Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his faithfulness to God and his significant religious reforms. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's account is one of both spiritual devotion and material wealth, illustrating the complexities of prosperity in a life dedicated to God.Wealth and Prosperity Hezekiah's reign was marked by considerable wealth and prosperity, which is evident in the biblical accounts of his life. Under his leadership, Judah experienced a period of economic growth and stability. The Bible records that Hezekiah "had very great riches and honor" (2 Chronicles 32:27). His wealth was manifested in the construction of treasuries for silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. He also built storehouses for the harvest of grain, new wine, and oil, as well as stalls for all kinds of cattle and pens for flocks (2 Chronicles 32:28-29). Religious Reforms and Devotion Despite his wealth, Hezekiah is most renowned for his religious reforms and his commitment to the worship of Yahweh. He is credited with purging Judah of idolatry, destroying high places, cutting down Asherah poles, and breaking into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the Israelites had been burning incense to it (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah's reforms were driven by his desire to restore true worship and obedience to the commandments of God. Hezekiah's devotion is further exemplified in his response to the Assyrian threat. When King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah, Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and prayed earnestly for deliverance. The prophet Isaiah assured him of God's protection, and the Lord miraculously delivered Jerusalem by sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35). Illness and Recovery Hezekiah's life also included a period of personal trial when he became critically ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. God heard his prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, as well as a miraculous sign involving the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz (2 Kings 20:1-11). Pride and Humility Despite his faithfulness, Hezekiah's account includes a moment of pride that serves as a cautionary tale. After his recovery, envoys from Babylon visited him, and Hezekiah showed them all his treasures and wealth. This act of pride led to a prophetic warning from Isaiah that all his wealth and some of his descendants would be carried off to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18). Hezekiah's response was one of humility and repentance, acknowledging the justice of God's judgment. Legacy Hezekiah's legacy is one of a king who, despite his wealth, prioritized his relationship with God and sought to lead his people in righteousness. His life serves as an example of how material prosperity can coexist with spiritual devotion, but also as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 20:12-18At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Nave's Topical Index Library Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. Then Hezekiah Received the Letter ... Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ... Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with ... The Woman of Samaria On the Song of Songs. The First Season That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ... The Kingdom of Judah. Deliverance from Assyria God is Our Refuge Resources Why did Jesus tell the rich young ruler he could be saved by obeying the commandments? | GotQuestions.orgIs it better, spiritually, to be poor than to be rich? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven? | GotQuestions.org Rich: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Rich: General Scriptures Concerning The Rich: Joseph of Arimathaea Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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