Hezekiah was the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of the southern kingdom (Judah). He lived between 741 and 687 BC. He took the throne of Judah at the age of 25 and was sole ruler for 29 years. It's believed that he served for 14 years before that as co-regent with his father Ahaz. He died of natural causes at the age of 54 (25+29) and was succeeded by his son Manasseh. Hezekiah is one of the kings mentioned in Jesus' genealogy (Mat 1:9–10). Isaiah and Micah prophesied during his reign. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just like king David had done.
Hezekiah trusted in the Lord. There was none like him among all the kings of
Judah, either before him or after him. (2 Kings 18:1–3, 5–7a, 2 Chron 29:1–2).
Hezekiah trusted in the Lord. There was none like him among all the kings of
Judah, either before him or after him. (2 Kings 18:1–3, 5–7a, 2 Chron 29:1–2).
Hezekiah was a very godly man, even though he wasn't perfect.
He enacted sweeping religious reforms, including a strict mandate for the sole worship of the Lord and a ban on worshiping other gods in the temple of Jerusalem. He abolished all idolatry and restored the temple and the sacrificial
service. He cleaned and repaired the temple and reformed the priesthood.
He centralized the worship of God to take place only in the temple in Jerusalem.
He therefore destroyed the high places. He also destroyed the "bronze snake" (Nehushtan) created by Moses, see 7. The Bronze Snake in
Moses; Part 13: Rebellion and Paganism, which had become objects of idolatry.
The Passover was celebrated with great solemnity and such joy as had not been
seen in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon. (2 Kings 18:4, 2 Chron 29:3–31:21).
service. He cleaned and repaired the temple and reformed the priesthood.
He centralized the worship of God to take place only in the temple in Jerusalem.
He therefore destroyed the high places. He also destroyed the "bronze snake" (Nehushtan) created by Moses, see 7. The Bronze Snake in
Moses; Part 13: Rebellion and Paganism, which had become objects of idolatry.
The Passover was celebrated with great solemnity and such joy as had not been
seen in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon. (2 Kings 18:4, 2 Chron 29:3–31:21).
Destroying the high places was quite unique to Hezekiah, although it was also done by king Josiah of Judah. They were used for worship, even though God had told them long time ago that the worship should only be done, first in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem (John 4:20).
There was no longer a time of peace during Hezekiah's reign. He ceased to be subject to Assyria and regained cities from the Philistines (2 Kings 18:7b–8).
Hezekiah witnessed the destruction of the northern Kingdom (Israel) by king Shalmaneser V of Assyria 722 BC. In the 4th year of Hezekiah's reign he
attacked Israel's capital Samaria. The people of Israel were taken to Assyria.
This happened because they had disobeyed the Lord. (2 Kings 18:9–12).
For more information, see Hoshea of Israel in Kings of Judah and Israel.
attacked Israel's capital Samaria. The people of Israel were taken to Assyria.
This happened because they had disobeyed the Lord. (2 Kings 18:9–12).
For more information, see Hoshea of Israel in Kings of Judah and Israel.
In the 14th year of Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, invaded Judah, and captured Judah's fortified cities. Hezekiah then made an alliance with Assyria where he promised to pay 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold
(2 Kings 18:13–16, 2 Chron 32:1, Isaiah 36:1).
(2 Kings 18:13–16, 2 Chron 32:1, Isaiah 36:1).
A Greek talent weighs 26 kg and a Babylonian talent weighs 30 kg, so it was a lot of silver and gold for Judah to pay to Assyria.
Knowing that Jerusalem would eventually come under siege, Hezekiah fortified the capital's walls, built towers, and built a tunnel to bring fresh water to the city from
a spring outside its walls (2 Chron 32:2–8).
a spring outside its walls (2 Chron 32:2–8).
He made at least two major preparations that would help Jerusalem to resist conquest: the building of the Siloam Tunnel, and the building of the Broad Wall.
There is no record so far of Hezekiah seeking the Lord for guidance.
He could have turned to one of the prophets Isaiah or Micah.
He could have turned to one of the prophets Isaiah or Micah.
