Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a fervent commitment to seeking the LORD, distinguishing him as one of the most faithful kings in Judah's history. The biblical accounts of Hezekiah's life and reign are primarily found in 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, and Isaiah 36–39.

Religious Reforms

Upon ascending to the throne, Hezekiah initiated a series of religious reforms aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh and purifying the religious practices of Judah. Hezekiah's reforms are detailed in 2 Chronicles 29–31. He reopened the doors of the Temple, which had been closed by his father Ahaz, and repaired them. He gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the Temple, which had been defiled. Hezekiah's zeal for the LORD is evident in his command: "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us" (2 Chronicles 29:10).

Hezekiah also removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the Israelites had been burning incense to it (2 Kings 18:4). This act demonstrated his commitment to centralizing worship in Jerusalem and eliminating idolatry.

Passover Celebration

One of Hezekiah's most significant religious acts was the celebration of the Passover, which had not been observed on such a scale since the days of Solomon. Hezekiah sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 30:1). Despite initial resistance and mockery from some in the northern kingdom, many humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. The celebration was marked by great joy and unity, as described in 2 Chronicles 30:26: "There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel, nothing like this had happened in Jerusalem" .

Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer

Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD is further exemplified during his illness. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion (2 Kings 20:2-3). The LORD heard Hezekiah's prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, as well as a miraculous sign involving the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz (2 Kings 20:5-11).

Assyrian Threat and Divine Deliverance

Hezekiah's faith was also tested during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrian king besieged Jerusalem, mocking Hezekiah's trust in the LORD and attempting to demoralize the people (2 Kings 18:19-35). In response, Hezekiah sought the LORD's guidance through prayer and consultation with the prophet Isaiah. Hezekiah's prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19, where he acknowledges God's sovereignty and pleads for deliverance for the sake of His name.

The LORD answered Hezekiah's prayer, and through the prophet Isaiah, assured him that the Assyrian king would not enter the city. That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal (2 Kings 19:32-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored the power of seeking the LORD in times of crisis.

Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is characterized by his unwavering dedication to the LORD and his efforts to lead the nation of Judah back to faithful worship. His life serves as a testament to the blessings of seeking the LORD with a sincere heart, as noted in 2 Kings 18:5-6: "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses" .