Topical Bible: Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Hezekiah

◄ Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Hezekiah ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his faithfulness to God and his significant wealth. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, where his prosperity is highlighted as a testament to his righteous leadership and God's favor.

Hezekiah's Wealth and Prosperity

Hezekiah's wealth is first mentioned in 2 Kings 18:7, which states, "And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook." This success extended to his accumulation of riches, as he was blessed with material wealth as a result of his devotion to God. Hezekiah's prosperity is further elaborated in 2 Chronicles 32:27-29 : "Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain, new wine, and oil, and stalls for all kinds of cattle and pens for the flocks. He built cities for himself and acquired flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great wealth."

Hezekiah's Faithfulness and Divine Favor

Hezekiah's wealth was not merely a result of his own efforts but was a direct blessing from God, reflecting his faithfulness and commitment to the Lord. He is noted for his religious reforms, which included the restoration of temple worship and the destruction of idolatrous practices. 2 Kings 18:5-6 describes Hezekiah's devotion: "He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him, either before him or after him. For he held fast to the LORD and did not stop following Him; he kept the commandments that the LORD had given Moses."

The Test of Hezekiah's Wealth

Despite his wealth, Hezekiah faced challenges that tested his reliance on God. One notable incident involved the Babylonian envoys, who visited Hezekiah after hearing of his illness and recovery. In a moment of pride, Hezekiah showed them all his treasures, which led to a prophetic warning from Isaiah about the future Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 20:12-18). This episode serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of wealth and the importance of humility and dependence on God.

Hezekiah's Legacy

Hezekiah's reign is remembered as a period of religious revival and divine blessing. His wealth, while significant, was secondary to his spiritual achievements and his role in leading Judah back to faithful worship of the Lord. His life exemplifies how material riches can be a sign of God's favor when accompanied by righteousness and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 32:27-29
And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ grater riches than the ... few examples of
the wise and most eminent saints. ... duty; but to give you some examples of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... as children, young men, fathers, or saints that fear ... Besides, God has purposed to
magnify the riches of his ... one that God makes righteous, by possessing of him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... and of single marriages derived from examples in the ... For these are the riches, and
these the ornaments of ... might upon these terms be numbered with the saints. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm