Background and Context:
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the 13th king of Judah, reigning in the late 8th century BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Hezekiah's account is primarily found in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. His reign was marked by political turmoil, including the threat from the Assyrian Empire, which was expanding its territory aggressively during this period.

Hezekiah's Faith and Reforms:
Hezekiah is remembered for his devout faith and commitment to the LORD. He initiated widespread religious reforms, including the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's actions were in direct contrast to the practices of his father, Ahaz, who had led Judah into idolatry. The Bible records that "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).

Seeking the LORD's Guidance:
One of the most significant episodes of Hezekiah seeking the LORD's guidance occurred during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, had already conquered much of Judah and sent a message to Hezekiah, mocking his trust in God and demanding surrender. In response, Hezekiah sought the LORD's guidance through prayer and consultation with the prophet Isaiah.

Hezekiah's prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19 : "And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: 'O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. But now, 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.'"

Divine Response and Deliverance:
The LORD responded to Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, assuring him that the Assyrian king would not enter Jerusalem. Isaiah conveyed God's message: "Therefore this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. By the way that he came, he will return; he will not enter this city,' declares the LORD. 'I will defend this city and save it for My sake and for the sake of My servant David'" (2 Kings 19:32-34).

That very night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's retreat and the deliverance of Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Hezekiah's Illness and Further Seeking of the LORD:
Later in his reign, Hezekiah fell gravely ill. Once again, he turned to the LORD in prayer. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah prayed earnestly, and the LORD granted him an additional fifteen years of life. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 20:1-6 , where Hezekiah's heartfelt plea and God's merciful response are detailed.

Significance:
Hezekiah's reliance on the LORD during times of crisis exemplifies the power of faith and prayer. His account serves as a testament to the importance of seeking divine guidance and trusting in God's sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Through Hezekiah's leadership, Judah experienced a spiritual revival, and his legacy is remembered as one of faithfulness and devotion to the LORD.