As we explore the lives of these faith heroes, we will discover that faith is not merely a belief; it is a dynamic force that empowers us to overcome obstacles, persevere through difficulties, and live a life of purpose. This week we look at the life and faith of Hezekiah King of Judah
Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, stands out as a beacon of faith and obedience to God. His life, marked by both trials and triumphs, offers valuable lessons for believers today. In this Bible study, we will delve into the life of Hezekiah, examining his character, his faith, and the lessons we can learn from his experiences.
Hezekiah's life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. By studying his life and applying the lessons learned, we can grow in our own faith and trust in God's unwavering love and provision.
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 18-20, Isaiah 36-39
Introduction
Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, stands out as a beacon of faith and obedience to God. His life, marked by both trials and triumphs, offers valuable lessons for believers today. In this Bible study, we will delve into the life of Hezekiah, examining his character, his faith, and the lessons we can learn from his experiences.
I. A King Who Trusted in God
Reversing the Spiritual Decline: Let’s start with the fact that Hezekiah reversed the spiritual decline that had taken place under his father, Ahaz who the bible says was a wicked king.
2 Kings 16:2-9 NIV [2] Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. [3] He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. [4] He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. [5] Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem and besieged Ahaz, but they could not overpower him. [6] At that time, Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram by driving out the people of Judah. Edomites then moved into Elath and have lived there to this day. [7] Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, “I am your servant and vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.” [8] And Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the temple of the Lord and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. [9] The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death.
The Syrian Army, under the leadership of King Rezin, did indeed threaten Jerusalem and Judah during the reign of King Ahaz, before Hezekiah. The threat from Syria and Israel (under King Pekah) was significant, and Ahaz, fearing for his kingdom, sought help from the Assyrian Empire. This decision had far-reaching consequences, as it led to Judah becoming a vassal state of Assyria and ultimately contributing to the decline of the kingdom.
Ahaz is condemned for turning away from the Lord and worshiping idols. Ahaz engaged in the horrific practice of child sacrifice, following the abominable customs of the Canaanites. In times of distress, Ahaz sought help from the Assyrian king, Tiglath-pileser III, rather than trusting in the Lord. This led to further spiritual decline and the oppression of Judah.
The threat from Syria and Israel (under King Pekah) forced Ahaz to seek help from the Assyrian Empire, which ultimately led to Judah becoming a vassal state to Assyria. This period marked a significant decline in Judah's independence and prosperity.
It's important to note that the Syrian threat during Ahaz's reign was a separate event from the Assyrian threat during Hezekiah's reign. While both events posed serious dangers to Judah, they occurred at different times and under different circumstances.
There’s more about Ahaz but we are talking about Hezekiah today.
He cleansed the temple, reestablished godly worship, and encouraged the people to return to the Lord.
2 Kings 18:1-8 NIV [1] In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. [2] He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. [3] He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. [4] He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.) [5] Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. [6] He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. [7] And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. [8] From watchtower to fortified city, he defeated the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory.
2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 4-11 NIV [1] Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. [2] He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.
[4] He brought in the priests and the Levites, assembled them in the square on the east side [5] and said: “Listen to me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary. [6] Our parents were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the Lord our God and forsook him. They turned their faces away from the Lord’s dwelling place and turned their backs on him. [7] They also shut the doors of the portico and put out the lamps. They did not burn incense or present any burnt offerings at the sanctuary to the God of Israel. [8] Therefore, the anger of the Lord has fallen on Judah and Jerusalem; he has made them an object of dread and horror and scorn, as you can see with your own eyes. [9] This is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and why our sons and daughters and our wives are in captivity. [10] Now I intend to make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us. [11] My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense.”
Confronting the Assyrian Threat:
After years of being a vassal state under the Assyrian Empire, Hezekiah sought to break free from their control. Judah, with its strategic location and resources, was a valuable asset to the Assyrian Empire. By controlling Judah, the Assyrians could maintain their dominance in the region.
The Assyrian Empire was known for its aggressive expansionist policies. They sought to conquer and control as much territory as possible. Judah, as a rebellious state, presented an opportunity to further their imperial ambitions.
This act of defiance angered the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. Ultimately, the Assyrian invasion of Judah was a direct consequence of Hezekiah's decision to challenge the authority of the mighty Assyrian Empire.
When the mighty Assyrian army threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer rather than relying on military might. He trusted in God's promise to protect His people.
The Assyrian Empire, under the powerful King Sennacherib, had conquered much of the ancient Near East, and Judah was next in their sights. Sennacherib's forces laid siege to Jerusalem, and his army's commander, Rabshakeh, taunted and threatened the city's inhabitants, mocking their reliance on God.
