Topical Bible: King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah

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Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah, reigning in the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC. His reign is documented in the biblical books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah is often remembered for his religious reforms and his efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as well as his interactions with the prophet Isaiah.

Religious Reforms and Popular Opinion

Hezekiah ascended to the throne during a time of spiritual decline in Judah, following the idolatrous practices of his father, Ahaz. Hezekiah's reign marked a significant shift towards the worship of Yahweh, as he sought to restore the religious purity of the nation. According to 2 Kings 18:4 , "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 up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it; it was called Nehushtan."

Hezekiah's reforms were largely influenced by the popular opinion of the faithful remnant in Judah who longed for a return to the covenantal faithfulness of their ancestors. His actions were in alignment with the desires of those who remained loyal to the worship of Yahweh, and he was supported by the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, who encouraged the king to trust in the Lord rather than in foreign alliances.

Political Decisions and Public Sentiment

Hezekiah's reign was also marked by significant political challenges, particularly the threat posed by the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah, capturing many fortified cities. In response, Hezekiah initially sought to appease Sennacherib by paying tribute, stripping the gold from the doors of the temple to meet the demands (2 Kings 18:15-16). This decision was likely influenced by the immediate pressure and fear of the Assyrian threat, reflecting a moment where popular opinion may have swayed Hezekiah towards a pragmatic, albeit temporary, solution.

However, Hezekiah's ultimate reliance on God during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem demonstrated his commitment to divine guidance over popular opinion. Encouraged by Isaiah, Hezekiah prayed fervently for deliverance, and the Lord miraculously intervened, sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35). This event solidified Hezekiah's reputation as a king who, despite moments of wavering, ultimately placed his trust in God.

Legacy and Influence

Hezekiah's reign is often viewed as a high point in the history of Judah, characterized by a return to religious orthodoxy and a demonstration of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. His efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem and his destruction of idolatrous practices were significant in shaping the religious landscape of Judah. Hezekiah's influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his reforms set a precedent for future kings and left a lasting impact on the spiritual life of the nation.

Despite the pressures of popular opinion and the challenges of his time, Hezekiah's legacy is one of faithfulness and reform, illustrating the complex interplay between leadership, public sentiment, and divine guidance in the history of Israel and Judah.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 30:2
For the king had taken counsel, and his princes, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to keep the passover in the second month.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
... kingdom should have filled, moved, and influenced to discipleship a ... of the feeding,
and then of the popular attempt to proclaim Him Messianic King, of which ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxx the night of.htm

Psalms
... or the Messianic King of popular yearning; and ... be little doubt that Jeremiah powerfully
influenced Hebrew religious ... which proclaim Jehovah as King, and ring ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/psalms.htm

The Poetical Books.
... Psalms of David" something as a popular hymn-book ... five-fold division of the Law,
influenced the compilers ... King James' translators did not know what they meant ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Hymns of Praise and Worship.
... numbering no less than one thousand, and popular in their ... of his glad instrument
may have influenced his work ... an orchestra in Naples when the king was present ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter i hymns of praise.htm

Of Civil Government.
... he established an aristocracy bordering on popular government among ... and the latter,
by joining the king with God ... governors, are not to be influenced merely by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... was one of the chief causes which influenced the Cossaeans ... been able to amalgamate
under a single king, or even ... to relegate to the region of popular fancy that ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... that the theological instinct has superseded popular enthusiasm, and ... at Bethel: for
it is the king's sanctuary, and ... forward this view he was influenced by the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... war is given rather differently in Judges 1:1-9, where the king is called ... Others,
again, have come down to us through an atmosphere of popular tradition, the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm