Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is notably marked by his faithfulness to the LORD and the subsequent prosperity that Judah experienced under his leadership. Hezekiah's account is primarily recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Faithfulness to the LORD

Hezekiah ascended to the throne at a time when Judah was steeped in idolatry and spiritual decline, largely due to the practices of his father, Ahaz. One of Hezekiah's first acts as king was to restore the worship of Yahweh and purify the temple in Jerusalem. He reopened the doors of the temple, which had been closed by Ahaz, and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3). Hezekiah called the Levites and priests to consecrate themselves and the temple, leading to a revival of true worship (2 Chronicles 29:4-5).

Hezekiah's reforms extended beyond the temple. He destroyed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. Notably, he broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it, calling it Nehushtan (2 Kings 18:4). This act demonstrated Hezekiah's commitment to eradicating idolatry and returning the people to the worship of the one true God.

The king also reinstated the observance of the Passover, inviting all Israel and Judah to participate in the celebration (2 Chronicles 30:1-5). This event was significant, as it had not been observed in such a manner since the days of Solomon. Hezekiah's leadership in this regard was instrumental in uniting the people in worship and obedience to God.

Prosperity and Divine Favor

Hezekiah's faithfulness was met with divine favor and prosperity. The LORD was with him, and he was successful in whatever he undertook (2 Kings 18:7). Hezekiah rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him, demonstrating his trust in God's protection rather than in political alliances (2 Kings 18:7).

During his reign, Hezekiah faced the formidable threat of the Assyrian empire under King Sennacherib. In a moment of crisis, when Jerusalem was besieged, Hezekiah sought the LORD in prayer and consulted the prophet Isaiah. The LORD responded by sending an angel who annihilated the Assyrian army, delivering Judah from destruction (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Hezekiah's prosperity was also evident in his wealth and achievements. He constructed extensive storehouses for grain, wine, and oil, and built stalls for various kinds of livestock (2 Chronicles 32:27-29). Hezekiah's efforts in fortifying Jerusalem, including the construction of the famous Siloam Tunnel, further exemplified his wisdom and resourcefulness (2 Chronicles 32:30).

Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery

In the latter part of his reign, Hezekiah fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover. In response, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. The LORD heard his prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life, confirming this promise with the miraculous sign of the sun's shadow moving backward (2 Kings 20:1-11).

Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is remembered as a period of spiritual renewal and divine blessing. His faithfulness to God set a standard for future generations, and his account serves as a testament to the blessings that accompany obedience to the LORD. The biblical narrative of Hezekiah underscores the principle that faithfulness to God leads to His favor and prosperity, even in the face of formidable challenges.