2 Kings 18:18-35 NIV[18] They called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them. [19] The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: “ ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours? [20] You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? [21] Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. [22] But if you say to me, “We are depending on the Lord our God”—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem”? [23] “ ‘Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! [24] How can you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s officials, even though you are depending on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? [25] Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this place without word from the Lord? The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.’ ” [26] Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” [27] But the commander replied, “Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall—who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?” [28] Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! [29] This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my hand. [30] Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ [31] “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, [32] until I come and take you to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey. Choose life and not death! “Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ [33] Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? [34] Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? [35] Who of all the gods of these countries has been able to save his land from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
Here’s what Hezekiah did;
2 Kings 19:1-8, 14-19 NIV [1] When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. [2] He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. [3] They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. [4] It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.” [5] When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, [6] Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. [7] Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’ ” [8] When the field commander heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah.
[14] Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. [15] And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. [16] Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. [17] “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. [18] They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. [19] Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.”
In the face of this overwhelming threat, Hezekiah turned to the prophet Isaiah for guidance. Isaiah, in turn, delivered a powerful message from God, assuring Hezekiah that the Lord would protect Jerusalem and defeat the Assyrian army.
Isaiah 37:1-4 NIV [1] When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. [2] He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. [3] They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. [4] It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”
The climax of the story is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. An angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in defeat. This event solidified Hezekiah's faith in God and became a testament to the Lord's power and protection.
So what happened?
The entire account is in 2 Kings chapter 19 and in Isaiah chapters 36 and 37.
2 Kings 19:20-37 NIV [20] Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria. [21] This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: “ ‘Virgin Daughter Zion despises you and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee. [22] Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! [23] By your messengers you have ridiculed the Lord. And you have said, “With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its junipers. I have reached its remotest parts, the finest of its forests. [24] I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk the water there. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” [25] “ ‘Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stone. [26] Their people, drained of power, are dismayed and put to shame. They are like plants in the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the roof, scorched before it grows up. [27] “ ‘But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. [28] Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.’ [29] “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah: “This year you will eat what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from that. But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit. [30] Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. [31] For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. [32] “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: “ ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. [33] By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city, declares the Lord. [34] I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.’ ” [35] That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! [36] So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.[37] One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.
Isaiah 37:21-38 NIV [21] Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, [22] this is the word the Lord has spoken against him: “Virgin Daughter Zion despises and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee. [23] Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! [24] By your messengers you have ridiculed the Lord. And you have said, ‘With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its junipers. I have reached its remotest heights, the finest of its forests. [25] I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk the water there. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.’ [26] “Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stone. [27] Their people, drained of power, are dismayed and put to shame. They are like plants in the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the roof, scorched before it grows up. [28] “But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. [29] Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came. [30] “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah: “This year you will eat what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from that. But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit. [31] Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. [32] For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. [33] “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: “He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. [34] By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,” declares the Lord. [35] “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” [36] Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! [37] So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.Isaiah[38] One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.
Later on Hezekiah faced a life-threatening illness Again he humbled himself before the Lord and prayed for healing. God answered his prayer, adding 15 years to his life.
Isaiah 38:1-8 NIV [1] In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” [2] Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, [3] “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. [4] Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: [5] “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. [6] And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. [7] “ ‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: [8] I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’ ” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down.
2 Kings 20:1-11 NIV [1] In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” [2] Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, [3] “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. [4] Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: [5] “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. [6] 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.’ ” [7] Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered. [8] Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the Lord on the third day from now?” [9] Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?” [10] “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.” [11] Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.
When Hezekiah was told he was going to die, he exhibited remarkable faith in the following ways:
Humble Prayer: He turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, acknowledging his mortality and humbly seeking God's mercy. (2 Kings 20:1-3)
Faithful Remembrance: He reminded God of his faithful service and wholehearted devotion. (2 Kings 20:3)
Tears of Hope: He wept bitterly, expressing his deep desire to live and his trust in God's power to heal. (2 Kings 20:3)
Submission to God's Will: He accepted the Lord's decision, whether it was life or death.
Trust in Divine Timing: He waited patiently for God's answer to his prayer, trusting in His perfect timing.
Ultimately, Hezekiah's faith was rewarded when God extended his life by fifteen years. His story serves as a powerful testament to the power of prayer, the importance of faith, and the hope that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty.
Hezekiah wrote about this
Isaiah 38:9-20 NIV [9] A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery: [10] I said, “In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?” [11] I said, “I will not again see the Lord himself in the land of the living; no longer will I look on my fellow man, or be with those who now dwell in this world. [12] Like a shepherd’s tent my house has been pulled down and taken from me. Like a weaver I have rolled up my life, and he has cut me off from the loom; day and night you made an end of me. [13] I waited patiently till dawn, but like a lion he broke all my bones; day and night you made an end of me. [14] I cried like a swift or thrush, I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!” [15] But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul. [16] Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live. [17] Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. [18] For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. [19] The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness. [20] The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.
