Chapter 10: Hezekiah

by David E. West, England

INTRODUCTION

HEZEKIAH’S BACKGROUND

THIS STUDY

Summary of Hezekiah’s Reign – 2Chr.29.1,2

The Cleansing of the Temple – 2Chr.29.3-36

Dealing with Idolatry – 2Kgs.18.4

The Celebration of the Passover – 2Chr.30.1-27

The Collection of the Tithes – 2Chr.31.1-21

Administration and Political Enterprises – 2Kgs.18.7,8

The Conflict with Assyria – 2Chr.32.1-23

Closing Commentary – 2Chr.32.24-33


INTRODUCTION

Since the kingdom had been divided, in the days of Rehoboam, a total of eleven kings had ruled over Judah before Hezekiah came to the throne. Two of these, Asa and Jehoshaphat, had started revivals which were flawed and failed to bear fruit.

The unique feature of the history of Hezekiah is that it is recorded in three books of the Old Testament: 2Kings chapters 18-20, 2Chronicles chapters 29-32 and Isaiah chapters 36-39, a total of eleven chapters. Whilst 2Kings relates more of Hezekiah’s political and foreign accomplishments, 2Chronicles is primarily concerned with his religious dealings. The fact that Hezekiah finds a place in the writings of Isaiah may suggest that his story is also a prophecy: his experiences could be considered as a foreshadowing of his people’s trials in a coming day, especially in the time of the Tribulation.

HEZEKIAH’S BACKGROUND

Hezekiah’s great-grandfather, Uzziah, although a good king, became proud at the end of his reign: “when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction” 2Chr.26.16, and he ended his days as a leper, 2Chr.26.21. His grandfather, Jotham, was a man of strength, one who “prepared his ways before the Lord his God” 2Chr.27.6, and yet his impact upon the people was minimal, for we read that “the people did yet corruptly” 2Chr.27.2. Although seemingly a good man, he was ineffective in the things of God, lacking spiritual vision and authority.

The father of Hezekiah, Ahaz, was an idolatrous man, who was exceedingly wicked and corrupt: “he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim” 2Chr.28.2. Indeed, Ahaz was an extraordinarily bad man to have come from so good a father, Jotham, whilst Hezekiah was a remarkably good man to have come from so notably wicked a father. As we consider the line of Judah’s kings, it would seem as if heredity, the transmission of character to descendants, does not always operate!

THIS STUDY

For the purpose of this study, the present writer intends to follow the sequence of events as described in 2Chronicles and to introduce other events in chronological sequence, as appropriate, from 2Kings and the Prophecy of Isaiah to present a more complete account of Hezekiah’s reign.

Summary of Hezekiah’s Reign – 2Chr.29.1,2

The opening two verses of 2Chronicles chapter 29 summarise the reign of Hezekiah. He came to the throne in the full vigour of youth: “he was five and twenty years old” v.1, an age when young men are often eager to gratify their passions. “His mother’s name was Abijah [Abi, 2Kgs.18.2], the daughter of Zechariah” v.1; she must have been a true “mother in Israel” to have raised so Godly a son with such a wicked father’s example before him.

Immediately we are confronted with one of the greatest chronological difficulties in the Bible. The fact that Ahaz, Hezekiah’s father, began his reign when he was twenty years of age, and “reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem” 2Chr.28.1, seems to teach that Ahaz was but eleven years old when Hezekiah was born. However, this chronological difficulty is overcome if it is assumed that there was a period of co-regency before Hezekiah became sole ruler of Judah.

Hezekiah, who “reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem” v.1, is more unreservedly commended than any other king of Judah: “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done” v.2. David was the standard against which the kings of Judah were measured.

At the time of Hezekiah’s accession to the throne, Judah had been reduced to a very low state. Through the wickedness of Ahaz, true religion had disappeared and the people were guilty of the grossest idolatry. Not only was there a crisis religiously, but politically the dark shadow of Assyria cast itself across the kingdom.

The Cleansing of the Temple – 2Chr.29.3-36

The remainder of 2Chronicles chapter 29 is largely taken up with Hezekiah’s cleansing of the Temple. There are two broad divisions:

vv.3-19, summarised by the words, “so they sanctified the house of the Lord” v.17;

vv.20-36, expressed thus, “so the service of the house of the Lord was set in order” v.35.

The first involved a gathering of the priests and Levites, v.4; the second concerned a gathering of the leaders, “the rulers of the city” v.20. Priesthood and rule are most important in the Lord’s work.

