Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years (2 Kings 18:1-2). His reign is noted for significant religious reforms, including the restoration of temple worship and the destruction of idolatrous practices (2 Kings 18:4-6). Hezekiah is also remembered for his faithfulness to God during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and his miraculous healing from a terminal illness.

Illness and Recovery

Hezekiah's illness and subsequent recovery are pivotal events leading up to his death. In 2 Kings 20:1, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the LORD, saying, "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover." In response, Hezekiah prays earnestly, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. The LORD hears his prayer and sees his tears, granting him an additional fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20:5-6).

The sign of the sun's shadow moving backward ten steps on the stairway of Ahaz served as confirmation of God's promise to heal Hezekiah and defend Jerusalem from the Assyrians (2 Kings 20:8-11). This miraculous event underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Hezekiah's Pride and Humility

Despite his faithfulness, Hezekiah's later years were marred by an episode of pride. After his recovery, envoys from Babylon visited Hezekiah, and he showed them all the treasures of his kingdom (2 Kings 20:12-13). Isaiah rebuked Hezekiah for this act, prophesying that all these treasures would eventually be carried off to Babylon, and some of his descendants would become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18).

Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy was one of humility and acceptance, acknowledging the word of the LORD as good (2 Kings 20:19). This incident highlights the tension between human pride and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative.

Death and Legacy

Hezekiah's death is recorded in 2 Kings 20:21: "And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh became king in his place." His reign is remembered for its religious reforms and his unwavering trust in God during times of national crisis. Hezekiah's life and death serve as a testament to the importance of faithfulness and humility before God.

The Chronicler adds that Hezekiah was buried in the upper section of the tombs of the sons of David, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death (2 Chronicles 32:33). His legacy is further reflected in the writings of the prophet Isaiah and the historical accounts of Kings and Chronicles, which emphasize his role in the spiritual renewal of Judah and his reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds.