Hezekiah

Lore & Background

Hezekiah's reign began after his father Ahaz died (2 Kings 16:20). In his fourth year, Shalmaneser king of Assyria besieged Samaria, and it fell in his sixth year (2 Kings 18:9-10). Later, in his fourteenth year, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked Judah's fortified cities (2 Kings 18:13). Hezekiah responded by sending tribute, including silver from the temple and palace, and even gold from the temple doors (2 Kings 18:14-16). Despite this, the Assyrian king sent officials to Jerusalem, who taunted Hezekiah and the people, claiming the Lord could not deliver them (2 Kings 18:17, 2 Kings 18:19, 2 Kings 18:29-32).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Hezekiah as a king who, despite initial attempts to appease Assyria with tribute, ultimately turned to the Lord in times of crisis. When faced with military threats and blasphemous taunts from the Assyrian king, Hezekiah demonstrated humility by tearing his clothes, wearing sackcloth, and entering the temple to pray (2 Kings 19:1, 2 Kings 19:14). He sought the prophet Isaiah's intercession (2 Kings 19:5). His prayer acknowledged the Lord as the only God and creator (2 Kings 19:15). In his personal illness, Hezekiah again prayed and wept, and the Lord responded with healing (2 Kings 20:3, 2 Kings 20:5). The narrative emphasizes his reliance on divine intervention rather than military or political alliances, though it also notes his religious reforms, such as removing high places (2 Kings 18:22). His actions show a pattern of turning to God when human resources failed.

Did You Know?

• Hezekiah began to reign in the third year of Hoshea king of Israel (2 Kings 18:1).
• Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah's reign (2 Kings 18:10).
• Hezekiah stripped gold from the temple doors and pillars to pay tribute to Assyria (2 Kings 18:16).
• Hezekiah was healed from a mortal illness after weeping and praying (2 Kings 20:1, 2 Kings 20:5).