II Kings 20: A Study in Prayer, Pride, and Prophecy
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,
I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.
And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.
And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?
And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.
At that time Berodach–baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.
And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord.
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?
And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
II Kings 20 presents a powerful narrative exploring themes of prayer, divine intervention, human fallibility, and prophetic foresight. While the exact chronological order is debated among scholars (II Kings 20:1-3), it's generally understood that the events of this chapter likely occurred before the Assyrian invasion described in chapters 18 and 19. This chapter serves as a reminder that even the most righteous individuals are prone to mistakes, and that God's grace and judgment are often intertwined.
Hezekiah's Illness and Fervent Prayer (II Kings 20:1-3)
The chapter opens with King Hezekiah facing a dire diagnosis: a terminal illness. The prophet Isaiah delivers the Lord's message: "Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover" (II Kings 20:1). Imagine the weight of those words! While a doctor's prognosis can be devastating, a direct declaration from God leaves no room for doubt.
Hezekiah's response is immediate and heartfelt. He turns his face to the wall and prays fervently, reminding God of his faithful service and devotion (II Kings 20:3). The text emphasizes that he wept bitterly, highlighting the depth of his distress. This passage offers comfort: it's okay to pour out our emotions before God, especially in times of crisis. He hears our prayers and sees our tears.
God's Merciful Response (II Kings 20:4-6)
Before Isaiah even leaves the inner court of the palace, God sends him back with a message of hope: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Surely I will heal you" (II Kings 20:5). Not only would Hezekiah be healed, but God also promised to add fifteen years to his life and deliver Jerusalem from the king of Assyria (II Kings 20:6).
This passage illustrates a profound truth about God's character. While God's word is steadfast (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6), He is also relational and responds to the genuine cries of His people. God's freedom to alter his actions in response to repentance and prayer is a recurring theme in Scripture. Consider Jonah 3:4-10, where God relented from destroying Nineveh after their repentance, or Exodus 32:11-14, where Moses' intercession averted God's wrath from the Israelites. These examples demonstrate that while God's character and ultimate purposes remain constant, He interacts with humanity in a dynamic way, responding to our relationship with Him.
The Sign and the Remedy (II Kings 20:7-11)
Isaiah instructs the application of a fig poultice to Hezekiah's boil as a remedy (II Kings 20:7). This detail reminds us that God often works through practical means. Prayer, divine intervention, and medical wisdom can work together to bring about healing. It's not an either/or situation.
Hezekiah then asks for a sign to confirm God's promise (II Kings 20:8). God graciously grants his request, offering a choice: Should the shadow on the sundial go forward ten steps, or backward ten steps? (II Kings 20:9). Hezekiah, recognizing the greater difficulty, asks for the shadow to go backward (II Kings 20:10), and God performs this miraculous sign (II Kings 20:11). While signs can confirm God's word, they should never replace it. The ultimate foundation of our faith must be in God's revealed truth.
Hezekiah's Folly: Pride and the Babylonian Envoys (II Kings 20:12-19)
The narrative shifts from Hezekiah's faithfulness to a display of human weakness. Merodach-baladan, the king of Babylon, sends letters and a gift to Hezekiah (II Kings 20:12). Babylon, like Judah, was feeling the pressure from Assyria, the dominant world power at the time. This diplomatic gesture was likely an attempt to forge an alliance against Assyria.
Hezekiah, however, succumbs to pride. He eagerly shows the Babylonian envoys all his treasures – the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, and everything found in his storehouses (II Kings 20:13). This display of wealth and power, born out of pride (2 Chronicles 32:25-26), reveals a lack of discernment and humility. This visit likely occurred before the Assyrian invasion, as Hezekiah's treasuries were still full. During Sennacherib's siege, Hezekiah emptied his treasuries to pay tribute (II Kings 18:15-16).
Isaiah confronts Hezekiah about his actions (II Kings 20:14-15), and the king readily admits to showing the Babylonians everything. The prophet then delivers a sobering prophecy: "Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left" (II Kings 20:17). Hezekiah's descendants will be taken captive and serve in the palace of the king of Babylon (II Kings 20:18).
Hezekiah's response is surprisingly self-centered: "At least there will be peace and security in my days" (II Kings 20:19). While he acknowledges the truth of Isaiah's prophecy, his relief at not having to personally endure the consequences reveals a lack of concern for future generations. This highlights the dangers of prioritizing personal comfort over the well-being of others.
Lessons and Applications from II Kings 20
II Kings 20 offers several valuable lessons:
- The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's story demonstrates the power of heartfelt prayer and God's willingness to respond with mercy and grace.
- Humility vs. Pride: The contrast between Hezekiah's initial humility in prayer and his later pride in displaying his wealth serves as a cautionary tale.
- God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: God's plans can be influenced by human actions, highlighting the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
- The Importance of Future Generations: Hezekiah's self-centered response to Isaiah's prophecy underscores the importance of considering the well-being of future generations.
This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we approach God with humility, prioritize His will above our own comfort, and remain mindful of the impact of our actions on those who will come after us. II Kings 20 serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of personal blessings, we must remain vigilant against the dangers of pride and selfishness, and strive to live lives that honor God and benefit others.
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.
Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying,
I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying,
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord.
And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.
And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?
And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?
And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.
And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.
At that time Berodach–baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.
And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the Lord.
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.
And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.
Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?
And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.
II Kings 20 presents a powerful narrative exploring themes of prayer, divine intervention, human fallibility, and prophetic foresight. While the exact chronological order is debated among scholars (II Kings 20:1-3), it's generally understood that the events of this chapter likely occurred before the Assyrian invasion described in chapters 18 and 19. This chapter serves as a reminder that even the most righteous individuals are prone to mistakes, and that God's grace and judgment are often intertwined.
Hezekiah's Illness and Fervent Prayer (II Kings 20:1-3)
The chapter opens with King Hezekiah facing a dire diagnosis: a terminal illness. The prophet Isaiah delivers the Lord's message: "Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover" (II Kings 20:1). Imagine the weight of those words! While a doctor's prognosis can be devastating, a direct declaration from God leaves no room for doubt.
Hezekiah's response is immediate and heartfelt. He turns his face to the wall and prays fervently, reminding God of his faithful service and devotion (II Kings 20:3). The text emphasizes that he wept bitterly, highlighting the depth of his distress. This passage offers comfort: it's okay to pour out our emotions before God, especially in times of crisis. He hears our prayers and sees our tears.
God's Merciful Response (II Kings 20:4-6)
Before Isaiah even leaves the inner court of the palace, God sends him back with a message of hope: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Surely I will heal you" (II Kings 20:5). Not only would Hezekiah be healed, but God also promised to add fifteen years to his life and deliver Jerusalem from the king of Assyria (II Kings 20:6).
This passage illustrates a profound truth about God's character. While God's word is steadfast (Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6), He is also relational and responds to the genuine cries of His people. God's freedom to alter his actions in response to repentance and prayer is a recurring theme in Scripture. Consider Jonah 3:4-10, where God relented from destroying Nineveh after their repentance, or Exodus 32:11-14, where Moses' intercession averted God's wrath from the Israelites. These examples demonstrate that while God's character and ultimate purposes remain constant, He interacts with humanity in a dynamic way, responding to our relationship with Him.
The Sign and the Remedy (II Kings 20:7-11)
Isaiah instructs the application of a fig poultice to Hezekiah's boil as a remedy (II Kings 20:7). This detail reminds us that God often works through practical means. Prayer, divine intervention, and medical wisdom can work together to bring about healing. It's not an either/or situation.
Hezekiah then asks for a sign to confirm God's promise (II Kings 20:8). God graciously grants his request, offering a choice: Should the shadow on the sundial go forward ten steps, or backward ten steps? (II Kings 20:9). Hezekiah, recognizing the greater difficulty, asks for the shadow to go backward (II Kings 20:10), and God performs this miraculous sign (II Kings 20:11). While signs can confirm God's word, they should never replace it. The ultimate foundation of our faith must be in God's revealed truth.
Hezekiah's Folly: Pride and the Babylonian Envoys (II Kings 20:12-19)
The narrative shifts from Hezekiah's faithfulness to a display of human weakness. Merodach-baladan, the king of Babylon, sends letters and a gift to Hezekiah (II Kings 20:12). Babylon, like Judah, was feeling the pressure from Assyria, the dominant world power at the time. This diplomatic gesture was likely an attempt to forge an alliance against Assyria.
Hezekiah, however, succumbs to pride. He eagerly shows the Babylonian envoys all his treasures – the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, and everything found in his storehouses (II Kings 20:13). This display of wealth and power, born out of pride (2 Chronicles 32:25-26), reveals a lack of discernment and humility. This visit likely occurred before the Assyrian invasion, as Hezekiah's treasuries were still full. During Sennacherib's siege, Hezekiah emptied his treasuries to pay tribute (II Kings 18:15-16).
Isaiah confronts Hezekiah about his actions (II Kings 20:14-15), and the king readily admits to showing the Babylonians everything. The prophet then delivers a sobering prophecy: "Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left" (II Kings 20:17). Hezekiah's descendants will be taken captive and serve in the palace of the king of Babylon (II Kings 20:18).
Hezekiah's response is surprisingly self-centered: "At least there will be peace and security in my days" (II Kings 20:19). While he acknowledges the truth of Isaiah's prophecy, his relief at not having to personally endure the consequences reveals a lack of concern for future generations. This highlights the dangers of prioritizing personal comfort over the well-being of others.
Lessons and Applications from II Kings 20
II Kings 20 offers several valuable lessons:
- The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's story demonstrates the power of heartfelt prayer and God's willingness to respond with mercy and grace.
- Humility vs. Pride: The contrast between Hezekiah's initial humility in prayer and his later pride in displaying his wealth serves as a cautionary tale.
- God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: God's plans can be influenced by human actions, highlighting the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
- The Importance of Future Generations: Hezekiah's self-centered response to Isaiah's prophecy underscores the importance of considering the well-being of future generations.
This chapter challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that we approach God with humility, prioritize His will above our own comfort, and remain mindful of the impact of our actions on those who will come after us. II Kings 20 serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of personal blessings, we must remain vigilant against the dangers of pride and selfishness, and strive to live lives that honor God and benefit others.