Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is notably marked by significant religious reforms aimed at restoring the worship of Yahweh and purifying the religious practices of the nation. These reforms are detailed primarily in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.

Background and Ascension

Hezekiah ascended to the throne during a period of spiritual decline in Judah. His father, Ahaz, had led the nation into idolatry, even closing the doors of the temple and erecting altars to foreign gods throughout Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 28:24-25). Upon becoming king, Hezekiah sought to reverse these practices and restore the covenantal relationship between Judah and Yahweh.

Religious Reforms

1. Restoration of Temple Worship: One of Hezekiah's first acts as king was to reopen the doors of the temple and repair them (2 Chronicles 29:3). He gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the temple, which had been defiled by idolatry (2 Chronicles 29:4-5). The temple was cleansed, and the proper sacrifices and offerings were reinstated (2 Chronicles 29:20-24).

2. Celebration of the Passover: Hezekiah reinstituted the celebration of the Passover, which had been neglected. He sent letters throughout Israel and Judah, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 30:1). This event was marked by great joy and unity, as many from the northern kingdom of Israel also participated (2 Chronicles 30:25-27).

3. Destruction of Idolatrous Practices: Hezekiah took decisive action against idolatry by removing the high places, smashing the sacred stones, and cutting down the Asherah poles (2 Kings 18:4). 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).

4. Centralization of Worship: Hezekiah's reforms emphasized the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, in accordance with the Deuteronomic law. By removing the high places, he sought to eliminate unauthorized worship sites and practices, directing the people's worship solely to the temple in Jerusalem.

Spiritual and Political Impact

Hezekiah's reforms had a profound spiritual impact on Judah, as they were a return to the covenantal faithfulness required by the Mosaic Law. The king's actions were seen as a fulfillment of the commandments given to Israel, and his reign is characterized by a renewed emphasis on the worship of Yahweh.

Politically, Hezekiah's reign was marked by resistance against Assyrian domination. His trust in the LORD was evident when faced with the threat of Sennacherib, king of Assyria. Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prayed earnestly for deliverance, resulting in a miraculous victory as the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35).

Legacy

Hezekiah is remembered as one of Judah's most faithful kings, whose heart was devoted to the LORD. The Berean Standard Bible records, "Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him" (2 Kings 18:5). His reforms set a standard for religious purity and devotion, influencing subsequent generations and leaving a lasting legacy in the history of Judah.