The Sanctification of the House of the Lord – vv.3-19

It was evidently Hezekiah’s desire to give God the rightful place in national life. He began at the right place, the sanctuary, and at the right time, immediately, without any delay, “in the first year of his reign, in the first month” v.3; indeed, it was “the first day” v.17. In order to have the Lord’s presence and blessing, the work must begin at the sanctuary. Revival with God is like His judgment: it must begin at His house, 1Pet.4.17.

So Hezekiah set about undoing the evil work of his own father, for he “opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them” v.3. He went as far as possible within his authority as king; he could not go beyond this, but others could, so Hezekiah “brought in the priests and the Levites” v.4. He first bade the Levites (including the priests) to “sanctify … yourselves” v.5; this meant setting themselves apart, as specifically called to the service of the Lord and as suitable to serve God, and then to “sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers”. It was only fitting that a clean Temple should have clean servants.

Hezekiah then made clear the reason for the present appalling situation: “For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God” v.6; “they have shut up the doors of the porch”, so there was no access to God; “and put out the lamps”, so there was no light: in picture, the light of the Word and of the Spirit were excluded; “and have not burned incense”, so there was no prayer; ”nor offered burnt offerings”, so worship had been discarded, v.7. If it is a solemn thing to disregard God’s claims in our personal lives, it is equally solemn to set aside His claims in the assembly.

However, Hezekiah resolved the situation by making it an issue of the heart: “Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel” v.10. As far as the Levites were concerned, three things should be noted. First, they were reminded of their responsibilities: “be not now negligent” v.11; then, they responded to the call: “Then the Levites arose” v.12; finally, they rallied their brethren: “they gathered their brethren” v.15. All the Levites of the families named in vv.12-14 first “sanctified themselves” v.15; “the house of the Lord” could not be touched until this was done.

So the cleansing of the house commenced. The priests started in the Holiest of all, “the inner part of the house of the Lord” v.16. God always works from within. The sanctification of the Temple involved both removal and restoration. Thus, we are told that “the priests … brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the Lord” v.16. We still need to rid the local assembly of defilement; moral evil must be removed; doctrinal error must be dealt with. Then there was restoration: “all the vessels … have we prepared and sanctified, and, behold, they are before the altar of the Lord” v.19. For ourselves, spiritual truths regained are to be held in the light of the cross of Christ.

When the work of the priests and Levites was complete, they reported to Hezekiah what had been accomplished, vv.18,19; thus, there was accountability.

The Service of the House of the Lord – vv.20-36

These verses set before us the restored worship of the Temple. The term ‘first things first’ was true in Hezekiah’s life: “Hezekiah the king rose early … and went up to the house of the Lord” v.20; he had his priorities right. However, it was with a sense of unworthiness that Hezekiah recommenced the service of the house; first of all, there was a confession of sin: the sin offering dominates, vv.20-24; there can be no progress unless sin is judged in our lives.

Note that “the king commanded that the burnt offering … should be made for all Israel” v.24. What a demonstration of Hezekiah’s faith! Personally pure and devoted in his own sphere, his heart went out to all who belonged to God, “all Israel”, even though the majority of them, the northern kingdom, were divided from him.

From the closing verses, vv.31-36, of chapter 29 there is much to learn regarding our approach to God in worship. However, we should note the conclusion: “So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order” v.35. Such restoration is bound to lead to rejoicing, both by leaders and those led: “Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people” v.36. See what God can do through consecrated people. “God had prepared the people” v.36. The people rejoiced because of the suddenness of the revival: “for the thing was done suddenly” v.36, and because it provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for Judah.

Dealing with Idolatry – 2Kgs.18.4

We learn from the account in 2Kings chapter 18 that Hezekiah, at the beginning of his reign, “removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made” v.4. He recognised that he had first to remove those things that were contrary to the Word of God; he was committed to rid the kingdom of every vestige of idolatry.

The Celebration of the Passover – 2Chr.30.1-27

With the Temple cleansed, the priests consecrated and the worship completed, Hezekiah further demonstrated his ability to make progress in the things of God. 2Chronicles chapter 30 refers to two events: the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread; these two feasts are never divided in Scripture.

The Summons – vv.1-13

The chapter commences with Hezekiah’s desire to keep the Passover: “Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah … that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover” v.1. The fact that he sent this message to the whole nation, and not just Judah, shows that he was filled with a sense of what was due to the claims of the Lord Who had set His house in one place for all Israel.

