Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a strong commitment to the worship of Yahweh, distinguishing him as one of the most faithful kings of Judah. Hezekiah's death and legacy are recorded in the biblical books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Death of Hezekiah

Hezekiah's death is briefly mentioned in 2 Kings 20:21 and 2 Chronicles 32:33. The Berean Standard Bible states, "And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh became king in his place" (2 Kings 20:21). Similarly, 2 Chronicles 32:33 records, "And Hezekiah rested with his fathers and was buried in the upper section of the tombs of the sons of David. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem honored him at his death. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place" . These passages highlight the respect and honor Hezekiah received at his death, reflecting his positive impact on the nation of Judah.

Religious Reforms

Hezekiah's legacy is largely defined by his religious reforms, which are detailed in 2 Kings 18 and 2 Chronicles 29-31. Hezekiah is credited with purging idolatry from Judah, destroying high places, cutting down Asherah poles, and breaking into pieces the bronze serpent Moses had made, which had become an object of idolatrous worship (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah's reforms were aimed at centralizing worship in Jerusalem and restoring the proper worship of Yahweh. He reopened the doors of the Temple, repaired them, and reinstituted the Levitical priesthood and the observance of Passover (2 Chronicles 29:3-5, 30:1-5).

Trust in the Lord

Hezekiah is commended for his trust in the Lord, which is emphasized in 2 Kings 18:5-6: "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses" . This trust was particularly evident during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where Hezekiah sought the Lord's deliverance through prayer and the counsel of the prophet Isaiah (2 Kings 19:1-7).

Miraculous Healing and Extended Life

Hezekiah's life was marked by a miraculous healing, as recorded in 2 Kings 20:1-11 and Isaiah 38. When Hezekiah became terminally ill, he prayed to the Lord, who responded by granting him an additional fifteen years of life. The Lord provided a sign of this promise by causing the shadow on the sundial to move backward (2 Kings 20:8-11). This event further solidified Hezekiah's reputation as a king who had a close relationship with God.

Legacy and Influence

Hezekiah's legacy is one of faithfulness and reform. His efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry had a lasting impact on the spiritual life of Judah. Despite the subsequent reign of his son Manasseh, who led Judah back into idolatry, Hezekiah's reforms set a standard for future generations. His reliance on God during times of crisis and his commitment to the covenant with Yahweh serve as enduring examples of godly leadership.

Hezekiah's account is a testament to the power of faith and obedience to God, illustrating the blessings that come from aligning a nation's practices with divine commandments. His life and reign are celebrated for their contributions to the spiritual renewal of Judah and his unwavering trust in the Lord.