Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure whose reign is marked by significant temporal blessings from God. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's reign is characterized by his faithfulness to God, his religious reforms, and the prosperity that followed as a result of divine favor.Faithfulness and Reforms Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. His reign is noted for a return to the worship of Yahweh and the removal of idolatrous practices that had been established by his predecessors. Hezekiah's commitment to God is evident in his actions to cleanse the temple, restore proper worship, and celebrate the Passover, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 29-31. The Bible states, "Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done" (2 Kings 18:3). Divine Prosperity As a result of Hezekiah's faithfulness, God bestowed temporal blessings upon him and the kingdom of Judah. The Bible records that "the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook" (2 Kings 18:7). This divine favor manifested in various ways, including military victories, economic prosperity, and political stability. One of the most notable instances of God's blessing was the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib. Despite the overwhelming threat, Hezekiah's reliance on God and his fervent prayer led to divine intervention. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36). Wealth and Honor Hezekiah's reign was also marked by significant wealth and honor. The Bible describes how Hezekiah "had very great riches and honor" and how he "made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles" (2 Chronicles 32:27). His prosperity extended to the construction of storehouses for grain, wine, and oil, as well as stalls for livestock and pens for flocks. Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery Another significant event in Hezekiah's life was his illness and subsequent recovery, which further demonstrated God's temporal blessings. When Hezekiah became terminally ill, he prayed to the LORD, who responded by granting him an additional 15 years of life. This extension of life was accompanied by a sign from God: the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moved backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:1-11). Legacy of Prosperity Hezekiah's reign serves as a testament to the temporal blessings that can result from faithfulness to God. His life exemplifies how divine favor can lead to prosperity, protection, and honor. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and reliance on God, as Hezekiah's later years were marred by pride and a lack of foresight regarding the future of his kingdom (2 Chronicles 32:25). In summary, Hezekiah's account is a powerful illustration of how temporal blessings from God can manifest in the life of a faithful leader, bringing prosperity and success to both the individual and the nation. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 18:6,7For he held to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 32:29 Library Hezekiah Temporal Advantages. part 1 From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the blessing of Abraham? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Aaronic Blessing? | GotQuestions.org What is a blessing according to the Bible? What does the Bible mean by bless? | GotQuestions.org Blessing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blessing: Contingent Upon Obedience Blessing: Responsive Blessings of the Law Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Abraham Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Abraham's Servant Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Elijah Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Ezra Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Hannah Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Isaac Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Laban Blessing: Temporal Blessings, Prayer For: Nehemiah Blessing: Temporal, from God by an Angel Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Manna Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Quail Blessing: Temporal, from God in Egypt: Water Blessing: Temporal, from God: Fed by Ravens Blessing: Temporal, from God: Hezekiah Prospered Blessing: Temporal, from God: Hezekiah Restored to Health Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Abraham Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Asa Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Daniel Blessing: Temporal, from God: To David Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Isaac Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Jacob Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Jehoshaphat Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Job Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Jotham Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Noah, at the Time of the Flood Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Obed-Edom Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Solomon Blessing: Temporal, from God: To the Widow of Zerephath Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Uzziah Blessing: Temporal, Prayer For Related Terms |