The cleansing of the Temple had been completed “in the sixteenth day of the first month” 2Chr.29.17; this meant that the Passover could not be kept at the usual time. However, “the king had taken counsel … to keep the Passover in the second month” 2Chr.30.2. A precedent was being followed that had been established back in the days of Moses, Num.9.6-12. Thus, provision had been made in the Word of God. May God help us to do this, to always make reference to the Scriptures.

So “they”, not the king only, “established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel … to keep the passover … at Jerusalem”, the right centre as ordained by God, “for they had not done it of a long time … as it was written” v.5. This probably means that previously the celebration of the Passover had been entirely neglected. What a sad condition the nation must have been in to have discontinued “of a long time” the most significant of all their yearly feasts.

Out went the royal ‘postal service’ through the whole land, north and south. Here was a king who appreciated the unity of God’s people: “Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord” v.6; it was a call to repentance. Verse 8 consists of the core of a gospel message; it should represent the pathway of every convert: “be ye not stiffnecked”. Stiffneckedness is a feature of the unregenerate in resisting the Holy Spirit. Rather, “yield yourselves unto the Lord”, submit to Him. Such a response from the people would affect others, v.9. Here the character of God is made known: “for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful”.

We are given a description of this ‘gospel mission’. The men with the letters “passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun” v.10. Not all who were invited shared the vision of Hezekiah: “they laughed them [the messengers] to scorn, and mocked them”. Sadly, this is often the response today to the gospel of the grace of God. Only some from the north took up Hezekiah’s offer and “humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem” v.11. Without such humbling, a coming together of the people of God is not possible.

In the south, the response was much better: “in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the Lord” v.12. There is nothing better than meeting according to the pattern laid down in the New Testament because the hand of God is upon us. “And there assembled at Jerusalem much people … a very great congregation” v.13. How good for the people of God to be gathered together! It was “at Jerusalem”, the place where the Lord had been pleased to set His name.

The Purification – vv.14-20

In order to be in keeping with the will of God, every inconsistency had to be removed. This meant removal of the altars, v.14, which forms part of the section on “Dealing with Idolatry”, which has already been considered. “Then”, and only then, “they killed the passover” v.15. We are challenged by Paul’s words: “let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” 1Cor.11.28. We are told that “the priests and the Levites were ashamed” 2Chr.30.15. A cleansed house with unclean priests and Levites would be an anomaly. However, the priests and the Levites sought to remedy the situation, for they “sanctified themselves”. The service was then carried out in the prescribed place and in the prescribed manner, v.16. Everything was “done decently and in order” 1Cor.14.40.

“There were many in the congregation that were not sanctified” v.17: they were ceremonially unclean. The multitude from the north, v.18, had not had the opportunity of cleansing themselves. So the Levites were responsible for “the killing of the passovers” v.17. Whereas those who had not cleansed themselves could not kill the passover, they did partake of it, v.18. We see how Hezekiah dealt with the situation: he “prayed for them, saying, ‘The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God’” vv.18,19. The heart comes first; these people were seeking with the heart “the Lord God of [their] fathers” v.19. The grace of God is here displayed: “And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people” v.20. There are occasions when an interceding heart is more appropriate than strict dogmatism. Wilful disobedience is quite different and must be dealt with accordingly.

The Rejoicing – vv.21-27

“The children of Israel … kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days [the proper period of time] with great gladness” v.21: occupation with the things of God can only bring great joy; “and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord”: things Godward had priority. “Hezekiah spake comfortably [with encouraging words] unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the Lord” v.22. The king encouraged them in their ministry; as in all true revivals, the Scriptures had their place.

“And they kept other seven days with gladness” v.23. This was the exercise of the whole congregation; there was unity of heart and purpose. The king himself gave his subjects material for worship: “a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep” v.24. Today the Holy Spirit Himself provides the true material for worship.

“So there was great joy in Jerusalem” v.26. What an end to the chapter! With such a revival having taken place, it was now possible to make comparisons: “since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem”. God Himself was interested in the praise and rejoicing of His people. With revival having taken place, there was an atmosphere of prayer. They had listened to God in obeying His Word and He listened to them: “their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even unto heaven” v.27.

The Collection of the Tithes – 2Chr.31.1-21

2Chronicles chapter 31 principally describes how Hezekiah dealt with the matter of supporting the priests and the Levites in their service for the Lord. Chapters 29 and 30 have been concerned with what is brought to God; now chapter 31 is taken up with what is brought to His servants.

