Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah, known 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 significant events in Hezekiah's life was his severe illness, which is recorded in 2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, and Isaiah 38:1-22.

The Illness and Divine Message

In the fourteenth year of his reign, Hezekiah became gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, was sent by God to deliver a sobering message to the king: "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). This pronouncement was a test of Hezekiah's faith and reliance on God.

Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Response

Upon receiving the message, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. He wept bitterly, seeking divine intervention. The LORD heard Hezekiah's prayer and saw his tears. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him again, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with a new message: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day, you will go up to the house of the LORD" (2 Kings 20:5).

The Sign of the Sundial

As a sign of His promise to heal Hezekiah and add fifteen years to his life, God provided a miraculous sign. He caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps, a supernatural event that confirmed His word to the king (2 Kings 20:8-11). This sign demonstrated God's control over time and nature, reinforcing His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Hezekiah's Recovery and Thanksgiving

Hezekiah's recovery was marked by his thanksgiving and praise to God. In Isaiah 38, Hezekiah composed a song of thanksgiving, expressing his gratitude for God's deliverance and his renewed commitment to walk humbly before the LORD. He acknowledged the mercy of God in sparing his life and the importance of living in righteousness.

Lessons and Legacy

Hezekiah's illness and subsequent healing serve as a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and the compassion of God. His experience underscores the importance of turning to God in times of distress and the potential for divine intervention in response to sincere faith and repentance. Despite his later failings, Hezekiah's life is remembered for his devotion to God and his efforts to lead Judah in accordance with divine principles.