Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah during a pivotal period in the nation's history, approximately from 715 to 686 BC. His reign is notably marked by a fervent religious reform aimed at purging the nation of idolatry and restoring the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Hezekiah's efforts are chronicled in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, where his commitment to God and his zealous reforms are highlighted.

Background and Ascension to the Throne

Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah at the age of 25, following the reign of his father, Ahaz, who had led the nation into idolatry and apostasy. Ahaz's reign was characterized by the worship of foreign gods and the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem. In stark contrast, Hezekiah's reign was marked by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that defined the early years of the Davidic dynasty.

Religious Reforms and Purging of Idolatry

Upon becoming king, Hezekiah initiated a series of religious reforms with the intent to cleanse Judah of idolatrous practices. One of his first acts was the reopening and repairing of the doors of the temple of the LORD, which had been closed by his father (2 Chronicles 29:3). Hezekiah gathered the priests and Levites, urging them to consecrate themselves and the temple, declaring, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us" (2 Chronicles 29:10).

Hezekiah's reforms extended beyond the temple. He destroyed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. Notably, he broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for the Israelites had been burning incense to it, calling it Nehushtan (2 Kings 18:4). This act symbolized a decisive break from syncretistic practices that had crept into the worship of Yahweh.

Restoration of the Passover

In addition to purging idolatry, Hezekiah restored the observance of the Passover, which had been neglected. He sent letters throughout Judah and Israel, inviting the people to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel (2 Chronicles 30:1). This invitation extended even to the remnant of the northern kingdom, reflecting Hezekiah's desire for national unity under the worship of the true God.

The celebration of the Passover was marked by great joy and a renewed commitment to the covenant. The people responded by removing the altars and incense altars from Jerusalem and throwing them into the Kidron Valley (2 Chronicles 30:14). This act of communal repentance and purification underscored the success of Hezekiah's reforms.

Hezekiah's Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is remembered as a time of spiritual renewal and divine favor. The biblical narrative emphasizes 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). His faithfulness resulted in God's protection and deliverance from the Assyrian threat, as well as a miraculous extension of his life.

Hezekiah's efforts to purge idolatry and restore true worship left a lasting impact on Judah, setting a standard for future generations. His reign serves as a testament to the power of righteous leadership and the blessings that follow when a nation turns back to God.2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made: for to those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
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2 Chronicles 31:1
Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.
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2 Chronicles 33:3
For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
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