In the history of the kings of Judah, few names command as much respect and admiration as that of Hezekiah. He reigned during a time when the spiritual state of the nation was at a low point, inherited a kingdom steeped in idolatry, and yet rose to become one of the most righteous and God-fearing kings of all time. His story, recorded in 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, and Isaiah 36–39, serves not only as a historical account but also as a rich spiritual lesson on leadership, faith, prayer, humility, and divine favour.
Hezekiah became king at the age of twenty-five, following the reign of his father, King Ahaz, one of the most idolatrous and ungodly rulers in Judah’s history. Ahaz had closed the doors of the Temple, introduced pagan altars, and even sacrificed his own children. In contrast, Hezekiah’s heart was set on God. The Scripture says, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did” (2 Kings 18:3, KJV). This immediate departure from the evil practices of his father set the tone for a reign that would be marked by national revival and spiritual reform.
One of Hezekiah’s first acts as king was to reopen and cleanse the Temple of God, which had been shut and defiled. He gathered the priests and Levites, instructed them to sanctify themselves, and begin purifying the house of the Lord. The people responded with humility and enthusiasm. He reinstituted the Passover celebration with great joy and inclusivity, even extending invitations to the remnant of the northern tribes of Israel. This was more than a religious observance it was the restoration of a covenant relationship with Jehovah. The Lord honoured Hezekiah’s heart. Scripture declares, “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings 18:5, KJV).
Beyond temple worship, Hezekiah was passionate about eradicating idolatry from Judah. He destroyed the high places, cut down the groves, and removed all signs of false worship. Notably, he broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made in the wilderness, which the people had begun to idolise, calling it Nehushtan. This act revealed Hezekiah’s spiritual insight he understood that even sacred symbols, when misplaced in worship, could become spiritual stumbling blocks. His determination to purge Judah of idolatry not only restored the nation’s relationship with God but also re-established a culture of holiness.
Hezekiah’s faith was soon tested on a national scale. The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, invaded Judah, capturing fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem. The Assyrian messengers openly blasphemed the God of Israel, claiming that no god had saved any nation from their king. In the face of this intimidation, Hezekiah turned not to political alliances but to the Lord. He took the threatening letter from Sennacherib, went into the house of the Lord, and spread it before God in prayer. His cry was sincere: “O LORD God of Israel… thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth… Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand” (2 Kings 19:15,19, KJV). God heard and answered. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord assured Hezekiah that the king of Assyria would not even shoot an arrow into the city. That night, the angel of the LORD went out and smote 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib fled and was later assassinated by his own sons. This miraculous deliverance was a testament to the power of faith, prayer, and divine protection.
Soon after this, Hezekiah faced a more personal battle his health. He became terminally ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivered a word from the Lord: “Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live” (2 Kings 20:1, KJV). But Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept sorely, reminding God of his faithful walk. The Lord, moved by his tears and sincerity, reversed the death sentence. He sent Isaiah back with a new message: God would heal him and add fifteen more years to his life. As a divine sign, God caused the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz to move backward ten degrees approximately two hours. This reversal of time was a supernatural display of God’s sovereignty over nature, a reminder that the Creator is not bound by the laws He created.
However, Hezekiah was not without fault. After his recovery, envoys came from Babylon, ostensibly to congratulate him. In pride, Hezekiah showed them all his treasures, armoury, and royal possessions. Isaiah rebuked him, warning that everything he had displayed would one day be carried to Babylon, and his descendants taken captive. Though judgment was delayed, this misstep revealed a spiritual truth: after seasons of blessing and victory, we must remain humble and vigilant. Even the most faithful servants of God can falter when pride creeps in.
Hezekiah died after twenty-nine years on the throne, leaving behind a mixed legacy. He was honoured greatly in death, for he had brought Judah back to the worship of the true God and had led the people through great spiritual reform. Yet his son, Manasseh, would undo much of the good he had done, reminding us that personal righteousness must be passed down through intentional discipleship and spiritual continuity.
The story of Hezekiah is not merely a chronicle of an ancient king; it is a spiritual compass for today’s believer. It teaches us that no matter our background, we can choose righteousness. It reminds us of the power of bold reform, sincere prayer, and unwavering trust in God. It reveals that divine intervention is not limited by time or nature, and that humility is essential, especially after great victories. Most of all, Hezekiah’s life calls every believer to walk before God in truth and with a perfect heart. His legacy echoes through time: a man who trusted the LORD and was not disappointed.
Love your neighbour as yourself
