Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and is remembered for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in the kingdom. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. One of the most poignant episodes in Hezekiah's life is his acceptance of God's will, particularly during his illness and the subsequent extension of his life.

Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer

In 2 Kings 20:1-11 and Isaiah 38:1-8, we find the account of Hezekiah's severe illness. The prophet Isaiah came to him with a message from the Lord: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). Faced with this grim prognosis, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the Lord, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion.

Hezekiah's prayer was heartfelt and sincere, demonstrating his deep trust in God. The Lord heard his prayer and saw his tears, and He sent Isaiah back to tell Hezekiah that He would add fifteen years to his life (2 Kings 20:5-6). This divine intervention highlights God's responsiveness to sincere prayer and repentance.

The Sign of the Sun's Shadow

As a sign of His promise, God caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps (2 Kings 20:9-11). This miraculous event served as a confirmation of God's word to Hezekiah and a testament to His power over creation. Hezekiah's acceptance of this sign demonstrated his faith in God's sovereignty and His ability to control the natural order.

Hezekiah's Response to God's Will

Despite the extension of his life, Hezekiah faced another test of faith when envoys from Babylon visited him. He showed them all his treasures, which led to Isaiah prophesying that everything in his house would be carried off to Babylon, and some of his descendants would become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18).

Hezekiah's response to this prophecy was one of acceptance: "The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good," Hezekiah replied. For he thought, "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?" (2 Kings 20:19). This response reflects a complex acceptance of God's will, acknowledging the justice and goodness of God's plans, even when they included future judgment.

Hezekiah's Legacy

Hezekiah's acceptance of God's will is a significant aspect of his legacy. His life exemplifies a deep trust in God's promises and a willingness to submit to His divine plan, even when it involved personal and national challenges. Hezekiah's account encourages believers to seek God earnestly in prayer, trust in His sovereignty, and accept His will with humility and faith.