Topical Bible: Pride: Hezekiah

◄ Pride: Hezekiah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned during a pivotal period in the history of the southern kingdom. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, as well as for his interactions with the Assyrian empire. However, Hezekiah's life also provides a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, as recorded in the biblical narrative.

Religious Reforms and Achievements

Hezekiah is celebrated for his zealous efforts to restore proper worship in Judah. Upon ascending the throne, he initiated a series of religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices of the nation. He reopened the doors of the Temple, which had been closed by his father Ahaz, and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3). Hezekiah also removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles (2 Kings 18:4). His reforms extended to the destruction of the bronze serpent that Moses had made, which had become an object of idolatrous worship.

Hezekiah's commitment to Yahweh is further demonstrated in his observance of the Passover, which he celebrated with great enthusiasm, inviting all Israel and Judah to participate (2 Chronicles 30:1-5). This event marked a significant moment of national repentance and renewal.

Hezekiah's Pride and Illness

Despite his piety and achievements, Hezekiah's life was not without fault. The Bible records an incident that highlights the king's struggle with pride. After God miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege led by Sennacherib (2 Kings 19:35-36), Hezekiah fell ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah prayed earnestly, and God granted him an additional fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20:1-6).

During this time, envoys from Babylon visited Hezekiah, and in a moment of pride, he showed them all the treasures of his kingdom (2 Kings 20:12-13). This act of pride and lack of discernment drew a stern rebuke from Isaiah, who prophesied that all the treasures of Judah would eventually be carried off to Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18).

Biblical Reflections on Pride

Hezekiah's account serves as a reminder of the biblical warnings against pride. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Hezekiah's pride in showing off his wealth to the Babylonians foreshadowed the future exile of Judah, illustrating the truth of this proverb.

The narrative of Hezekiah underscores the importance of humility and reliance on God. While he was a king who sought to honor God through his reforms and faith, his moment of pride serves as a lesson in the dangers of self-exaltation and the need for continual dependence on divine guidance.

Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is remembered for both its spiritual revival and its cautionary tale of pride. His life exemplifies the complex nature of human character, where devotion and pride can coexist, and serves as a reminder of the need for humility before God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 32:25
But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done to him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath on him, and on Judah and Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Instance Showing How King Hezekiah was Overthrown by the Dart ...
... the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah." [1010] How ... nature
itself and the laws of the whole world, perish by a single act of pride! ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x an instance showing.htm

The Ambassadors from Babylon
... But pride and vanity took possession of Hezekiah's heart, and in self-exaltation
he laid open to covetous eyes the treasures with which God had enriched His ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 29 the ambassadors from.htm

Pride and Humility
... The destruction of Hezekiah's wealth must come because he is proud thereof. ... pride,
what hast thou done? thou hast more power than a wizard's wand! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... be carried away, and thy sons and thy daughters shall be servants to the king of
Babylon?" The destruction of Hezekiah's wealth must ... pride, what hast thou done ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Introduction
... groans and tears. It was the pride of Hezekiah's heart that made him lie
in the dust, mourning before the Lord. It was the fear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/introduction.htm

Deliverance from Assyria
... To Hezekiah came the message: "This shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this ...
Looking forward to the time when the pride of Assyria should be brought low ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 30 deliverance from assyria.htm

'He Uttered his Voice, the Earth Melted'
... now not 'concerning,' but to, him, and indicts him for insane pride, which was ... people,
but also in the tone of his insolent defiances of Hezekiah, in which he ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/he uttered his voice the.htm

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers
... cast down to the earth with the hand.3. The crown of pride, the drunkards ... This prophecy
probably falls in the first years of Hezekiah, when Samaria still stood ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the judgment of drunkards and.htm

Chronicles
... to the throne, nor of the tribute of silver and gold which Hezekiah paid Sennaccherib ...
So Uzziah's leprosy is the divine punishment of his pride in presuming to ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/chronicles.htm

First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ...
... 2. It includes deep humiliation for heart evils and disorders; thus Hezekiah
humbled himself for the pride of his heart. Thus the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/first i am to consider.htm