The Righteous Example of King Hezekiah

Choice 5: 2 Kings 18–20. The Righteous Example of Hezekiah

In 2 Kings 18–20, we read of a time in history when Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. At this same time Hezekiah became king of the southern kingdom of Judah. He led the people toward increased righteousness, but they still feared the Assyrian armies. The Lord tested their righteousness. Read the following scripture passages and write a brief statement about how each of them could be seen as a test for the people. Answer the questions connected to each scripture reference:

2 Kings 18:19–35; Isaiah 36:12–20. What was Rab-shakeh’s goal with Hezekiah’s servants?

Rab-shakeh's goal was to get Hezekiah's servants too rebel. This could be seen as a test of their steadfastness and integrity.

2 Kings 19:1–5; Isaiah 37:1–5. What was Hezekiah’s reaction? Whom did he seek and where? How might you better follow this pattern?

King Hezekiah was distraught. The Bible says, “he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth” (2 Kings 19:1). However, he turned the Lord by going to the house of the Lord, and he sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. I can better follow this pattern when I am having trouble or things that cause me grief by going the temple, turning the Lord in prayer, and seeking counsel from the written words of present and past prophets.

2 Kings 19:6–7. Under what authority did Isaiah respond to Hezekiah’s plea?

Isaiah acted under God’s authority.

2 Kings 19:14–19; Isaiah 37:14–20. What impresses you about Hezekiah’s prayer? What was the desire of his heart?

As I read Hezekiah’s prayer I thought it was neat how he was familiar with the nature of God. He knew who he was praying to and had a relationship with him. Hezekiah knew where God lived, that the He was God, that He was capable of saving them, and that he himself was under God even though he was the king of the land.

2 Kings 19:20–37; Isaiah 37:29–36; 2 Chronicles 32:20–23; institute student manual commentary for 2 Kings 19, “Hezekiah Prayed for Deliverance and Isaiah Brought the Lord’s Answer” (pg. 128). What are the key points in Isaiah’s response to Hezekiah, and how did the Lord keep His promise? When have you been delivered by the Lord from a difficult situation?

2 Chronicles 29:1–11, 15–16, 22–24; 30:5–9, 20; 31:5; 32:7–8. The events in these verses took place before Assyria threatened the southern kingdom of Judah. How did Hezekiah prepare his people spiritually and physically for their deliverance? What lessons can we learn from what they did?

The key points in Isaiah’s response were: 1) it was a response from the Lord through Isaiah, 2) it was in response to a plea from Hezekiah 3) the Assyrians would be destroyed, 4) the Lord promised he would defend Jerusalem, and 5) those left of the house of Judah will do well and grow.

The Lord kept His promise to Hezekiah by sending an angel into the Assyrian camp and killing 165,000 who were described as, “all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains” (2 Chronicles 32:21). The Assyrian king was also killed, by his own sons.

Many of the difficult situations that have come to my mind that the Lord has delivered me from are situations that I have created myself by my own disobedience or stupidity. Each time that I have turned to Him though, by praying and repenting, He has helped me change and have happiness again.

Hezekiah prepared his people spiritually and physically for their deliverance by personally keeping the commandments of God, calling the people to repentance – which they were then spiritually healed, made sacrifices unto God, bringing in food and provisions for the people, giving them pep talks and reminding them to trust in the Lord. From this, we can learn that there are many things we can do to prepare for the hard times that naturally come in life, and the hard times that have been prophesied for years. The spiritual preparation is especially applicable to us.