Topical Bible: Kings: Good: Hezekiah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC. He is remembered as one of the most righteous and reformative kings in the history of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in the kingdom. His account is primarily recorded in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39.

Reign and Religious Reforms:
Hezekiah ascended to the throne at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by significant religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices of Judah. Hezekiah is noted for his zealous efforts to rid the kingdom of idolatry, as he "removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles" (2 Kings 18:4). He also destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made, as it had become an object of idol worship.

Hezekiah's reforms extended to the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. He reopened the doors of the Temple, which had been closed by his father Ahaz, and repaired its structure. Hezekiah reinstituted the Levitical priesthood and restored the observance of the Passover, inviting all Israel and Judah to participate in the celebration (2 Chronicles 30:1-5).

Faith and Trust in God:
Hezekiah's faith in God is exemplified during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. When King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and strength. Hezekiah's prayer and reliance on God are recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19, where he humbly acknowledges God's sovereignty and pleads for deliverance. In response, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Illness and Healing:
Hezekiah's life was marked by a significant personal trial when he fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord. God heard his prayer and granted him an additional 15 years of life, as well as a miraculous sign: the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moved backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:1-11).

Legacy and Impact:
Hezekiah's reign is characterized by his unwavering commitment to God and his efforts to lead Judah back to faithful worship. His actions set a standard for future generations, and he is often cited as a model of godly leadership. Despite his successes, Hezekiah's later years were marred by pride, as he showed the treasures of his kingdom to envoys from Babylon, an act that Isaiah warned would lead to future consequences for Judah (2 Kings 20:12-19).

Conclusion:
Hezekiah's legacy as a good king is underscored by his dedication to God and his significant religious reforms. His life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of trial.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 18:3
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Two Boy Kings.
... There were a few good kings of Judah, such as Asa and Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah,
and among them were two who became kings when they were very young. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxx the two boy.htm

Hezekiah
... Hezekiah and his associates instituted various reforms for the ... Judah" the king "wrought
that which was good and right ... he prospered." Verses 20, 21; 2 Kings 18:5 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew.
... temple]; 9 and Uzziah begat Jotham [a good king like Uzziah, his father]; and Jotham
begat Ahaz [one of Judah's worst kings]; and Ahaz begat Hezekiah [a royal ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/iii genealogy of jesus according.htm

2 Kings iv. 25, 26.
... 2 KINGS IV. ... Word, or one repining Thought." So that, on the whole, the Sentiment
of this good Shunamite was much the same with that of Hezekiah, when he ...
/.../submission to divine providence in the death of children/2 kings iv 25 26.htm

Nineveh.
... of battles, hunts, sacrifices, triumphs, and all the scenes in the kings' histories,
nay, in the ... Manasseh, the son of the good Hezekiah, began to reign in 699. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson ix nineveh.htm

Prophets and Kingsforeword
... and healing; Ahaz, the fearful and wicked; Hezekiah, the loyal and good-hearted;
Daniel ... ministry of Christ; this volume, Prophets and Kings fits between ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/prophets and kingsforeword.htm

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... from following Him, but kept His commandments.'"2 Kings 18:5 ... get it, and let our
faith work, as Hezekiah's worked, and ... it difficult for us to get a good grip. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/hezekiah a pattern of devout.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... now how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done
that which is good in Thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore." 2 Kings 20:2, 3. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

Chronicles
... to the throne, nor of the tribute of silver and gold which Hezekiah paid Sennaccherib ...
2 Chron, xiv.5, xvii.6) as, on his theory,"being good kings, they should ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/chronicles.htm

The Kingdom of Judah.
... The Kings of this Period. 13. ... (5) A decline under Manasseh who reared images to Baal,
defiled the temple and overthrew the good work of his father Hezekiah. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xiv the kingdom of.htm