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 during his reign was his severe illness and the subsequent prophecy delivered by the prophet Isaiah.

The Illness

Hezekiah's illness is recorded in 2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, and Isaiah 38:1-8. The narrative begins with Hezekiah falling gravely ill, with the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, visiting 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 announcement was a test of Hezekiah's faith and reliance on God.

Hezekiah's Prayer

Upon receiving the prophecy, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. He wept bitterly, demonstrating his deep distress and sincere plea for divine intervention. This heartfelt prayer is a testament to Hezekiah's relationship with God and his belief in the power of prayer.

Isaiah's Prophecy and God's Response

God 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. And I will add fifteen years to your life" (2 Kings 20:5-6). This divine response highlights God's compassion and willingness to relent in response to sincere repentance and prayer.

The Sign of the Sundial

To confirm the promise of healing and the extension of Hezekiah's life, God provided a miraculous sign. Hezekiah was given the choice of having the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz go forward ten steps or backward ten steps. Hezekiah chose the latter, reasoning that it was a more difficult sign. The LORD made the shadow retreat ten steps, a supernatural event that affirmed His power and the certainty of His promise (2 Kings 20:8-11).

Hezekiah's Response and Legacy

Following his recovery, Hezekiah composed a song of thanksgiving, recorded in Isaiah 38:9-20, expressing his gratitude for God's deliverance and his renewed commitment to praise the LORD. However, the narrative also notes that Hezekiah's heart became proud, leading to God's wrath upon him and Judah. Yet, Hezekiah humbled himself, and God's anger did not come upon them during his lifetime (2 Chronicles 32:25-26).

Hezekiah's illness and the subsequent prophecy serve as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, the efficacy of prayer, and the importance of humility and repentance. This episode in Hezekiah's life underscores the biblical theme that God is attentive to the cries of His people and is willing to intervene in miraculous ways for those who earnestly seek Him.