2 Kings 20:5

"Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: 'I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.

Study Bible

Go back and tell Hezekiah
This phrase begins with a direct command from God to the prophet Isaiah. The Hebrew root for "Go back" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to return or turn back. This indicates a change in direction, both physically and spiritually. Isaiah is to reverse his course, symbolizing God's willingness to change His mind in response to prayer. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is specifically named, emphasizing the personal nature of God's message. Historically, Hezekiah was a righteous king who sought to restore proper worship in Judah, making him a significant figure in the narrative of Israel's history.

the leader of My people
The term "leader" in Hebrew is "נָגִיד" (nagid), which can also mean prince or ruler. This title underscores Hezekiah's role as a divinely appointed leader, responsible for guiding God's people according to His will. The phrase "My people" reflects God's covenant relationship with Israel, highlighting His ownership and care for them. It serves as a reminder of the special status of Israel as God's chosen nation, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says
The phrase "This is what the LORD says" is a common prophetic formula, indicating that the message comes directly from God. The use of "the God of your father David" connects Hezekiah to the Davidic covenant, reminding him of God's promises to David and his descendants. This connection to David is significant, as it reinforces the legitimacy of Hezekiah's kingship and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

I have heard your prayer
The Hebrew word for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also responding. This highlights the effectiveness of Hezekiah's prayer and God's attentiveness to the cries of His people. Prayer is portrayed as a powerful tool for communication with God, capable of influencing divine action. This assurance of being heard is meant to inspire confidence and faith in God's responsiveness.

and seen your tears
The word "seen" in Hebrew is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), indicating a deep awareness and understanding. God is not only aware of Hezekiah's verbal prayer but also his emotional state, represented by his tears. This emphasizes God's compassion and empathy, showing that He is moved by the sincere emotions of His people. It reassures believers that God is intimately aware of their struggles and sorrows.

I will heal you
The promise "I will heal you" is a direct assurance of divine intervention. The Hebrew root "רָפָא" (rapha) means to heal or restore, indicating a complete restoration of health. This promise of healing is both physical and spiritual, symbolizing God's power to restore life and well-being. It serves as a testament to God's ability to perform miracles and His desire to bring wholeness to His people.

On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD
The mention of "the third day" is significant, as it often symbolizes completeness and divine intervention in the Bible. This specific timeframe underscores the certainty and immediacy of God's promise. "You will go up to the house of the LORD" indicates a return to worship and normalcy, signifying not just physical healing but also spiritual renewal. The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the center of worship and God's presence among His people. This promise of returning to the temple highlights the importance of worship and communion with God as central to the life of a believer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah who is known for his faithfulness to God. He is the central figure in this passage, receiving a message of healing from God.

2. Isaiah
The prophet who delivers God's message to Hezekiah. He plays a crucial role as God's messenger.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who responds to Hezekiah's prayer and promises healing.

4. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, where Hezekiah is told he will go on the third day after his healing.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where these events take place.

Teaching Points

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's earnest prayer and tears moved God to action. This teaches us the importance of sincere prayer in our own lives.

God's Compassion
The passage highlights God's compassion and willingness to heal and restore. We can trust in God's loving nature and His desire to care for His people.

Faith in Action
Hezekiah's faith is demonstrated through his immediate prayer and reliance on God. We are encouraged to actively trust God in times of trouble.

Divine Timing
God's promise to heal Hezekiah on the third day reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even if it doesn't align with our own expectations.

The Role of Prophets
Isaiah's role as a messenger underscores the importance of listening to God's word through His appointed servants.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to his illness challenge or inspire your own approach to difficult situations?

2. In what ways can we see God's compassion in our lives today, similar to how He showed compassion to Hezekiah?

3. How does the concept of divine timing in Hezekiah's healing encourage you to trust God's timing in your own life?

4. What role does prayer play in your life, and how can Hezekiah's example motivate you to deepen your prayer life?

5. How can we discern and respond to God's messages in our lives, as Hezekiah did through the prophet Isaiah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 32:24-26
This passage provides additional context to Hezekiah's illness and his prayer, highlighting his humility and God's response.

Isaiah 38:1-8
A parallel account of Hezekiah's illness and recovery, offering more details about the sign given to Hezekiah.

James 5:15
This New Testament verse speaks to the power of prayer in healing, connecting to Hezekiah's experience of God's response to his prayer.