We are told that “Hezekiah appointed the courses [or ‘divisions’] of the priests and Levites after their courses” v.2. He was not acting on his own initiative in this matter, but was re-establishing David’s arrangement detailed in 1Chronicles chapters 23-26; this arrangement had been abandoned during the apostasy of the intervening period. These instructions were intended to secure and maintain orderly service and worship in the Temple. “Every man according to his service” v.2, implies that the right men were in the right place at the right time. The introduction of these “courses” ensured proper coverage of the varied tasks and functions. There are lessons for us to learn here in relation to assembly life.

Hezekiah then turned his attention to the maintenance of the priests and Levites. The king himself set a good example in making a generous contribution from his own resources: “[he ordered] that the king’s portion [should be taken] from his substance for the burnt offerings” v.3, J.N.D. He, therefore, had the moral right to command “the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites” v.4. In the present day our teaching and counsel will have little or no effect unless supported by example.

It is good to observe the enthusiasm of the people; they responded immediately to Hezekiah’s command: “as soon as the command came abroad” v.5; they did so abundantly; it was not just a collection: it was “the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God” v.6. This awakening of their responsibilities extended to all the kingdom: “the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah”.

The generosity of the people had its effects. Thus, the Lord was glorified, “and when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord” v.8. The Lord’s people were also blessed: “they blessed the Lord, and His people Israel”. The Lord’s servants were fed; the response of Azariah the chief priest is most revealing: “we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty” v.10. God provides “all sufficiency in all things” 2Cor.9.8.

Hezekiah was not only concerned about the accumulation of the necessary supplies, but he was also careful about their administration. For the storage and preservation of these provisions, “Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers [storehouses] in the house of the Lord” v.11. The administrators served faithfully: “they brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated [‘holy’] things faithfully” v.12.

The named men had to provide for all the priests and the Levites: “as well to the great as to the small” v.15; everything was done equitably. There should not be subdivision in a local assembly into younger and older brethren in the matter of fellowship. Even the youngest were provided for: “from three years old and upward” v.16; the age of three was that at which a child was weaned. The sphere of distribution was large. Both the priests and the Levites were embraced, v.17. Their dependants at home were also included: “all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters” v.18.

The chapter closes with a commendation of Hezekiah; here we have a Divine commentary upon chapters 29-31 of 2Chronicles. What Hezekiah did was right: “Hezekiah … wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God” v.20. How he did it was right: “he did it with all his heart” v.21. May we have similar single-minded devotion as we carry out our service. He was consistent: “in every work”; he was persistent: “he began … he did it”. No wonder “he prospered”!

Administration and Political Enterprises – 2Kgs.18.7,8

Having set in order the spiritual matters of the kingdom, Hezekiah demonstrated his abilities in the civil administration of Judah and his political enterprises under the hand of God. “And the Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth” 2Kgs.18.7. It is interesting to observe that the words “and the Lord was with him” are used of four of the kings of the Davidic line: of David himself, for example, “and David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him” 2Sam.5.10; Solomon: “the Lord his God was with him” 2Chr.1.1;
Asa: “the Lord his God was with him” 2Chr.15.9; and Hezekiah, here in 2Kgs.18.7. The passage in 2Kings chapter 18 continues: “and he
rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not” v.7. He did
not desire to be under the yoke of another and thus he refused to pay
the tribute incurred by his father, Ahaz, and thereby broke free from his yoke.

We are then told that “he smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza” v.8. It is not surprising that a king who followed in the steps of David, v.3, would make a determined effort to reduce the influence of the Philistines in Judah. Subsequently, it pleased the Lord to put Hezekiah to the test by allowing his enemies to gain an advantage over him.

The Conflict with Assyria – 2Chr.32.1-23

Sennacherib’s Attack – vv.1,2

As we move to consider the events described in 2Chronicles chapter 32, we must appreciate that thirteen years have passed since the events of chapter 31. Faithfulness to God does not, in itself, ensure a smooth passage in life; there is never room for complacency! Although the internal affairs of the kingdom were far better than they had been for decades, nevertheless, internationally, all was not well. ”Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities” 2Chr.32.1. This took place in the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, 2Kgs.18.13.

