2 Kings 20:19

But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good." For he thought, "Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?"

Study Bible

But Hezekiah said to Isaiah,
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is responding to the prophet Isaiah. This interaction occurs after Isaiah delivers a message from God regarding the future of Hezekiah's kingdom. Hezekiah's relationship with Isaiah is significant, as Isaiah was a major prophet during his reign, providing guidance and delivering God's messages. This reflects the biblical theme of kings seeking counsel from prophets, as seen with other kings like David and Nathan.

“The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.”
Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy is surprising, given that the message foretold future calamity for his descendants and kingdom. His acceptance of the word as "good" indicates a submission to God's will, a theme prevalent throughout scripture, such as in Job 1:21, where Job accepts God's sovereignty in both blessing and adversity. This phrase also highlights the importance of recognizing divine authority, even when the message is difficult.

For he thought,
This phrase introduces Hezekiah's internal reasoning, providing insight into his mindset. It suggests a moment of introspection and personal reflection, which is a common biblical narrative device to reveal character motivations. This internal dialogue is crucial for understanding Hezekiah's priorities and concerns.

“Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?”
Hezekiah's concern for peace and security during his own reign reflects a common human desire for stability and safety. Historically, Hezekiah's reign was marked by significant challenges, including the Assyrian threat, which makes his desire for peace understandable. This phrase also reveals a potential shortcoming in Hezekiah's character, as he seems more concerned with his immediate circumstances than the long-term consequences for his descendants. This can be contrasted with biblical figures like Moses, who showed concern for future generations (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). Theologically, this highlights the tension between immediate comfort and long-term faithfulness, a recurring theme in scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms to restore proper worship. He is the central figure in this passage, responding to a prophecy about the future of his kingdom.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament who served as God's messenger to Hezekiah. He delivered the prophecy concerning the future downfall of Judah and the Babylonian captivity.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, over which Hezekiah reigned. This passage is set during a time of political and spiritual challenges for the nation.

4. Babylon
The rising power that would eventually conquer Judah and take its people into exile, as prophesied by Isaiah.

5. Prophecy of Captivity
The event where Isaiah foretells the future Babylonian captivity of Judah, which Hezekiah accepts with a focus on his own lifetime.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Short-Sightedness
Hezekiah's response highlights a tendency to focus on immediate comfort rather than long-term consequences. Believers are encouraged to consider the future impact of their actions and decisions.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the troubling prophecy, Hezekiah acknowledges the word of the LORD as good. This teaches us to trust in God's plans, even when they are difficult to understand.

Intergenerational Responsibility
Hezekiah's acceptance of peace in his lifetime without concern for future generations challenges us to think beyond our own lives and invest in the spiritual and physical well-being of those who come after us.

The Role of Prophecy
This passage illustrates the role of prophecy in the Bible as a tool for warning, guidance, and revealing God's plans. It encourages believers to heed prophetic messages and seek understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy reflect his priorities, and what can we learn from this about our own priorities?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our decisions today positively impact future generations, both spiritually and materially?

3. How does Hezekiah's acceptance of God's word as "good" challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing difficult truths?

4. What are some modern examples of short-sightedness in decision-making, and how can we apply biblical principles to avoid them?

5. How can we balance the need for personal peace and security with the call to care for others, as seen in Philippians 2:4?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides context for Hezekiah's reign, his faithfulness, and his interactions with Isaiah, including the miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians.

Isaiah 39
A parallel account of this event, offering additional insights into Hezekiah's response and the prophecy's implications.

2 Chronicles 32
Chronicles Hezekiah's reign, including his achievements and the challenges he faced, providing a broader view of his character and leadership.

Philippians 2:4
Encourages believers to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others, contrasting Hezekiah's self-focused response.