The agreement was broken and Sennacherib attacked Jerusalem. He surrounded the city and it became a siege of Jerusalem. He sent his Rabshakeh to the walls as a messenger. Addressing the soldiers manning the city wall in Hebrew, Rabshakeh
asked them to distrust the Lord and Hezekiah, claiming that Hezekiah's righteous reforms (destruction of the idols and high places) were a sign that the people wouldn't trust their God to be benevolent. He blasphemed the Lord's name and insulted him. (2 Kings 18:17–37, 2 Chron 32:9–19, Isaiah 36:2–22).
asked them to distrust the Lord and Hezekiah, claiming that Hezekiah's righteous reforms (destruction of the idols and high places) were a sign that the people wouldn't trust their God to be benevolent. He blasphemed the Lord's name and insulted him. (2 Kings 18:17–37, 2 Chron 32:9–19, Isaiah 36:2–22).
Hezekiah had commanded the people not to answer the enemy (Isaiah 36:21).
This was a very smart order. We shouldn't negotiate with the enemy or answer him. Instead of talking to the enemy, we should talk to God. We shouldn't communicate with Satan or his demons when we are attacked in any way.
This was a very smart order. We shouldn't negotiate with the enemy or answer him. Instead of talking to the enemy, we should talk to God. We shouldn't communicate with Satan or his demons when we are attacked in any way.
Hezekiah then asked prophet Isaiah to pray for the people. He should have humbled himself and done so before agreeing to pay the ransom (2 Cor 1:8–9). Hezekiah
tore his clothes, wrapped himself in sackcloth and ashes, and entered the house of the Lord. This was a sign of humility and the right thing to do. We can seek God's will in his word and in prayer, but also ask for prayer support. The Lord comforted Hezekiah and predicted the destruction of Sennacherib. The angel of the Lord struck 185,000 of the Assyrian army. Sennacherib was killed by his own sons while worshiping in his temple (2 Kings 19:1–37, 2 Chron 32:20–23, Isaiah 37).
tore his clothes, wrapped himself in sackcloth and ashes, and entered the house of the Lord. This was a sign of humility and the right thing to do. We can seek God's will in his word and in prayer, but also ask for prayer support. The Lord comforted Hezekiah and predicted the destruction of Sennacherib. The angel of the Lord struck 185,000 of the Assyrian army. Sennacherib was killed by his own sons while worshiping in his temple (2 Kings 19:1–37, 2 Chron 32:20–23, Isaiah 37).
Note that Isaiah had prophesied that Sennacherib would ravage over the land of Judah, but Jerusalem (the daughter of Zion) would be spared (Isaiah 1:7–9).
We should be strong in the Lord and in his strength (Eph 6:10–11).
Short before the siege of Jerusalem, Hezekiah became fatally ill. The prophet
Isaiah came to him and foretold his death through the word of God. He said:
"Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover." The king then turned to the Lord with a prayer to live. Then
the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: "Go and say to Hezekiah, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.'" Hezekiah's prayer was answered and 15 years were added to his life. Hezekiah asked for a sign, and Isaiah
asked him if the shadow would go forward ten degrees or go back ten degrees.
Hezekiah said that it would go back, and so it did. Hezekiah would prepare a poultice of figs and put it on the boil, and he would recover. He did so and recovered.
(2 Kings 20:1–11, 2 Chron 32:24–31, Isaiah 38:1–8, 21–22).
Isaiah came to him and foretold his death through the word of God. He said:
"Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover." The king then turned to the Lord with a prayer to live. Then
the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: "Go and say to Hezekiah, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.'" Hezekiah's prayer was answered and 15 years were added to his life. Hezekiah asked for a sign, and Isaiah
asked him if the shadow would go forward ten degrees or go back ten degrees.
Hezekiah said that it would go back, and so it did. Hezekiah would prepare a poultice of figs and put it on the boil, and he would recover. He did so and recovered.
(2 Kings 20:1–11, 2 Chron 32:24–31, Isaiah 38:1–8, 21–22).
Various ambassadors came to congratulate him on his recovery, among them from Merodach-baladan, son of the king of Babylon. In his vanity flattered by the visit, Hezekiah showed the Babylonian embassy all the riches, weapons, and stores in Jerusalem, revealing too much information to Baladan, king of Babylon. Probably because Hezekiah was puffed up by the incredible sign God gave him, see
1) Blessed are the poor in spirit in The Sermon on the Mount. He was then confronted by Isaiah, who foretold that a future generation of the people of Judah's people would be taken as captives to Babylon. Hezekiah was reassured that his own lifetime would bring peace and security. Hezekiah lived another 15 years after praying to God. He was succeeded by his son Manasseh.
1) Blessed are the poor in spirit in The Sermon on the Mount. He was then confronted by Isaiah, who foretold that a future generation of the people of Judah's people would be taken as captives to Babylon. Hezekiah was reassured that his own lifetime would bring peace and security. Hezekiah lived another 15 years after praying to God. He was succeeded by his son Manasseh.
