Topical Encyclopedia The account of King Hezekiah's sickness and subsequent miraculous restoration is a significant event in the history of Israel, illustrating God's sovereignty, mercy, and the power of prayer. This narrative is primarily found in 2 Kings 20:1-11, Isaiah 38:1-8, and 2 Chronicles 32:24-26.Historical Context Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah during a tumultuous period marked by Assyrian aggression. Known for his religious reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh, Hezekiah sought to restore the spiritual integrity of Judah by removing idolatrous practices and reinstating the Passover (2 Chronicles 30:1-27). His reign is characterized by a return to the covenantal faithfulness that God required of His people. The Prophecy of Sickness In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign, he fell gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, was sent by God to deliver a somber message: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). This prophecy was a direct communication from God, indicating the seriousness of Hezekiah's condition and the imminence of his death. Hezekiah's Prayer and God's Response Upon receiving the prophecy, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the Lord, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion. He wept bitterly, demonstrating his deep distress and reliance on divine intervention (2 Kings 20:2-3). God, in His compassion, responded to Hezekiah's prayer. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him again, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with 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. And I will add fifteen years to your life" (2 Kings 20:5-6). This divine reversal highlights the efficacy of sincere prayer and God's willingness to alter the course of events in response to human supplication. The Sign of the Sun's Shadow To confirm the promise of healing and the extension of Hezekiah's life, God provided a miraculous sign. Hezekiah was given the choice of having the shadow on the stairway of Ahaz go forward ten steps or backward ten steps. Hezekiah chose the latter, reasoning that it was a more difficult sign. Consequently, the Lord made the shadow retreat ten steps, a supernatural event that affirmed His power and the certainty of His promise (2 Kings 20:8-11). Theological Implications Hezekiah's experience underscores several key theological themes. First, it illustrates God's responsiveness to prayer and His ability to intervene in human affairs. Second, it demonstrates the importance of faithfulness and repentance, as Hezekiah's life was extended in part due to his devotion to God. Third, the miraculous sign of the sun's shadow serves as a testament to God's control over creation, reinforcing His omnipotence. Hezekiah's Legacy Despite his miraculous recovery, Hezekiah's later years were marked by pride, as he displayed his wealth to envoys from Babylon, an act that Isaiah warned would lead to future consequences for Judah (2 Kings 20:12-19). Nevertheless, Hezekiah's reign is remembered for his commitment to God and the significant deliverance he experienced through divine intervention. His account remains a powerful example of the intersection of prophecy, prayer, and God's sovereign will in the life of Israel. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 20:1In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus said the LORD, Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live. Nave's Topical Index Library The Greater Prophets. Book 9 Footnotes Resources What is New Israel? | GotQuestions.orgShould Israel be building settlements in the occupied territories, i.e., the West Bank and East Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Will all Israel be saved in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Israel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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