Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a steadfast faith in God, particularly during times of national crisis. Hezekiah's preparation and faith are most prominently displayed in his response to the Assyrian threat and his efforts to restore true worship in Judah.

Religious Reforms

Upon ascending to the throne, Hezekiah initiated a series of religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices of Judah. He recognized the spiritual decay that had set in during his father's reign and sought to restore the nation to covenant faithfulness. Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple, which had been closed by Ahaz, and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3). He gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the Temple, declaring, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us" (2 Chronicles 29:10).

Hezekiah's reforms included the removal of high places, the destruction of sacred pillars, and the cutting down of Asherah poles. He also 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). These actions demonstrated Hezekiah's commitment to eradicating idolatry and restoring the worship of Yahweh alone.

Preparation for the Assyrian Threat

Hezekiah's faith was tested when the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah. In preparation for the impending siege, Hezekiah took practical steps to fortify Jerusalem. He strengthened the city's defenses by repairing the walls, building towers, and constructing a new wall outside the existing one (2 Chronicles 32:5). He also secured the city's water supply by redirecting the flow of the Gihon spring through a tunnel into the city, an engineering feat known as Hezekiah's Tunnel (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:30).

Despite these preparations, Hezekiah's ultimate reliance was on the Lord. When Sennacherib sent messengers to intimidate Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem, mocking their trust in God, Hezekiah responded with faith. He encouraged his people, saying, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7-8).

Prayer and Deliverance

Faced with the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah turned to prayer. He went to the house of the Lord and spread out the threatening letter from Sennacherib before God, praying earnestly for deliverance (2 Kings 19:14-19). The prophet Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God had heard his prayer and would defend the city. The Lord declared through Isaiah, "I will defend this city and save it for My sake and for the sake of My servant David" (2 Kings 19:34).

In a miraculous act of divine intervention, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh (2 Kings 19:35-36). This deliverance underscored the power of faith and prayer, as Hezekiah's trust in God resulted in a dramatic victory over a seemingly insurmountable enemy.

Legacy of Faith

Hezekiah's reign is remembered for his unwavering faith and dedication to the Lord. His efforts to restore true worship and his reliance on God during times of crisis serve as a testament to the power of faith and obedience. The biblical account of Hezekiah's preparation and faith highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises and seeking His guidance in all circumstances.