Topical Bible: Faith: Hezekiah

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Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah, reigning in the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC. His account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah is often remembered for his faithfulness to God, his religious reforms, and his reliance on divine intervention during times of national crisis.

Religious Reforms and Faithfulness

Hezekiah ascended to the throne at a time when Judah was steeped in idolatry, largely due to the influence of his father, Ahaz. Demonstrating a profound faith in the God of Israel, Hezekiah initiated significant religious reforms to restore proper worship. He reopened the doors of the Temple, which had been closed by Ahaz, and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3). Hezekiah gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the Temple, and to remove all defilement (2 Chronicles 29:4-5).

Hezekiah's faith was evident in his commitment to the observance of the Passover, which had been neglected. He 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, many responded, and a great assembly gathered to observe the feast, demonstrating a revival of faith and unity among the people.

Trust in God During Crisis

Hezekiah's faith was most notably tested during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrian army, having conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, turned its attention to Judah, capturing fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem. In response, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. Hezekiah's prayer, recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19, reflects his deep trust in God's sovereignty and power: "O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth" (2 Kings 19:15).

God answered Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, assuring him that the Assyrian king would not enter Jerusalem. That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored Hezekiah's faith and God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

Personal Faith and Healing

Hezekiah's personal faith was further demonstrated when he fell ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he should set his house in order, for he would not recover. In response, 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). God heard Hezekiah's prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, confirming this promise with the miraculous sign of the sun's shadow moving backward (2 Kings 20:5-11).

Legacy of Faith

Hezekiah's reign is marked by his unwavering faith in God, which led to both spiritual renewal and divine intervention in times of national peril. His life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking God's guidance and deliverance. Despite his later years being marred by pride and the subsequent Babylonian envoys' visit, Hezekiah's overall legacy remains one of devout faith and reliance on the LORD.

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2 Kings 18:5
He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.
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2 Kings 19:1
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
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2 Kings 20:1-11
In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus said the LORD, Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live.
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Library

The Triumph of Faith
... their God. It was but the putting into plain words of what 'common-sense'
and faint faith had often whispered to Hezekiah. The very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the triumph of faith.htm

Hezekiah, the Praying King
... Nothing but the energy of faith. Hezekiah's heart was broken under the strain,
and its waters flowed and added force and volume to his praying. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vi hezekiah the praying king.htm

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... the midst of all our trials, difficulties, toils, and conflicts, if only we will
go the same way to get it, and let our faith work, as Hezekiah's worked, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/hezekiah a pattern of devout.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... More than this, prayer like faith, obtains promises, enlarges their operation, and
adds to ... God sent Isaiah to say to Hezekiah, "Set thine house in order: for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

The Life of the Spirit
... And perhaps Hezekiah expected to be rewarded for his faith, and rewarded for having
done his duty: but it was not so. He had to wait, and to endure more. ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxii the life of.htm

He Complains of the Obstinacy of Trypho; He Answers his Objection ...
... the obstinacy of Trypho; he answers his objection; he convicts the Jews of bad faith. ...
this prophecy of Isaiah refers to our Christ, and not to Hezekiah, as you ...
/.../chapter lxviii he complains of the.htm

An Instance Showing How King Hezekiah was Overthrown by the Dart ...
... came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah." [1010] How dangerous, how terrible
is the malady of vanity! So much goodness, so many virtues, faith and devotion ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x an instance showing.htm

Prayer and Obedience (Continued)
... being, in a flame of holy consecration " all this gives wings to faith and energy ...
In the instance of King Hezekiah, it was a potent plea which changed God's ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/x prayer and obedience continued.htm

Of the Miracles which God Has Condescended to Adhibit through the ...
... the Ministry of Angels, to His Promises for the Confirmation of the Faith of the ...
an idol, and was destroyed by the pious and God-fearing king Hezekiah, much to ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of the miracles which.htm

Where to Carry Troubles
... When Hezekiah heard the threatenings of Sennacherib's servants, he rent his clothes ...
When he received the menacing letter, his faith was greater, having been ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/where to carry troubles.htm