We must take account of the fact that Assyria had captured all Samaria and Israel of the northern kingdom during the fourth to the sixth years of Hezekiah’s reign, 2Kgs.18.9-12. Hezekiah had, in fact, attempted to ‘buy off’ the Assyrians prior to their advance on Jerusalem, by offering silver and gold, 2Kgs.18.13-16. However, all Hezekiah’s efforts were to no avail: “Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem” 2Chr.32.2. Nothing had been gained by his attempt to compromise.

Hezekiah’s Counsel and His Faith in the Lord – vv.3-8

Hezekiah “took counsel with his princes and his mighty men” v.3. The intruder was to be disadvantaged in every possible way. “He strengthened himself” v.5; these words summarise the manner in which Hezekiah prepared himself for battle. The enemy would find it difficult to penetrate the city. An assembly of the Lord’s people today can best be defended by responding to sound Bible teaching. He “made darts and shields in abundance” v.5; we too have a weapon of penetration: “the word of God is … sharper than any two-edged sword” Heb.4.12, and we have for protection “the shield of faith” Eph.6.16. “He set captains of war over the people” v.6; in the battle against the enemy, we need men who will give strong leadership and wise guidance. Hezekiah encouraged the people: he “spake comfortably to them” v.6; he spoke to their hearts. His heart-warming words are recorded in verses 7 and 8. We would do well to follow the people of Hezekiah’s day, who “rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” v.8.

Sennacherib’s Threatening and Arrogance – vv.9-15

Although Sennacherib’s purpose was “to fight against Jerusalem” v.2, he did not initially attack the city; his first military objective was Lachish, v.9. However, Jerusalem was subjected to verbal attack, for Sennacherib sent his servants to Jerusalem to weaken the morale of “all Judah that were at Jerusalem” v.9. His servants conveyed the message, vv.10-15, on his behalf. Sennacherib, through his servants, was playing on the feelings of the people together with their natural tendency to depart from the true God. In this way he was seeking to belittle their faithful leader, Hezekiah. He also boasted against God Himself, vv.14,15.

Sennacherib’s Servants’ Defiance of God – vv.16-19

The propaganda of the Assyrians was both oral and written: “He wrote also letters to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him” v.17. These letters were sent to abuse and defy the true God of Israel. In fact, the king of Assyria identified God with the gods of the nations, v.17, thus reducing God’s power to the impotence of idols. With a move of great subtlety, the Assyrians spoke to the inhabitants of Jerusalem in their own language “to affright them, and to trouble them” v.18. However, Sennacherib had not counted on two things: the loyalty of the people to the king and the power of the Lord.

The Prayer of Hezekiah and Isaiah – v.20

Sennacherib’s attempt to weaken the people failed. Hezekiah responded in the only way open to him, with prayer. Isaiah the prophet joined with him (the first mention of Isaiah in 2Chronicles): “Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah … prayed and cried to heaven”; these men were earnest. Not knowing what to do, both presented the situation to the Lord and left it there.

Sennacherib’s Defeat and Death – vv.21-23

From the armies of heaven, the Lord of hosts despatched a single angel: “and the Lord sent an angel” v.21. We learn from 2Kgs.19.35 that “the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand”; this was accomplished in a single night by a single blow.

A threefold judgment fell upon Sennacherib, v.21: firstly, his armies were “cut off”; secondly, “he returned with shame of face to his own land”; thirdly, he was slain in “the house of his god” by those “that came forth of his own bowels”. This was the end of this man’s arrogant boasting against God. Then we have the testimony that this deliverance was the work of the Lord. It was both negative, in judgment: “the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib”; and positive, in protection: “and guided [‘protected’ J.N.D.] them on every side” v.22.

As a result of this deliverance, Jerusalem was once again open and “many brought gifts unto the Lord to Jerusalem” v.23; these would be from the people of Judah around the city. The gifts were “unto the Lord”, namely, the sacrifices and tithes previously re-introduced. “Presents”, or “precious things” Newberry margin and J.N.D., were also brought to Hezekiah; this put the king in a very strong position, for “he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth” v.23.

Closing Commentary – 2Chr.32.24-33

In these verses at the end of 2Chronicles chapter 32, the writer brings his account of the life of Hezekiah to an end, with a brief summary of Hezekiah’s sickness and prayer, the extension of his life, his weakness in his closing years, his riches and achievements, and finally, his death.

