Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the 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 return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Hezekiah's decisions, particularly in matters of faith and national security, are pivotal in the biblical narrative and demonstrate his reliance on divine guidance.Religious Reforms One of Hezekiah's first major decisions as king was to restore the worship of Yahweh and cleanse the temple in Jerusalem. Hezekiah recognized the spiritual decline that had occurred under his father, Ahaz, who had promoted idolatry and closed the doors of the temple. In 2 Chronicles 29:3, it is recorded, "In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them." Hezekiah's decision to reinstate the Passover celebration, as described in 2 Chronicles 30, further underscores his commitment to reestablishing the covenant relationship between God and His people. Trust in God During Crisis Hezekiah's faith was tested when the Assyrian king Sennacherib invaded Judah. Faced with a formidable enemy, Hezekiah made the critical decision to seek the Lord's help rather than rely solely on military might or foreign alliances. In 2 Kings 19:14-19, Hezekiah's prayer in the temple is a profound expression of his trust in God: "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.'" This decision to turn to God resulted in a miraculous deliverance, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:35, where an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Illness and Recovery Another significant decision in Hezekiah's life occurred when he fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that he would not recover, but Hezekiah turned to the Lord in prayer. In 2 Kings 20:2-3, Hezekiah's heartfelt plea is recorded: "Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 'Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.'" In response, God granted Hezekiah an additional fifteen years of life, as well as a sign of His promise by making the shadow on the sundial move backward (2 Kings 20:6-11). Diplomatic Decisions Hezekiah's decision to show the envoys from Babylon all the treasures of his kingdom (2 Kings 20:12-15) was a moment of vulnerability that later had significant consequences. The prophet Isaiah warned that this decision would lead to the future Babylonian captivity of Judah. This incident highlights the complexity of Hezekiah's reign, where his faith and human frailty both played roles in shaping the history of Judah. Hezekiah's decisions, particularly his reliance on God during times of crisis and his efforts to restore true worship, are central to his legacy as a king who sought to honor the Lord. His life serves as a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking divine guidance in leadership. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 18:6For he held to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 15:17 Library A Loving Call to Reunion The Prophet Micah. Note. Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. The Faith of Moses. A Cloud of Witnesses. The Formation of the Old Testament Canon The General Conference of 1832 General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses ... Of the Synod at Ariminum, and the Creed There Published. Resources What does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgWho is really “playing God”'the doctor who euthanizes a dying patient, or the doctor who extends the life of a terminally ill patient? | GotQuestions.org What is revivalism? | GotQuestions.org Decision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Decision: Exhibited in Being on the Lord's Side Decision: Exhibited in Blessedness of Decision: Exhibited in Following God Fully Decision: Exhibited in Keeping the Commandments of God Decision: Exhibited in Loving God Perfectly Decision: Exhibited in Seeking God With the Heart Decision: Exhibited in Serving God Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Decision: Necessary to the Service of God Decision: Opposed to a Divided Service Decision: Opposed to Double-Mindedness Decision: Opposed to Halting Between Two Opinions Decision: Opposed to not Setting the Heart Aright Decision: Opposed to Turning to the Right or Left Valley of Decision: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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