◄ 2 Kings 20:3 ►
"Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Study Bible
Please, O LORD
The phrase begins with a heartfelt plea, "Please, O LORD," which in Hebrew is "אָנָּה יְהוָה" (an-na Yahweh). This invocation of the divine name "Yahweh" signifies a personal and covenantal relationship. Hezekiah is not addressing a distant deity but the God of Israel, who has been faithful to His people. The use of "please" indicates humility and urgency, reflecting Hezekiah's deep reliance on God's mercy and grace.

remember
The Hebrew word for "remember" is "זָכַר" (zakar), which implies more than just recalling past events. In the biblical context, it often means to act upon a memory. Hezekiah is asking God to take action based on His covenant promises and past faithfulness. This request is rooted in the understanding that God is a God who remembers His people and His promises.

how I have walked before You
The phrase "walked before You" uses the Hebrew verb "הָלַךְ" (halak), which means to live or conduct one's life. Walking "before" God suggests living in His presence, under His watchful eye, and in accordance with His will. It implies a life of integrity and transparency, where one's actions are aligned with God's standards.

faithfully
The Hebrew word for "faithfully" is "בֶּאֱמֶת" (be'emet), which can also be translated as "in truth" or "with integrity." This highlights Hezekiah's consistent and sincere devotion to God. His faithfulness is not sporadic or superficial but a deep-seated commitment to live according to God's truth.

and with wholehearted devotion
The phrase "wholehearted devotion" comes from the Hebrew "בְּלֵב שָׁלֵם" (belev shalem), meaning "with a whole heart." This signifies complete and undivided loyalty to God. Hezekiah's devotion is not half-hearted or divided by other allegiances; it is total and sincere, reflecting the greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart.

I have done what is good in Your sight
The phrase "done what is good" uses the Hebrew "הַטּוֹב בְּעֵינֶיךָ" (hatov be'eneikha), meaning actions that are pleasing to God. This reflects a life lived in obedience to God's commandments and a desire to align one's actions with His will. Hezekiah's claim is not of self-righteousness but a testament to his efforts to live a life that honors God.

And Hezekiah wept bitterly
The phrase "wept bitterly" captures the depth of Hezekiah's emotion. The Hebrew "בְּכִי גָדוֹל" (bekhi gadol) suggests intense sorrow and desperation. This weeping is not just a sign of fear or despair but also a profound expression of his earnest plea for God's intervention. It reflects the human condition of vulnerability and the need for divine compassion and intervention.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in the temple. He is the central figure in this passage, pleading with God for his life.

2. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Hezekiah reigned and where the events of this chapter take place.

3. Isaiah the Prophet
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Isaiah plays a crucial role in the surrounding account as the prophet who delivers God's messages to Hezekiah.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, to whom Hezekiah directs his prayer, seeking divine intervention.

5. Hezekiah's Illness
The event that prompts Hezekiah's prayer, as he is told by Isaiah that he will not recover and should set his house in order.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Crisis
Hezekiah's prayer demonstrates the importance of maintaining a faithful walk with God, especially during times of personal crisis. His life of devotion gives him confidence to approach God in prayer.

Wholehearted Devotion
The Hebrew word for "wholehearted" (shalem) implies completeness and sincerity. Believers are encouraged to serve God with undivided hearts, fully committed to His will.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's earnest prayer and tears show the depth of his relationship with God. This passage encourages believers to pray fervently and sincerely, trusting in God's compassion and power to intervene.

God's Remembrance
Hezekiah asks God to remember his faithfulness. This highlights the biblical theme that God is attentive to the lives of His people and remembers their faithfulness and obedience.

Emotional Honesty with God
Hezekiah's bitter weeping shows that it is acceptable to express deep emotions before God. Believers are encouraged to be honest with God about their feelings and struggles.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hezekiah's prayer in 2 Kings 20:3 reflect his relationship with God, and what can we learn from his example about approaching God in prayer?

2. In what ways does Hezekiah's life demonstrate the importance of faithfulness and wholehearted devotion to God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

3. How does the account of Hezekiah's illness and prayer in 2 Kings 20 relate to the teachings on prayer found in the New Testament, such as in James 5:16?

4. What does Hezekiah's request for God to "remember" teach us about God's character and His response to our faithfulness?

5. How can we cultivate a life of devotion and faithfulness to God so that we can confidently seek His help in times of need, as Hezekiah did?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 32
Provides additional context on Hezekiah's reign, his faithfulness, and his reliance on God during times of crisis.

Isaiah 38
Offers a parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and prayer, emphasizing the power of prayer and God's response.

Psalm 86:11
Reflects a similar plea for wholehearted devotion and faithfulness to God, echoing Hezekiah's prayer.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, which is exemplified in Hezekiah's earnest plea to God.
Sermons
Hezekiah's SicknessC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 20:1-11
Hezekiah's SicknessJ. Orr 2 Kings 20:1-11
A House and a Soul ComparedJ. R. Starey.2 Kings 20:1-19
Attachment to LifeCharles Lamb.2 Kings 20:1-19
Hezekiah's Prayer AnsweredMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 20:1-19
Set Thy House in Order -- a New Year's SermonE. D. Griffin, D. D.2 Kings 20:1-19
The Blessing of SicknessDavid Thomas, D. D.2 Kings 20:1-19
The House in OrderThomas Spurgeon.2 Kings 20:1-19
DeathD. Thomas 2 Kings 20:1-21
People
Ahaz, Amoz, Baladan, Berodachbaladan, David, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Manasseh
Places
Ararat, Assyria, Babylon
Topics
TRUE, Beg, Beseech, Bitter, Bitterly, Devotion, Faithfully, Faithfulness, Grievously, Habitually, Heart, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Mind, O, Perfect, Remember, Sight, Sore, Truth, Walked, Weepeth, Weeping, Wept, Wholehearted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 20:3

     5198   weeping
     8208   commitment, to God
     8253   faithfulness, examples
     8462   priority, of God

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

2 Kings 20:2-3

     5945   self-pity

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 Iscariot

Sennacherib (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 20:3 NIV
2 Kings 20:3 NLT
2 Kings 20:3 ESV
2 Kings 20:3 NASB
2 Kings 20:3 KJV

2 Kings 20:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Kings 20:2
Top of Page
Top of Page