Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his devout faith and reliance on God through private prayer. His reign, which is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, is marked by significant religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah's life and leadership provide profound insights into the power and importance of private prayer in the life of a believer.Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer for Healing One of the most notable instances of Hezekiah's private prayer is found in 2 Kings 20:1-6 and Isaiah 38:1-6. When Hezekiah became terminally ill, the prophet Isaiah delivered a message from the Lord, instructing him to set his house in order because he would not recover. In response, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly 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." (2 Kings 20:3). Hezekiah's heartfelt prayer and tears moved God to extend his life by fifteen years, demonstrating the efficacy of sincere, private supplication. Prayer for Deliverance from Assyria Another significant moment of private prayer in Hezekiah's life occurred during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. King Sennacherib of Assyria sent a threatening letter, mocking the God of Israel and demanding surrender. Hezekiah took the letter to the temple and spread it before the Lord, praying for deliverance. In 2 Kings 19:15-19, Hezekiah's prayer is recorded: "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. 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." (2 Kings 19:15-16). God responded to Hezekiah's prayer by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces. Hezekiah's Devotion and Reforms Hezekiah's commitment to private prayer was part of his broader devotion to God, which included significant religious reforms. He removed high places, smashed sacred stones, and cut down Asherah poles, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4. Hezekiah's actions were driven by his desire to restore true worship and reliance on God, as evidenced by his personal prayer life. His private prayers were not isolated acts but were integral to his leadership and the spiritual renewal of Judah. Lessons from Hezekiah's Private Prayer Hezekiah's life underscores the importance of private prayer as a means of seeking God's guidance, intervention, and mercy. His example teaches believers the value of turning to God in times of distress and the power of prayer to effect change in seemingly impossible situations. Hezekiah's prayers were characterized by humility, sincerity, and a deep trust in God's sovereignty, serving as a model for personal devotion and reliance on divine providence. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 20:2Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jer. 6:16 the Good Way. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Of a Private Fast. Liturgical Use. The Christian Prayer Intercessory Prayer True Prayer --True Power! Prayer Answered, Love Nourished A Poor Man's Cry, and what came of It I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Resources Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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