Hezekiah’s Prayer – 2Chr.32.24

For Hezekiah, his thirty-ninth year brought a second crisis. “In those days [presumably, while Sennacherib’s host was still surrounding Jerusalem] Hezekiah was sick to the death”; he was threatened with a terminal illness. This verse is a very brief summary of what is described in detail in both 2Kings chapter 20 and Isaiah chapter 38. The Divine call came to him through Isaiah the prophet, “Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live” Isa.38.1. We read in 2Kgs.20.2 that “he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord”. Resorting to God, his only refuge, he poured out his soul in prayer for a continuance of life: “Hezekiah wept sore” 2Kgs.20.3. He felt that he should live on in order to consolidate his kingdom. How astonishing are the effects of prayer! Hezekiah’s prayer was heard: “The word of the Lord” came to Isaiah, “saying … ‘tell Hezekiah … Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years’” 2Kgs.20.4-6.

The healing of Hezekiah was certain, but it was to be in the Lord’s time: “on the third day” 2Kgs.20.5. A man, upon whom the sentence of death had been placed, going up to the house of God on the third day, is a picture of the resurrection life that only the Lord can give. It also points forward to the restoration of Israel in a future day. Hezekiah’s cure was an answer to prayer, although means were used: “And Isaiah said, ‘Take a lump of figs.’ And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered” v.7. The king understandably asked for a sign to assure himself of his recovery: “What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me …?” v.8. His request was answered, as “Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz” v.11.

Sadly, the fifteen-year extension was the weakest part of Hezekiah’s reign. Like many, he acted more wisely in adversity than in prosperity.

Hezekiah’s Pride – 2Chr.32.25,26

“For his heart was lifted up” v.25. We learn from 2Kings that “at that time” the “king of Babylon sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick” 2Kgs.20.12. It should be explained that 2Chr.32.31, which reads, “Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land”, should be placed chronologically between verses 24 and 25 of the chapter. Thus, the statement as to Hezekiah’s pride was made in connection with the visit of “the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon”. News of the miracle of the going back of the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz by ten degrees had reached Chaldea. The letter and the present from the king of Babylon were too much for Hezekiah’s latent vanity (native to us all) and the recovered king was ensnared by pride. We do well to bear in mind that the frown from the world is comparatively powerless over us; however, it is its subtle favour that we have most to fear.

It was not spiritual pride, but worldly pride, the pride of life. It was “his precious things … his armour … his house … his dominion” 2Kgs.20.13, that Hezekiah showed the ambassadors from Babylon. There is no mention of “the house of the Lord”, of which we read so much in 2Chronicles chapters 29-31, and its treasures. “Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him” 2Chr.32.25. Such benefit was apparently forgotten. Instead of being humbled by the mercy shown to him and ascribing praise to God for His goodness, the king turned the visit from Babylon into one of self-congratulation.

Verse 25 continues: “therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem”. However, we are told that “God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart” v.31. In such trials, God demonstrates, and (we trust) we learn, the frailty of our fickle hearts.

Nevertheless, on account of this coming wrath, “Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem” v.26. He learned to his shame and sorrow that there was a significant amount of ego in his heart. Humbling oneself under the mighty hand of God leads to exaltation in due time, 1Pet.5.6; thus, “the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah” v.26.

Hezekiah’s Prosperity – 2Chr.32.27-30

Here are two significant statements: first, “God had given him substance very much” v.29; second, “And Hezekiah prospered in all his works” v.30. There were “treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones” v.27. We might well ask ourselves what we have in our treasure store. How rich are we spiritually? Are we contributing durable materials to the spiritual treasury of the assembly? There were “treasuries … for spices” v.27. What kind of fragrance do we exude? There were “storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil” v.28. The Psalmist writes of “wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart” Ps.104.15. We should have adequate resources to maintain spiritual joy, witness and strength. There were “cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance” v.29; the word “cities” may be rendered ‘watchtowers’, presumably for the protection of the flocks and herds. We are exhorted to “be vigilant” 1Pet.5.8.

Hezekiah’s Passing – 2Chr.32.31-33

Although there was a lapse in the thirty-ninth year of Hezekiah, his story ends with reference to “the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and all his might … are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?” 2Kgs.20.20. Perhaps we should also bear in mind that Proverbs chapters 25-29 give 137 proverbs “which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out” Prov.25.1.

Finally we read, “And Hezekiah slept with his fathers”; he did not die in disgrace, for he was buried with full honours, “in the chiefest [or ‘highest’] of the sepulchres of the sons of David:and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death” v.33. His failures were not remembered. How thankful we should be for those encouraging words, “He restoreth my soul” Ps.23.3!