II. Lessons from Hezekiah's Life
Reformed Worship: Hezekiah took significant steps to purify worship in Judah. He reopened and repaired the temple, reinstated the Levitical priesthood, and destroyed idols and pagan altars throughout the land.
The Importance of Faith: Hezekiah's unwavering faith in God's power and promises enabled him to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's prayers demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in our lives.
The Need for Obedience: Hezekiah's obedience to God's commands, even when it was difficult, brought blessings upon his life and nation.
Trusted God in Crisis: When faced with the threat of the powerful Assyrian army, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer, trusting in His divine protection.
Obeyed God's Word: Hezekiah adhered to the laws and commandments of God, demonstrating his commitment to a righteous lifestyle.
Showed Humility: When confronted with his impending death, Hezekiah humbled himself before God and sought His mercy.
Hezekiah's life serves as an inspiring example of faith and obedience, reminding us to trust in God, even in the face of adversity.
The Value of Humility: Hezekiah's humility before God allowed him to receive divine favor and mercy.
III. Application to Our Lives
Cultivate Faith: Strive to deepen your faith in God's Word and promises.
Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer a regular part of your daily life.
Obey God's Word: Seek to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Embrace Humility: Acknowledge your dependence on God and submit to His will.
Not perfect
2 Kings 20:12-19 NIV [12] At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of Hezekiah’s illness. [13] Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine olive oil—his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. [14] Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, “What did those men say, and where did they come from?” “From a distant land,” Hezekiah replied. “They came from Babylon.” [15] The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?” “They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” [16] Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: [17] The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. [18] And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” [19] “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?”
Hezekiah, after being healed from a deadly illness, proudly showed off his wealth to Babylonian emissaries. This display of pride angered God, and he was warned of future consequences.
The first deportation of Judeans to Babylon occurred in 597 BC, approximately 30 years after Hezekiah's reign ended in 687 BC.
The final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, along with a larger-scale deportation, happened in 586 BC
Here are the kings of Judah after Hezekiah before the Babylonian exile:
1. Manasseh (697-642 BCE) - 2 Kings 21:1-18
2. Amon (642-640 BCE) - 2 Kings 21:19-26
3. Josiah (640-609 BCE) - 2 Kings 22:1-23:30
4. Jehoahaz (609 BCE) - 2 Kings 23:31-35
5. Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE) - 2 Kings 23:36-24:7
6. Jehoiachin (598-597 BCE) - 2 Kings 24:8-25:21
7. Zedekiah (597-586 BCE) - 2 Kings 24:17-25:21
Conclusion
Hezekiah's life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith in God. By following his example, we can overcome life's challenges, experience God's blessings, and leave a lasting legacy of faith and obedience.
Discussion Questions:
How did Hezekiah's faith in God enable him to overcome the Assyrian threat?
What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to his illness?
How can we cultivate a deeper faith in God in our own lives?
What are some practical ways to incorporate prayer into our daily routines?
How can we apply the principle of humility in our relationships with others?
Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, stands out as a beacon of faith and trust in God. His life, marked by both trials and triumphs, offers valuable lessons for believers today. Let's delve into the life of this remarkable king and explore the qualities that made him a hero of faith.
Key Qualities of Hezekiah's Faith
Trust in God's Sovereignty:
Facing the Assyrian Threat: When the mighty Assyrian army threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah didn't panic. Instead, he turned to God, recognizing His ultimate authority and power.
Prayer and Humility: Hezekiah humbled himself before God, acknowledging his dependence on divine intervention. His prayer, recorded in 2 Kings 19:14-19, is a model of heartfelt supplication.
Obedience to God's Word:
Reforming Judah: Hezekiah diligently followed God's commandments, leading a spiritual revival in Judah. He cleansed the temple, restored worship, and encouraged the people to return to the Lord.
Trusting in God's Promises: When faced with adversity, Hezekiah clung to God's promises, believing that the Lord would fulfill His word.
Courage and Boldness:
Defying the Assyrian King: Hezekiah courageously defied the arrogant Assyrian king, trusting in God's protection.
Leading by Example: Hezekiah's bold faith inspired his people to trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Lessons for Today
Trust God in All Circumstances: Like Hezekiah, we can trust God, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
Obey God's Word: By following God's commandments, we can experience His blessings and protection.
Pray Fervently: Persistent prayer is a powerful weapon against adversity.
Live a Godly Life: By living a life of righteousness, we can honor God and inspire others.
Conclusion
Hezekiah's life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. By studying his life and applying the lessons learned, we can grow in our own faith and trust in God's unwavering love and provision.
Bible Study Audio
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