In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: 'Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.'" In those daysThis phrase sets the historical context for the events that follow. "In those days" refers to a specific period during the reign of King Hezekiah, a time marked by both political turmoil and spiritual renewal in Judah. Hezekiah was known for his faithfulness to God, as he worked to remove idolatry from the land and restore proper worship. The phrase suggests a time of significant events, both in the life of Hezekiah and the nation of Judah. Historically, this period was fraught with threats from the Assyrian Empire, which adds urgency to the narrative. Hezekiah
Hezekiah was the king of Judah, noted for his religious reforms and trust in God. His name means "Yahweh strengthens," which is fitting given his reliance on God during times of crisis. Hezekiah's reign is documented as a time of spiritual revival, as he sought to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. His leadership is often contrasted with the idolatrous practices of his predecessors, highlighting his commitment to the covenant with God. became mortally ill
This phrase indicates a severe illness that threatened Hezekiah's life. The Hebrew root for "mortally ill" suggests a sickness that is beyond human remedy, emphasizing the gravity of his condition. In the ancient Near East, illness was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or a test of faith. For Hezekiah, this illness was a pivotal moment that would test his faith and reliance on God, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
Isaiah, a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible, was a contemporary of Hezekiah. His role as a prophet was to convey God's messages to the king and the people. Isaiah's presence in this narrative underscores the importance of divine communication and guidance during times of crisis. As the son of Amoz, Isaiah's lineage is noted, perhaps to affirm his authority and the authenticity of his prophetic office. Isaiah's ministry was characterized by calls to repentance and trust in God, themes that resonate throughout his interactions with Hezekiah. came to him and said
This phrase highlights the direct communication between God and Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah. The act of coming to the king signifies the urgency and importance of the message. In the biblical narrative, prophets often served as intermediaries between God and His people, delivering messages of warning, hope, or instruction. Isaiah's approach to Hezekiah is a reminder of God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, even in times of personal crisis. This is what the LORD says
The phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. "The LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, whose words carry ultimate authority. This introduction is typical of prophetic declarations, underscoring that the message is not of human origin but from God Himself. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His intimate knowledge of the circumstances facing His people. Put your house in order
This command suggests the need for Hezekiah to prepare for his impending death. The phrase "put your house in order" implies making necessary arrangements, both practical and spiritual, for the end of life. In the ancient context, this would include settling affairs, ensuring the succession of leadership, and making peace with God. It is a call to readiness and reflection, urging Hezekiah to consider his legacy and relationship with God. for you are about to die
The starkness of this statement underscores the seriousness of Hezekiah's condition. The certainty of death is presented as an imminent reality, challenging Hezekiah to confront his mortality. In the biblical worldview, death is not merely a physical end but a transition to a different state of existence. This pronouncement invites Hezekiah to trust in God's purposes, even in the face of death, and to seek His will above all else. you will not recover
The finality of this declaration emphasizes the hopelessness of Hezekiah's situation from a human perspective. The assurance that he "will not recover" serves as a catalyst for Hezekiah's subsequent actions and prayers. It highlights the limitations of human power and the necessity of divine intervention. This statement sets the stage for a dramatic turn of events, as Hezekiah's faith and God's mercy will soon be revealed in the narrative that follows. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship in the kingdom. He is facing a life-threatening illness in this passage. 2. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, son of Amoz, who served as God's messenger to Hezekiah, delivering the grave news of his impending death. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, over which Hezekiah reigned. It was a time of both political and spiritual challenges. 4. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will through the prophet Isaiah. 5. Mortally IllHezekiah's condition is described as life-threatening, prompting a divine message to prepare for death. Teaching Points The Reality of MortalityHezekiah's illness reminds us of the inevitability of death. As believers, we should live with an awareness of our mortality, ensuring our lives are in order spiritually and relationally. The Role of ProphetsIsaiah's role as a prophet highlights the importance of listening to God's messengers. We should be attentive to God's Word and those He uses to speak into our lives. God's Sovereignty and Human ResponseWhile God is sovereign over life and death, Hezekiah's account encourages us to respond in faith and prayer, seeking God's mercy and intervention. Preparation for Eternity"Put your house in order" is a call to ensure our spiritual lives are aligned with God's will. This includes repentance, faith, and living out our calling. The Power of PrayerAlthough not detailed in this verse, Hezekiah's subsequent prayer and God's response (in later verses) demonstrate the power and importance of earnest prayer in times of crisis. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness challenge or encourage you in your own life situations? 2. In what ways can we "put our house in order" spiritually, and why is this important? 3. How does the role of Isaiah as a prophet inform our understanding of how God communicates with His people today? 4. What other biblical examples can you find where God changes a situation in response to prayer, and what does this teach us about prayer? 