Background:
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah, reigning from approximately 715 to 686 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, as well as for his reliance on God during times of national crisis. One of the most significant events during his reign was the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib, which culminated in Hezekiah's fervent prayer for deliverance.

Biblical Account:
The account of Hezekiah's prayer is found in 2 Kings 19:14-19, 2 Chronicles 32:20, and Isaiah 37:14-20. The narrative describes a time when the Assyrian army, having already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and many fortified cities of Judah, laid siege to Jerusalem. Sennacherib sent a message to Hezekiah, mocking his trust in God and demanding surrender.

Hezekiah's Response:
Upon receiving the threatening letter from Sennacherib, Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. This act of laying the letter before God symbolized Hezekiah's total dependence on divine intervention. Hezekiah's prayer is a model of humility, faith, and reliance on God's sovereignty.

The Prayer:
Hezekiah's prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19 :

"And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: 'O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. But now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.'"

Theological Significance:
Hezekiah's prayer is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it acknowledges the sovereignty of God over all nations and His unique status as the Creator. Secondly, it contrasts the living God with the powerless idols of the nations. Thirdly, it seeks deliverance not merely for the sake of survival but for the glory of God's name among the nations.

Divine Response:
God's response to Hezekiah's prayer was swift and decisive. Through the prophet Isaiah, God assured Hezekiah that the Assyrian king would not enter Jerusalem. That very night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, leading to Sennacherib's retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored God's power to save and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

Legacy:
Hezekiah's prayer for deliverance is remembered as a powerful example of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's help in times of trouble and trusting in His ability to deliver His people for His glory.