2 Kings 20:1-21
Q.1. What was unusual about Hezekiah’s illness and promise of healing? Why did God bring healing to Hezekiah? – (2 Kgs.20:1-11)
Hezekiah had been a good king, and the Lord had prospered him (2 Kgs.18:5-7 c.f. 2 Chron.31:20-21). His life was drawing to an end, and God told him to get his house in order (2 Kgs.20:1). Not everyone gets such a pre-warning. In answer to Hezekiah’s earnest pleadings, God answered his prayer for healing – 5 …I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake (2 Kgs.20:5-6). Hezekiah had given godly leadership to the people. The Lord answered his prayer for healing, and even gave him a sign (2 Kgs.20:5-11). God desires that healing will bring glory to Himself (c.f. Jn.9:3; 11:4).
Q.2. How did Hezekiah’s response to God’s mercy jeopardize the security of the nation? How did God respond to Hezekiah’s pride? – (2 Kgs.20:12-21)
Divine healing can be sensationalised, as was the case with Hezekiah. Messengers were sent from the king of Babylon to congratulate him. This was a great opportunity to give glory to the God of Israel before the heathen nation. Instead, Hezekiah was carried away with his own importance, and jeopardized the security of Jerusalem – … There was nothing in his house nor in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them (2 Kgs.20:13). This brought a swift rebuke from God through Isaiah. The downfall of Judah was predicted (2 Kgs.20:14-19). The king was more concerned for his own welfare than for that of his people. He replied – The word of the Lord which you have spoken is good. For he thought, ‘Is it not so, if there will be peace and truth in my days?’ (2 Kgs.20:19). The healing of Hezekiah and the extra fifteen years added to his life, were not the unqualified blessing they appeared to be. Nevertheless, his reign had been an outstanding one.