even long-cherished objects of misuse: “He broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.” — 2 Kings 18:4 • Restored Biblical worship and the Passover: see 2 Chron 30:1–27. • Reestablished priestly support and tithing structures (2 Chron 31:2–12). • Demonstrated steadfast trust during Assyria’s siege: “With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” — 2 Chron 32:8 • Sought the LORD in prayer when threatened (2 Kings 19:14–19). Heart Attitudes Behind His Actions • Reverence for God’s Word over popular opinion. • Courage to confront entrenched sin. • Humility that prays first, strategizes second. • Zeal that acted promptly—no delays (2 Chron 29:36). • Wholehearted devotion: “In everything that he undertook…he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. So he prospered.” — 2 Chron 31:21 Results the LORD Brought • National revival and joyful worship (2 Chron 30:26–27). • Miraculous deliverance: one angel destroyed 185,000 Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35). • Extended life and further blessing (2 Kings 20:5–6). • A testimony remembered for generations (Isaiah 38). Lessons for Us Today • Right is defined by God’s standards, not culture. • Purging idols—anything rivalling God—precedes deeper fellowship. • Worship must be central, orderly, and heartfelt. • Genuine faith prays boldly and expects God to act. • Obedience invites God’s protection and provision. • A single believer’s courage can redirect an entire community. Putting It into Practice • Examine your life for “high places”—habits, relationships, or possessions that compete with Christ’s lordship. • “Reopen the doors” of neglected spiritual disciplines: Scripture reading, fellowship, generous giving. • Celebrate the true Passover Lamb, Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:7), with fresh gratitude and purity. • When crisis looms, lay the letter before the LORD as Hezekiah did—pray specifically, trust entirely. • Serve God “wholeheartedly,” confident that He still prospers those who do what is right in His eyes. |
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