Topical Bible: Obedience: Hezekiah

◄ Obedience: Hezekiah ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his obedience to God. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's life and leadership provide a compelling example of obedience to God's commandments, resulting in divine favor and national reform.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years (2 Kings 18:2). Unlike his father Ahaz, who led Judah into idolatry, Hezekiah was committed to following the ways of the Lord. His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of pagan practices.

Religious Reforms

One of Hezekiah's first acts as king was to cleanse and restore the temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated during his father's reign. Hezekiah's obedience to God is evident in his efforts to reestablish the proper worship of Yahweh. He reopened the doors of the temple, repaired them, and called the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and the temple (2 Chronicles 29:3-5).

Hezekiah also reinstituted the Passover, which had been neglected for many years. 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). This act of obedience not only restored a critical aspect of Jewish worship but also fostered unity among the divided tribes.

Trust in God During Crisis

Hezekiah's obedience and trust in God were further demonstrated during the Assyrian invasion. When King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and strength. Hezekiah's prayerful dependence on God is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19, where he humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty and pleads for deliverance.

In response to Hezekiah's faithfulness, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance underscored the power of obedience and trust in God.

Personal Obedience and Humility

Hezekiah's personal life also reflects his obedience to God. When he fell ill and was near death, he prayed earnestly, and God granted him an additional 15 years of life (2 Kings 20:1-6). During this time, Hezekiah showed humility and repentance, acknowledging his dependence on God's mercy.

However, Hezekiah's life also serves as a cautionary tale. In a moment of pride, he displayed his wealth to envoys from Babylon, which led to a prophecy of future Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 20:12-18). Despite this lapse, Hezekiah's overall legacy is one of faithfulness and devotion to God.

Legacy of Obedience

Hezekiah's reign is summarized 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." His obedience brought about spiritual renewal and divine protection for Judah, setting a standard for future generations.

Hezekiah's life exemplifies the blessings of obedience to God, demonstrating that faithfulness leads to divine favor and national restoration. His account encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's commandments, trusting in His provision and guidance.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 18:6
For 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 31:20,21
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and worked that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 38:3
And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Prayer and Obedience (Continued)
... He hearkened to the petition, and, as a result, death found his approach to Hezekiah
barred for fifteen years. Jesus learned obedience in the school of ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/x prayer and obedience continued.htm

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... same way to get it, and let our faith work, as Hezekiah's worked, and ... all vindicate
their value and reality in the simple, homely way of practical obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/hezekiah a pattern of devout.htm

How Pekah Died by the Treachery of Hoshea who was a Little after ...
... own good-will, and for their own advantage, and not out of obedience to him ... Now all
these came running to Jerusalem, to Hezekiah, that they might worship God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how pekah died.htm

Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ...
... The Son hates those who refused obedience [4621] to the Father; nor does He wish
His ... 4648] It was just in the like manner that the king Hezekiah heard from ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxviii examples from the old.htm

England's Strength
... And Hezekiah had his answer by Isaiah the prophet: and more than an answer ... without
something else"and that is loyalty; reverence for law and obedience to the ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm

Sacrifice Renewed
... Another point to notice is that Hezekiah's reformation was mainly directed to ... sacrifices,
and worship was an abomination unless preceded by obedience to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sacrifice renewed.htm

A Godly Reformation
... Hezekiah saw the iron link uniting them, and his whole policy was based ... statements
as to the divine dealing with Israel and Judah, obedience and disobedience ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a godly reformation.htm

Deuteronomy
... sets before them life and death as the recompense of obedience and disobedience ... The
first important blow appears to have been struck by Hezekiah, who, possibly ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/deuteronomy.htm

The Book of the Law
... a part of Deuteronomy, that had made the reign of Hezekiah so prosperous ... The
encouragements offered as the reward of obedience were accompanied by prophecies ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 33 the book of.htm

Manasseh and Josiah
... The trying experiences through which Judah had safely passed during Hezekiah's reign
had ... given for the guidance of Israel's rulers, and his obedience made it ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm