Topical Encyclopedia Hizkijah, also known as Hezekiah, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, primarily recognized as the 13th king of Judah. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hizkijah is noted for his religious reforms, his efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem, and his reliance on God during times of national crisis.Name and Meaning The name Hizkijah (Hezekiah) means "Yahweh is my strength" or "Yahweh has strengthened." This name reflects the king's reliance on God, which is a central theme in the biblical narrative of his reign. Historical Context Hizkijah reigned during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, approximately from 715 to 686 BC. His reign followed that of his father, King Ahaz, who is remembered for his idolatrous practices and political alliances with Assyria. Hizkijah's rule is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of foreign influences. Religious Reforms One of Hizkijah's most notable achievements was his religious reform. He is credited with purging the high places, breaking the sacred pillars, cutting down the Asherah poles, and destroying the bronze serpent that Moses had made, which had become an object of idolatrous worship (2 Kings 18:4). Hizkijah's reforms were aimed at centralizing worship in Jerusalem and restoring the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Trust in God Hizkijah is celebrated for his unwavering trust in God, especially during the Assyrian threat. When King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem, Hizkijah sought the Lord's guidance and intervention. He prayed earnestly, and the prophet Isaiah assured him of God's deliverance. The Bible records that the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces (2 Kings 19:35-36). Illness and Recovery Hizkijah's life was also marked by a personal crisis when he fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hizkijah prayed fervently, and God granted him an additional fifteen years of life. As a sign of this promise, the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moved backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:1-11). Legacy and Influence Hizkijah's reign is often viewed as a high point in the history of Judah, characterized by faithfulness to God and significant religious reform. His efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh and his reliance on divine intervention during national crises left a lasting impact on the spiritual life of Judah. His account serves as an example of the power of prayer and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. Biblical References · 2 Kings 18-20 · 2 Chronicles 29-32 · Isaiah 36-39 Hizkijah's life and reign are a testament to the importance of faith, prayer, and obedience to God, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. His account is a reminder of the potential for renewal and reform when leaders and individuals turn their hearts toward God. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary HizkijahEaston's Bible Dictionary (Nehemiah 10:17), one who sealed the covenant. Strong's Hebrew 2396. Chizqiyyah -- "Yah has strengthened," a king of Judah, also ...... Judah, also several other Isr. NASB Word Usage Hezekiah (127), Hizkiah (1). Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Or Chizqiyahuw {khiz-kee-yaw ... /hebrew/2396.htm - 6k Thesaurus Hizkijah (1 Occurrence)... (Nehemiah 10:17), one who sealed the covenant. Multi-Version Concordance Hizkijah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10:17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur, (KJV WBS YLT). ... /h/hizkijah.htm - 6k Ho (15 Occurrences) Hizkiah (2 Occurrences) Hizki'ah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Hizkijah (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 10:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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