Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: To Save Hezekiah's Life

◄ Prayer: Answered: To Save Hezekiah's Life ►

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The account of King Hezekiah's prayer and God's response is a profound example of divine intervention in response to earnest supplication. This event is recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, providing a comprehensive view of the circumstances surrounding Hezekiah's illness and subsequent healing.

Context and Background

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the king of Judah who reigned in Jerusalem. He is noted for his faithfulness to God, his efforts to restore proper worship in the temple, and his reforms to rid Judah of idolatry. Despite his devotion, Hezekiah faced a severe personal trial when he became gravely ill.

The Illness and Prophetic Message

In 2 Kings 20:1 , the narrative begins: "In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, 'This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.'" This message from the prophet Isaiah was a direct and somber declaration of Hezekiah's impending death, leaving the king with little hope from a human perspective.

Hezekiah's Prayer

Faced with this dire prognosis, Hezekiah turned to the Lord in prayer. 2 Kings 20:2-3 describes his response: "Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 'Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly." This prayer was a heartfelt plea, rooted in his relationship with God and his past faithfulness.

God's Response

God's response to Hezekiah's prayer was swift and merciful. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him again, as recorded in 2 Kings 20:4-5 : "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.'" God's message through Isaiah assured Hezekiah of his healing and a continuation of his life.

The Sign of Assurance

To confirm His promise, God provided a miraculous sign. Hezekiah asked for a sign, and God granted it by causing the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to move backward ten steps, as detailed in 2 Kings 20:8-11 . This supernatural event served as a tangible assurance of God's power and faithfulness to His word.

Hezekiah's Extended Life

In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God not only healed him but also extended his life by fifteen years, as stated in 2 Kings 20:6 : "I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David." This extension of life was accompanied by a promise of deliverance for Jerusalem, highlighting God's continued protection over His people.

Theological Implications

Hezekiah's experience underscores the power of prayer and God's willingness to intervene in the lives of His faithful servants. It illustrates the importance of turning to God in times of distress and the impact of sincere, heartfelt prayer. The narrative also reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to alter the course of events in response to human petition, demonstrating His compassion and grace.

Related Scriptures

· 2 Kings 20:1-11
· 2 Chronicles 32:24-26
· Isaiah 38:1-8

These passages collectively provide a detailed account of Hezekiah's illness, prayer, and God's miraculous intervention, offering a rich source of reflection on the nature of prayer and divine response.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 20:1-7,11
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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2 Chronicles 32:24
In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed to the LORD: and he spoke to him, and he gave him a sign.
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Library

Hezekiah, the Praying King
... Can prayer save a man from an incurable sickness? ... Sickness dies before prayer. Health
comes in answer to prayer. God answered more than Hezekiah asked for. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/vi hezekiah the praying king.htm

'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
... For I will defend this city, to save it, for ... In a sentence, Hezekiah's prayer is
answered, and then the ... Hezekiah's prayer has, as it were, fired the fuse or ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/he uttered his voice the.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... sign shalt thou have of the Lord," the prophet answered, "that the ... to be the sign
to Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayer. ... "The Lord was ready to save me ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

'Time for Thee to Work'
... waiting, to suspend our activity till we have answered each denier ... we have waited
for Him, and He will save us ... by many arguments"more by words of prayer to God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/time for thee to work.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Assyrians, king of, conquered by Hezekiah's prayer, [804]391. ... of, [807]368; vain
excuses for, answered, [808]368 ... of man, [1012]390; glory of, to save men, [1013 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Hezekiah, prayer of, commended, [786]331. ... 195, in feeling the crowd, [824]206, in
His prayer to God ... 52; declared the Creator, [1166]104; did not save the unholy ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... fifth chapter is a complaint of Zion in prayer to God ... To this it can be answered
in part that in ... performed, the impression of God's power to save and deliver ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ...
... avoided a collision which could have answered no valuable ... have done good, unto the
resurrection of life; and they ... his name JESUS: for he shall save his people ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/john bunyan on the terms.htm