Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah, reigning in Jerusalem during the late 8th and early 7th centuries BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, as well as for his remarkable prosperity and subsequent pride, which are detailed in the biblical accounts found in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Prosperity

Hezekiah's reign was marked by divine favor and material prosperity. The Bible records that he "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done" (2 Kings 18:3). Hezekiah's commitment to God led to the removal of high places, the destruction of sacred stones, and the breaking of the bronze serpent that Moses had made, which had become an object of idolatrous worship (2 Kings 18:4).

Under Hezekiah's leadership, Judah experienced a period of economic growth and military success. Hezekiah fortified Jerusalem, constructed the Siloam Tunnel to secure the city's water supply, and amassed great wealth. "Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles" (2 Chronicles 32:27). His prosperity was seen as a direct result of his faithfulness to God and his reliance on divine guidance.

Pride

Despite his initial humility and devotion, Hezekiah's prosperity eventually led to pride. This is most notably illustrated in the account of the Babylonian envoys. After recovering from a life-threatening illness, Hezekiah received envoys from Babylon and, in a moment of pride, showed them all the treasures of his kingdom. "Hezekiah welcomed the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his entire armory—everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them" (2 Kings 20:13).

This act of pride and indiscretion drew a rebuke from the prophet Isaiah, who foretold that all the treasures of Hezekiah's house would be carried off to Babylon, and some of his descendants would become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18). Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy was one of resignation, acknowledging the word of the LORD as good, yet expressing relief that there would be peace and security in his own days (2 Kings 20:19).

Repentance and Legacy

Despite his lapse into pride, Hezekiah's overall legacy is one of faithfulness and reform. The chronicler notes that Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 32:26). His reign is remembered for the restoration of temple worship, the celebration of the Passover, and the unification of the people in the worship of Yahweh.

Hezekiah's life serves as a testament to the blessings of obedience and the dangers of pride. His account is a reminder of the importance of humility and the need to continually rely on God, even in times of prosperity.