Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah's sickness is a significant event in the life of King Hezekiah of Judah, recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. This episode highlights themes of divine intervention, prayer, and the power of faith.Biblical Account The account of Hezekiah's illness is primarily found in 2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, and Isaiah 38:1-8. According to these passages, Hezekiah became mortally ill during his reign. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, was sent by God to deliver a message to the king: "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). Upon receiving this dire prophecy, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. Hezekiah wept bitterly, demonstrating his deep distress and reliance on God in his time of need. Divine Response God responded to Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "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. I will add fifteen years to your life'" (2 Kings 20:5-6). As a sign of His promise, God caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps, a miraculous event that confirmed the certainty of Hezekiah's recovery and the extension of his life (2 Kings 20:8-11). Hezekiah's Response and Reflection In response to his healing, Hezekiah composed a song of thanksgiving, recorded in Isaiah 38:9-20. This passage reflects his gratitude and renewed commitment to praise God for His mercy and deliverance. Hezekiah acknowledged the LORD's intervention and expressed his intention to walk humbly before God for the remainder of his days. Theological Significance Hezekiah's sickness and subsequent healing underscore the importance of prayer and faith in God's power to intervene in human affairs. The narrative illustrates God's responsiveness to sincere prayer and His sovereignty over life and death. Hezekiah's experience serves as a testament to the belief that God hears the cries of His people and acts according to His divine will and purpose. Historical Context Hezekiah reigned as king of Judah during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian aggression and internal reform. His illness occurred after the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege, further emphasizing the theme of divine protection and favor upon Hezekiah's reign. The extension of his life allowed Hezekiah to continue his efforts in religious reform and fortification of the kingdom. Lessons and Legacy The account of Hezekiah's sickness offers valuable lessons on the power of prayer, the importance of humility, and the necessity of trusting in God's plan. Hezekiah's account is a reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring faithfulness of God to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Hezekiah's SicknessHEZEKIAH'S SICKNESS See DIAL OF AHAZ. Library Hezekiah's Song; Or, Sickness and Recovery. Isa. 38:9Ff. Meditations for the Sick. The Greater Prophets. Hesekiah's Song; Or, Sickness and Recovery, Isa. 38. 9 &C. The Kingdom of Judah. A Prayer Before Taking of Medicine. General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ... The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Comparison of the Statements of the Four Evangelists Respecting ... Matthew xxii. 32 Resources How did Isaiah die? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org What happened at the Pool of Siloam? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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