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

In the fourteenth year of his reign, Hezekiah became gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came to him with a dire message from the LORD: "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, as he faced the prospect of death.

Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Response

Upon hearing Isaiah's message, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD. He reminded God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion, weeping bitterly as he sought divine intervention (2 Kings 20:2-3). 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 from now you will go up to the house of the LORD" (2 Kings 20:5).

God promised to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver him and the city of Jerusalem from the hand of the Assyrian king. As a sign of this promise, the LORD caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to go back ten steps, a miraculous event that confirmed God's word to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:6-11).

Hezekiah's Song of Thanksgiving

In response to his miraculous recovery, Hezekiah composed a song of thanksgiving, which is recorded in Isaiah 38:9-20. In this song, he reflects on the despair he felt during his illness, describing it as being at the gates of Sheol and deprived of the remainder of his years. Hezekiah acknowledges the LORD's deliverance, expressing gratitude for the extension of his life and the opportunity to continue praising God in the land of the living.

Hezekiah's Pride and Humility

Despite his initial despair and subsequent healing, Hezekiah's heart became proud, leading to God's wrath upon him and Judah. However, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, and the LORD's wrath did not come upon them during his days (2 Chronicles 32:25-26). This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and reliance on God, even after experiencing divine intervention and blessings.

Hezekiah's illness and despair highlight the power of prayer, the mercy of God, and the necessity of humility. His account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of seeking Him earnestly in times of trouble.