The Prayer of Hezekiah is a significant biblical event that highlights the power of prayer, faith, and divine intervention. Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the king of Judah who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by the threat of Assyrian invasion and personal illness. His prayers are recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, and they serve as profound examples of reliance on God in times of distress.

Context and Background

Hezekiah ascended to the throne of Judah around 715 BC and is noted for his religious reforms, which included the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of temple worship (2 Kings 18:3-6). His reign was characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh, in stark contrast to the practices of his father, Ahaz.

The Assyrian Threat

One of the most notable instances of Hezekiah's prayer life occurred during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had already captured the fortified cities of Judah and sent his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to demand Jerusalem's surrender. The Assyrian envoy mocked Hezekiah's trust in God, attempting to demoralize the people of Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:19-35).

In response, Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turned to God in prayer. Hezekiah's prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19 and Isaiah 37:15-20. Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD and spread the threatening letter from Sennacherib before God, praying:

"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. And now, O LORD our God, please save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You, O LORD, are God alone." (2 Kings 19:15-19)

God responded to Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, assuring him that the Assyrian king would not enter the city. That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's retreat (2 Kings 19:32-36).

Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery

Another pivotal moment in Hezekiah's life was his illness. Hezekiah became terminally ill, and the prophet Isaiah informed him to set his house in order, for he would not recover (2 Kings 20:1). In response, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly to the LORD, reminding God of his faithfulness and wholehearted devotion (2 Kings 20:2-3).

God heard Hezekiah's prayer and saw his tears. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him, instructing him to return to Hezekiah with a message of healing. God promised to add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life and deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat (2 Kings 20:4-6).

Significance

The Prayer of Hezekiah underscores the importance of sincere and humble prayer in seeking God's intervention. It demonstrates God's sovereignty and His willingness to respond to the prayers of His faithful servants. Hezekiah's prayers are a testament to the power of faith and the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, providing deliverance and healing according to His divine will.