Topical Bible: Hizkljah

◄ Hizkljah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Hezekiah, also known as Hizkiah, was the 13th king of Judah, renowned for his religious reforms and his unwavering faith in God. His reign is documented in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah is celebrated for his efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and for his leadership during a time of national crisis.

Background and Ascension to the Throne:
Hezekiah was the son of King Ahaz and ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 25, reigning for 29 years (2 Kings 18:1-2). His mother was Abijah, daughter of Zechariah. Unlike his father, who was known for idolatry and alliances with foreign powers, Hezekiah was a devout follower of Yahweh and sought to bring Judah back to the worship of the one true God.

Religious Reforms:
Hezekiah's reign is marked by significant religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices in Judah. He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it, calling it Nehushtan (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah's reforms were driven by his desire to centralize worship in Jerusalem and to eliminate idolatry from the land.

Trust in the Lord:
Hezekiah is noted for his deep trust in the Lord, which distinguished him from many of his predecessors. "He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him" (2 Kings 18:5). His faith was evident in his reliance on God during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib.

The Assyrian Threat:
During Hezekiah's reign, the Assyrian Empire posed a significant threat to Judah. Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. In response, the Lord sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery:
Hezekiah fell gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover. In response, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, who heard his prayer and granted him an additional 15 years of life. As a sign of this promise, the Lord caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to move backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:1-11).

Hezekiah's Wealth and Pride:
Hezekiah was blessed with great wealth and honor, but he also faced challenges of pride. When envoys from Babylon visited him, he showed them all his treasures, which later led to Isaiah's prophecy of the Babylonian exile (2 Kings 20:12-19). Despite this lapse, Hezekiah's overall legacy is one of faithfulness and devotion to God.

Legacy:
Hezekiah's reign is remembered as a time of spiritual renewal and divine deliverance. His efforts to restore true worship and his reliance on God during times of crisis left a lasting impact on the history of Judah. Hezekiah's life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking God's guidance in all circumstances.