Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his religious reforms and his faithfulness to God. His response to the prophecy delivered by the prophet Isaiah is a significant event that highlights his character and relationship with God. This entry explores Hezekiah's reaction to the prophecy concerning his illness and the impending Assyrian threat.

Context and Background

Hezekiah reigned during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, facing the formidable Assyrian Empire. His reign is documented in 2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39. Hezekiah is noted for his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah, including the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the reinstatement of the Passover (2 Chronicles 30:1-27).

The Prophecy of Illness and Recovery

In 2 Kings 20:1-11 and Isaiah 38:1-8, Hezekiah falls gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the LORD: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). Hezekiah's response is immediate and heartfelt. He turns his face to the wall and prays to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. Hezekiah weeps bitterly, demonstrating his deep distress and reliance on God.

God hears Hezekiah's prayer and sees his tears. Isaiah is sent back to deliver 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" (2 Kings 20:5). God promises to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. As a sign of this promise, the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moves backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:8-11).

The Prophecy of the Assyrian Threat

Hezekiah's reign is also marked by the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37, King Sennacherib of Assyria threatens Jerusalem, and Hezekiah seeks the LORD's guidance through Isaiah. The prophet delivers a message of assurance: "Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me" (2 Kings 19:6). Hezekiah responds with faith, going to the house of the LORD and spreading the threatening letter from Sennacherib before God in prayer.

Hezekiah's prayer is a model of humility and trust in God's sovereignty: "O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God" (2 Kings 19:19). God answers through Isaiah, promising that the Assyrian king will not enter the city. That night, the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Significance

Hezekiah's responses to the prophecies he received are characterized by earnest prayer, humility, and a deep reliance on God. His actions demonstrate a profound trust in God's promises and power, serving as an example of faithfulness in the face of dire circumstances. Through Hezekiah's account, the biblical narrative underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance and the power of prayer in the life of a believer.