Topical Bible: Intercessory Prayer: Hezekiah

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Introduction

Intercessory prayer, the act of praying on behalf of others, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. One of the most compelling examples of intercessory prayer is found in the life of King Hezekiah, the 13th king of Judah. His account is a testament to the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the earnest petitions of His people.

Historical Context

Hezekiah reigned during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, from approximately 715 to 686 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms, which included the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39.

Hezekiah's Intercessory Prayer for Deliverance

One of the most notable instances of Hezekiah's intercessory prayer occurs when the Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah. The Assyrian army, known for its might and brutality, besieges Jerusalem, and Sennacherib sends a message to Hezekiah, mocking the God of Israel and demanding surrender.

In response, Hezekiah seeks the Lord's intervention. He goes to the Temple, spreads out Sennacherib's letter before the Lord, and prays earnestly for deliverance. His prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19 :

"And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: 'O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. But now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.'"

God responds to Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, assuring him that the Assyrian king will not enter the city. That night, the angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Hezekiah's Intercessory Prayer for Healing

Another significant moment of intercessory prayer in Hezekiah's life occurs when he falls gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah informs him that he will not recover. In response, Hezekiah turns his face to the wall and prays to the Lord, pleading for his life. His prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 20:2-3 :

"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."

God hears Hezekiah's prayer and sees his tears. Before Isaiah has left the middle court, the word of the Lord comes to him, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with a message of healing. God promises to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians (2 Kings 20:4-6).

Theological Significance

Hezekiah's intercessory prayers highlight several key theological themes:

1. God's Sovereignty and Power: Hezekiah acknowledges God's supreme authority over all nations and His ability to save His people from seemingly insurmountable threats.

2. Faith and Dependence on God: Hezekiah's prayers demonstrate a deep reliance on God, seeking divine intervention in times of crisis and personal need.

3. God's Responsiveness: The narrative underscores God's willingness to hear and respond to the prayers of His faithful servants, affirming the efficacy of intercessory prayer.

4. Repentance and Humility: Hezekiah's approach to God in prayer is marked by humility and repentance, recognizing his own limitations and God's greatness.

Conclusion

Hezekiah's life and prayers serve as a powerful example of intercessory prayer in action. His account encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is attentive to the cries of His people and capable of delivering them from their troubles.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 30:18
For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Intercessory Prayer
... prophet than Moses, and never one more intensely earnest in intercessory prayer. ...
or if you want another royal example, turn to Hezekiah with Sennacherib's ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ...
... Then they went in to Hezekiah the king ... 1:Sam.15:11, 35; 16:1). In Jeremiah (15:1)
Moses and Samuel are represented as offering intercessory prayer for Israel. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrines of salvation a.htm