Topical Encyclopedia
The miraculous healing of King Hezekiah, as recorded in the book of Isaiah, stands as a testament to God's power and mercy, as well as the efficacy of prayer and prophecy through His chosen servants. This event is documented in
Isaiah 38:1-8 and
2 Kings 20:1-11, where the prophet Isaiah plays a pivotal role in the divine intervention that extends Hezekiah's life.
Context and BackgroundHezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the king of Judah who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian threats and internal reforms. Known for his faithfulness to God, Hezekiah initiated religious reforms to restore proper worship in Judah, tearing down high places and reinstating the Passover (
2 Kings 18:1-6). Despite his devotion, Hezekiah faced a severe personal trial when he fell gravely ill.
The Illness and ProphecyIn
Isaiah 38:1, the narrative begins with Hezekiah's critical illness. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, is sent by God to deliver a somber message: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover." This pronouncement underscores the gravity of Hezekiah's condition and the certainty of his impending death.
Hezekiah's PrayerConfronted with this dire prophecy, Hezekiah turns to the Lord in fervent prayer.
Isaiah 38:2-3 records his response: "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." His prayer reflects a deep reliance on God, appealing to his past faithfulness and devotion.
Divine Response and HealingGod's response to Hezekiah's earnest prayer is swift and compassionate. Before Isaiah has left the middle court, the word of the LORD comes to him again, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with a new message. In
2 Kings 20:5-6, God declares, "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. 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."
The Sign of the SundialTo confirm the promise of healing and the extension of Hezekiah's life, God provides a miraculous sign. Hezekiah is given the choice of the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moving forward or backward ten steps. Hezekiah chooses the latter, and
Isaiah 38:8 records the miracle: "I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has descended on the stairway of Ahaz." This supernatural event serves as a divine assurance of God's promise and power.
SignificanceThe healing of Hezekiah through the intercession of Isaiah highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. It underscores the power of prayer and the importance of faithfulness to God. The event also illustrates God's sovereignty over life and death, as well as His willingness to intervene in response to sincere supplication. Furthermore, the role of Isaiah as a prophet is emphasized, showcasing the function of God's servants as mediators of His will and instruments of His miraculous works.
This account of Hezekiah's healing remains a powerful example of divine mercy and the miraculous intervention of God through His prophets, reinforcing the belief in God's active presence and care for His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 20:7And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
City of God
... Chapter 12.--Of the Miracles Wrought by the True God ... are to Be Believed About the
Miracles Whereby the ... Of the Fall of the First Man, Through Which Mortality ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/
An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... supplieth to you the Spirit and worketh miracles among you ... Behold now the sky, and
pass through it in ... who have practised what is good, and wrought deeds worthy ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm
Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... dwells in the laws, legends and miracles of Antichrist. ... are dead: yea, as they wrought
mischiefs, and ... God's dark and intricate dispensations, through which she ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm
Index of Subjects.
... excuse for sin, [745]122; how broken through, [746]122 ... Miracles, why told differently
in the Gospels, [1159]3 ... went before faith, [1177]354; some wrought by the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm
Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ... But this shall not fail to
be wrought in them ... He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm
Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... to that faith to say, the age of miracles is past ... so impressed with the thought of
him, and so wrought upon that ... After a jaunt through the storm and snow in the ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm
Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the ... had sinned himself quite out of
hopes of God's mercy; and ... a venturous man and cut his way through the armed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm
Resources
What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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