What can we learn from the life of King Hezekiah?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

King Hezekiah's reign—discussed in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, and other books—lasted from approximately 715–687 BC. He began his reign at twenty-five and is praised for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord, reforming Judah's worship by removing idolatry and restoring temple services. Hezekiah's trust in God led to military victories and prosperity, as well as divine intervention during his illness, granting him fifteen more years of life. Despite a lapse in judgment with the Babylonian envoys, he humbled himself and maintained a legacy of faithfulness. Hezekiah's life reveals the importance of righteous leadership, obedience to God, and the power of sincere prayer.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• King Hezekiah's reign is discussed in several biblical passages, including 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, Isaiah 36–39, and he is mentioned in Proverbs 25:1, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Micah.
• Hezekiah served as king of Judah from approximately 715–687 BC. He began his reign at the age of twenty-five and reigned for a total of twenty-nine years.
• Second Kings 18:3 describes King Hezekiah by saying, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done." Verses 5–6 further explain, "[Hezekiah] trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. For he held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses."
• Hezekiah repaired the Jewish temple that had been closed during the reign of his wicked father, Ahaz. This included renewing the work of the Jewish priests, reinstating sacrifices, and celebrating the Passover (2 Chronicles 29–31).
• Hezekiah sought to remove false gods from the land and destroyed the high places of pagan worship in Judah. Second Kings 18:4 notes, "He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan)."
• The Lord was with Hezekiah, and he prospered (2 Kings 18:7). He achieved military victories over the Philistines and remained in the land even after Assyria defeated the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 18:11-12). When Hezekiah prayed to the Lord after threats from Rabshakeh, the prophet Isaiah was sent to comfort Hezekiah. Rabshakeh and the Assyrians were defeated by the Lord (2 Kings 19).
• During a time of sickness, Hezekiah prayed and was granted fifteen more years of life (2 Kings 20:6).
• Despite his good qualities and actions, Hezekiah carelessly allowed a Babylonian envoy to visit all of his treasures, weapons, and goods. Isaiah prophesied that the Babylonians would one day take away the sons of Hezekiah to Babylon (2 Kings 20:16–19). Second Chronicles 32:25–26 called this an act of pride on Hezekiah's behalf, though verse 26 notes, "But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah."
• Second Chronicles 31:20–21 provides a fitting conclusion to his godly reign: "Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Hezekiah is mentioned in Jesus's genealogy in Matthew 1:9-10.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Hezekiah, the thirteenth king of Judah, stands as a compelling example of righteous leadership and unwavering faith in God. His commitment to doing what is right is evident in his efforts to reform Judah by eradicating idolatry, destroying pagan altars, and restoring the worship of Yahweh. Hezekiah’s actions flowed from his faith. Our actions must align with God's commandments and heart, regardless of cultural pressures and circumstances. In times of crisis, Hezekiah's faithfulness to God and his wholehearted pursuit of God’s guidance were what drove and led him. Facing the Assyrian invasion led by Sennacherib, Hezekiah sought God through earnest prayer and sought counsel from the prophet Isaiah. Hezekiah did not rely on his own wisdom and strength but God’s. This reliance on God was also evident during his severe illness when he prayed earnestly, and God miraculously granted him an additional fifteen years of life. God hears our prayers, and sincere, heartfelt prayer can bring about miraculous outcomes if it is God's will. What matters most is in whom we are placing our trust. We, like Hezekiah can pursue righteousness, trust in God and His plan, and seek Him through prayer.

UNDERSTAND

• Overall, Hezekiah was a good king.
• Hezekiah followed God faithfully, restored the Jewish temple, reinstated sacrifices, and celebrated the Passover.
• Hezekiah removed idolatry and pagan worship sites, including the high places and the bronze serpent, to purify Judah's worship.

REFLECT

• How can you apply Hezekiah's commitment to doing what is right in your daily life?
• In what ways do you seek God's guidance during times of crisis or decision-making?
• Are there areas in your life where you need to remove "idols" or distractions to align with God's will?

ENGAGE

• There were a few kings of Judah who did what was right in God's eyes. Hezekiah was one of them. What can we learn from Hezekiah's reign that distinguishes him from other kings of Judah, and how can these lessons be applied to our own leadership or roles?
• How can Hezekiah's example of prayer and seeking the Lord inspire believers in the way they face challenges and crises?
• What practical steps can we take to foster righteous leadership and unwavering faith, following Hezekiah's model?