Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his devout obedience to God. His reign, which is detailed in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39, is marked by significant religious reforms and a steadfast commitment to the worship of Yahweh.

Religious Reforms and Obedience

Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years. His reign is characterized by a fervent return to the worship of the God of Israel, in stark contrast to the idolatrous practices of his father, Ahaz. Hezekiah's obedience to God is evident in his efforts to purify the temple and restore proper worship. According to 2 Kings 18:4 , "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it; it was called Nehushtan."

Hezekiah's reforms extended to the celebration of the Passover, which had been neglected. In 2 Chronicles 30:1-5 , Hezekiah sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. This act of obedience not only restored a critical aspect of Israelite worship but also sought to unify the divided kingdom under the worship of Yahweh.

Trust in God During Crisis

Hezekiah's obedience and trust in God were further tested during the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrian king besieged Jerusalem, mocking Hezekiah's faith in God and attempting to undermine the people's confidence. In response, Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance and strength. 2 Kings 19:14-19 records Hezekiah's prayer: "Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: 'O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.'"

God answered Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, assuring him of deliverance. The Lord miraculously intervened, sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's withdrawal (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Personal Obedience and Humility

Hezekiah's personal obedience is also highlighted in his response to a life-threatening illness. In 2 Kings 20:1-6 , the prophet Isaiah informed Hezekiah that he would die from his illness. In humility and faith, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, reminding God of his faithful service. God heard his prayer and granted him an additional 15 years of life, as well as a sign of His promise by making the shadow on the sundial go backward.

Legacy of Obedience

Hezekiah's reign is remembered as a time of spiritual renewal and divine favor. His obedience to God set a standard for future generations, demonstrating the blessings that come from faithfulness to the Lord. 2 Kings 18:5-6 summarizes his legacy: "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. For he held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses."2 Kings 18:6
For he held to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayer and Obedience (Continued)
... This obedience which not only qualifies but fore-runs prayer ... will, and cheerfully
following the path of God's commands ... In the instance of King Hezekiah, it was a ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/x prayer and obedience continued.htm

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life
... and let our faith work, as Hezekiah's worked, and ... after God's pattern, we must follow
God's sequence, which begins with trust and ends with obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/hezekiah a pattern of devout.htm

How Pekah Died by the Treachery of Hoshea who was a Little after ...
... their own advantage, and not out of obedience to him ... them to do, and returned to
the worship of God. ... all these came running to Jerusalem, to Hezekiah, that they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how pekah died.htm

Examples from the Old Testament, Balaam, Moses, and Hezekiah, to ...
... The Son hates those who refused obedience [4621] to the ... increase of his fields, and
to Whom God said: "Thou ... the like manner that the king Hezekiah heard from ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxviii examples from the old.htm

Sundry Objections or Excuses Dealt With.
... your life, you owe no thanks and no obedience to God ... symbols were not idols: yet
even so, God only could ... The Nehushtan of King Hezekiah teaches us the "peril of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on idolatry/chapter v name objections or.htm

Of a Private Fast.
... and such a good deed; for such obedience of the ... his request at the hand of God; both
in ... the Israelites, the Ninevites, Rehoboam, Ahab, Hezekiah, Mannasseh (1 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm

A Godly Reformation
... Hezekiah saw the iron link uniting them, and his ... divine dealing with Israel and Judah,
obedience and disobedience ... evil' thing to depart from the living God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a godly reformation.htm

From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605.
... This he bravely gave by making, in obedience to God's call ... in the Name of the Lord
our God hath he ... was Micaiah the Morasthite in the days of Hezekiah, king of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 from megiddo to carchemish.htm

England's Strength
... And Hezekiah had his answer by Isaiah the prophet: and ... that is loyalty; reverence
for law and obedience to the ... those powers to be ordained of God; because men ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm

Sacrifice Renewed
... worship was an abomination unless preceded by obedience to the ... not thus offer our
whole lives to God, how shall ... Hezekiah followed the order laid down in the Law ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sacrifice renewed.htm

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