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HEZEKIAH’S HEALING AND PRIDEFUL RESPONSE.

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.

Posted in Old Testament, Bible Books, History, BRP Plus, Day 3, Year 3, 2 Kings, Chapter 20, Week 51