5. How can acknowledging our mortality influence the way we live our daily lives and make decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 38This chapter provides a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering additional details about his prayer and God's response. 2 Chronicles 32Chronicles Hezekiah's reign, including his illness and the miraculous sign given by God as a response to his prayer. Psalm 39:4-5Reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of living with an awareness of our mortality, similar to Hezekiah's situation. James 4:13-15Encourages believers to acknowledge God's sovereignty over life and plans, echoing the need for Hezekiah to "put his house in order." People Ahaz, Amoz, Baladan, Berodachbaladan, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, ManassehPlaces Ararat, Assyria, BabylonTopics Amoz, Charge, Death, Die, Dying, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Ill, Isaiah, Mortally, Order, Point, Prophet, Recover, Says, Sick, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 20:1 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment
5297 disease
5340 house
5561 suffering, nature of
5568 suffering, causes
7773 prophets, role
8329 readiness
9021 death, natural
9023 death, unbelievers 2 Kings 20:1-6 8614 prayer, answers 2 Kings 20:1-7 4440 fig-tree
5298 doctors 2 Kings 20:1-11 5333 healing
8610 prayer, asking God Library An Old-Fashioned Home
TEXT: "What have they seen in thy house?"--2 Kings 20:15. If you will tell me what is in your own house by your own choice I will tell you the story of your home life and will be able to inform you whether yours is a home in which there is harmony and peace or confusion and despair. Let me read the names of the guests in your guest book, allow me to study the titles of the books in your library in which you have special delight, permit me to scan your magazines which you particularly like, allow …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotSennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 God's Sovereignty Defined
"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as Head above all" (1 Chron. 29:11). The Sovereignty of God is an expression that once was generally understood. It was a phrase commonly used in religious literature. It was a theme frequently expounded in the pulpit. It was a truth which brought comfort to many hearts, and gave virility and stability …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God That for the Most Part the Occupation of Government Dissipates the Solidity of the Mind.
Often the care of government, when undertaken, distracts the heart in divers directions; and one is found unequal to dealing with particular things, while with confused mind divided among many. Whence a certain wise man providently dissuades, saying, My son, meddle not with many matters (Ecclus. xi. 10); because, that is, the mind is by no means collected on the plan of any single work while parted among divers. And, when it is drawn abroad by unwonted care, it is emptied of the solidity of inward …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. Each and all of Its Parts Governed by his Providence.
1. Even the wicked, under the guidance of carnal sense, acknowledge that God is the Creator. The godly acknowledge not this only, but that he is a most wise and powerful governor and preserver of all created objects. In so doing, they lean on the Word of God, some passages from which are produced. 2. Refutation of the Epicureans, who oppose fortune and fortuitous causes to Divine Providence, as taught in Scripture. The sun, a bright manifestation of Divine Providence. 3. Figment of the Sophists as …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Kingdom of Judah.
II K. 18-25; II Chron. 28-36. Note: This period covers the time from the fail of Israel to the fall of Judah. It begins in the sixth year of the reign of Hezekiah, whose name is given as the first king of the period since most of his reign was in this instead of the former period. The Kings of this Period. 13. Hezekiah, 2 K. 18:1-20-21; 2 Chron. 29:1-32:33. Reigned 29 years and died. 14. Manasseh, 2 K. 21:1-18; 2 Chron. 33:1-20. Reigned 55 year and died. 15. Amon, 2 K. 21:19-26; 2 Chron. 33:20-25. …
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction.
1. Here it is advised--that afflictions should only be expected.--2. That the righteous hand of God should be acknowledged in them when they come.--3. That they should be borne with patience.--4. That the divine conduct in them should be cordially approved.--5. That thankfulness should be maintained in the midst of trials.--6. That the design of afflictions should be diligently inquired into, and all proper assistance taken in discovering it.--7. That, when it is discovered, it should humbly be complied …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
Sections. 1. Summary of the doctrine of Divine Providence. 1. It embraces the future and the past. 2. It works by means, without means, and against means. 3. Mankind, and particularly the Church, the object of special care. 4. The mode of administration usually secret, but always just. This last point more fully considered. 2. The profane denial that the world is governed by the secret counsel of God, refuted by passages of Scripture. Salutary counsel. 3. This doctrine, as to the secret counsel of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Meditations of the True Manner of Practising Piety on the Sabbath-Day.
Almighty God will have himself worshipped, not only in a private manner by private persons and families, but also in a more public sort, of all the godly joined together in a visible church; that by this means he may be known not only to be the God and Lord of every Singular person, but also of the creatures of the whole universal world. Question--But why do not we Christians under the New, keep the Sabbath on the same seventh day on which it was kept under the Old Testament? I answer--Because our …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
O most righteous Judge, yet in Jesus Christ my gracious Father! I, wretched sinner, do here return unto thee, though driven with pain and sickness, like the prodigal child with want and hunger. I acknowledge that this sickness and pain comes not by blind chance or fortune, but by thy divine providence and special appointment. It is the stroke of thy heavy hand, which my sins have justly deserved; and the things that I feared are now fallen upon me (Job iii. 25.) Yet do I well perceive that in wrath …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 20:1 NIV2 Kings 20:1 NLT2 Kings 20:1 ESV2 Kings 20:1 NASB2 Kings 20:1 KJV
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