Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and is noted for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in the kingdom. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. One of the most significant events in Hezekiah's life was his severe illness and subsequent prayer for healing, which is recorded in 2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, and Isaiah 38:1-22.

The Illness

In the fourteenth year of his reign, Hezekiah became gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came to 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). This pronouncement was a test of Hezekiah's faith and reliance on God.

Hezekiah's Prayer

Upon receiving this dire message, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD. He earnestly pleaded, "Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight" (2 Kings 20:3). Hezekiah's prayer was marked by humility and a sincere appeal to God's mercy, reflecting his deep personal relationship with the LORD.

God's Response

Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him again, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with a new message: "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. I will add fifteen years to your life" (2 Kings 20:5-6). This divine intervention highlights God's responsiveness to sincere prayer and His power to alter the course of human events.

The Sign of the Sundial

As a sign of His promise, God provided a miraculous sign. He caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps, a supernatural event that confirmed His word to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:8-11). This sign served as a tangible assurance of God's faithfulness and His control over creation.

Hezekiah's Response and Psalm

In response to his healing, Hezekiah composed a psalm of thanksgiving, recorded in Isaiah 38:9-20. He praised God for His deliverance and expressed his renewed commitment to live faithfully. Hezekiah acknowledged the LORD's mercy, stating, "The living, only the living can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness" (Isaiah 38:19).

Lessons from Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer

Hezekiah's experience underscores the power of prayer and the importance of faithfulness to God. His account serves as a reminder that God is attentive to the prayers of His people and is capable of performing miracles in response to their faith. Hezekiah's life was extended, and his reign continued to be marked by efforts to lead Judah in righteousness and devotion to the LORD.