(2 Kings 20:12–21, 2 Chron 32:25–33, Isaiah 39).
Three years after his illness, Hezekiah had a son, Manasseh who did many evil deeds when he became king. Hezekiah showed the king of Babylon his treasury, his wealth, and all his armory, after his sickness, all that was in his storehouses (Isaiah 39:1–2). Hezekiah’s heart was filled with pride, but he repented of it (1 John 2:16, 2 Chron 32:25–26). Isaiah then said to Hezekiah:
"Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." (Isaiah 39:5–7).
"Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. And some of your own sons, who will come from you, whom you will father, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." (Isaiah 39:5–7).
Later, Babylon conquered the kingdom of Judah, because of their idolatry, disobedience, and evil kings, see Prophet Jeremiah. The knowledge of the treasure in Jerusalem may also have been a reason for Babylon to attack Judah.
It's natural and not wrong to pray for healing and to live longer, so Hezekiah did nothing wrong in doing so, see Ask, and it will be given to you in
The Sermon on the Mount. But if Hezekiah hadn't asked for a longer life, Manasseh who was the worst king in history among the kings of Israel and Judah
hadn't become king after him.
hadn't become king after him.
Hezekiah was both devoted to God and an able regent. Hezekiah was only 25 years old when he became king. Does this mean that it's
Biblical to make young people to leaders and kings? No it doesn't. However, it was a common practice to cooperate in both Israel and the nation of Judah, something that
David and Solomon introduced. As for Ahaz, who was the father of Hezekiah, it's known that he cooperated with his father Jotham for 12 years. Then he
ruled without his father for 16 years. Ahaz is believed to have partnered with Hezekiah for 14 years before becoming sole ruler at age 25, so he had a lot of experience to rule when he became sole ruler. Although
Ahaz wasn't a good king, Hezekiah probably learned a lot from seeing the mistakes that Ahaz made despite Hezekiah's youth. Thus, there can be positive influences in letting an intended young leader walk alongside another leader before taking over the leadership. However, this doesn't have to be a biblical law when introducing a leader.
Ahaz wasn't a good king, Hezekiah probably learned a lot from seeing the mistakes that Ahaz made despite Hezekiah's youth. Thus, there can be positive influences in letting an intended young leader walk alongside another leader before taking over the leadership. However, this doesn't have to be a biblical law when introducing a leader.
Archaeological Findings
Sanherib's prism is a clay award with inscriptions of Sennacherib's (king of
Assyria) third campaign, and contains a description of his siege of Jerusalem
701 BC during the reign of king Hezekiah. The
text on the prism indicates that
the Assyrians occupied 46 fortified cities and a number of smaller settlements. 200,150 people were deported and the area was handed over to three Philistine kings. The prism also indicates that Hezekiah's tributes also included jewels,
ivory-fired furniture, his daughters, harem, and musicians.
the Assyrians occupied 46 fortified cities and a number of smaller settlements. 200,150 people were deported and the area was handed over to three Philistine kings. The prism also indicates that Hezekiah's tributes also included jewels,
ivory-fired furniture, his daughters, harem, and musicians.
Hezekiah's seal is a sign of a piece of
dried clay. It's the first time that a seal of
a king of Israel or Judah has been discovered in a scientific archaeological dig.
It contains a text in ancient Hebrew meaning:
"Belongs to Hezekiah (son of) Ahaz, king of Judah".
a king of Israel or Judah has been discovered in a scientific archaeological dig.
It contains a text in ancient Hebrew meaning:
"Belongs to Hezekiah (son of) Ahaz, king of Judah".
Hezekiah's tunnel (also called the Siloam tunnel) is a 553
meter long water tunnel that king Hezekiah had cut when he became aware of the Assyrian threat.
The intention was to bring water into Jerusalem and at the same time block the water supply to the outlying areas, which would make it difficult to occupy the city.
It has been dated using, among other things, the C-14 dating method to the
7th century BC. It's seldom possible to date biblical findings so exactly.
See also Evidence that the Jews were in Egypt and that King David has Existed.
The intention was to bring water into Jerusalem and at the same time block the water supply to the outlying areas, which would make it difficult to occupy the city.
It has been dated using, among other things, the C-14 dating method to the
7th century BC. It's seldom possible to date biblical findings so exactly.
See also Evidence that the Jews were in Egypt and that King David has Existed.
See also Kings of Judah and Israel.
