Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his religious reforms and his reliance on God during times of national crisis. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's account is one of faith, leadership, and divine intervention, making him a significant character in biblical history. Reign and Religious Reforms: Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah around 715 BC and reigned for 29 years. His reign is marked by a strong commitment to the worship of Yahweh and a determined effort to rid Judah of idolatry. Hezekiah is noted for his religious reforms, which included the removal of high places, breaking the sacred pillars, cutting down the Asherah poles, and destroying the bronze serpent that Moses had made, which had become an object of idolatrous worship (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah's reforms were aimed at centralizing worship in Jerusalem and restoring the proper worship of God as prescribed in the Law of Moses. Trust in God and Deliverance from Assyria: One of the most significant events during Hezekiah's reign was the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrian army besieged Jerusalem, and Hezekiah sought the Lord's help through prayer and the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. In response to Hezekiah's faith, God delivered Jerusalem by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance is a testament to Hezekiah's trust in God and serves as a powerful example of divine intervention. Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery: Hezekiah's life was also marked by a personal crisis when he fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. God heard his prayer and granted him an additional 15 years of life, as well as a sign of the sun's shadow moving backward as confirmation of His promise (2 Kings 20:1-11). Hezekiah's Wealth and Pride: Despite his faithfulness, Hezekiah's later years were marred by a moment of pride. When envoys from Babylon visited, Hezekiah showed them all his treasures and wealth. This act of pride led to a prophecy from Isaiah that all his wealth and some of his descendants would be carried off to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18). This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God. Legacy: Hezekiah is remembered as one of the most righteous kings of Judah, whose faith and reforms had a lasting impact on the spiritual life of the nation. His account is a powerful example of the importance of faith, prayer, and reliance on God in the face of adversity. The biblical narrative of Hezekiah highlights the themes of divine faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the necessity of true worship. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 31:21And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. Nave's Topical Index Library The Ambassadors from Babylon The Evidence of Scripture on Changes of Determination. General Index. The Joyous Return Resources Should a church be seeker sensitive? | GotQuestions.orgShould churches be seeker-friendly? | GotQuestions.org What is Willow Creek? | GotQuestions.org Seeker: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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