Introduction:
Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah and reigned from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a strong reliance on God during times of national crisis. Hezekiah is often remembered as one of the most faithful kings of Judah, whose leadership brought about a spiritual revival in the nation.

Religious Reforms:
Hezekiah's reign is marked by a fervent return to the worship of Yahweh, as he sought to eradicate idolatry from Judah. He is credited with removing the high places, smashing the sacred stones, and cutting down the Asherah poles. He also destroyed the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it (2 Kings 18:4). Hezekiah's reforms were aimed at centralizing worship in Jerusalem and restoring the temple as the focal point of religious life. He reopened the doors of the temple, which his father Ahaz had closed, and repaired them (2 Chronicles 29:3).

Passover Celebration:
One of Hezekiah's significant religious acts was the reinstitution of the Passover celebration, 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 a great assembly and a renewed commitment to the covenant, as the people removed the altars in Jerusalem and threw them into the Kidron Valley (2 Chronicles 30:14).

Assyrian Threat and Divine Deliverance:
During Hezekiah's reign, the Assyrian Empire posed a significant threat to Judah. In 701 BC, King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem. Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer for deliverance. The LORD responded by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance is a testament to Hezekiah's faith and God's power to save His people.

Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery:
Hezekiah fell ill with a life-threatening condition, and the prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover. In response, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the LORD, who heard his prayer and granted him an additional fifteen years of life (2 Kings 20:1-6). As a sign of this promise, the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz went back ten steps (2 Kings 20:9-11).

Wealth and Pride:
Hezekiah was blessed with great wealth and honor, and he made extensive preparations for the defense of Jerusalem, including the construction of the Siloam Tunnel to secure the city's water supply (2 Chronicles 32:30). However, his heart became proud, and he showed all his treasures to envoys from Babylon. This act of pride led to a prophecy from Isaiah that all his wealth and some of his descendants would be carried off to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18).

Legacy:
Hezekiah's reign is remembered for his unwavering faith in God and his efforts to restore true worship in Judah. His account is a powerful example of the blessings that come from obedience to God and the dangers of pride. Hezekiah's life and reign are chronicled in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39.