King Hezekiah, translated as “Yahweh has strengthened,” is known for his godly character and sinful pride as written in the second books of Kings and Chronicles. He was a good king, “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, just as his father (ancestor) David had done” (2 Kings 18:3).
His goals were to eliminate idolatry in his kingdom and restore worship to the one true God, Jehovah. Hezekiah “held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook” (2 Kings 18:6–7).
Over time, King Hezekiah’s heart became hard because of pride and arrogance. Isaiah 39 speaks of his weaknesses, showing how he indulged in flattery, took pride in his possessions, and became self-centered.
And then, King Hezekiah contracted an illness, and death was near. The prophet Isaiah announced, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover’” (2 Kings 20:1).
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what’s good in your eyes” (Isaiah 38:3).
Hezekiah wept bitterly.
King Hezekiah prayed to God, repented, and was healed. In the fifteen extra years the Lord granted him, Manasseh was born. Hezekiah shared the message of salvation to future generations and reflected on God’s power to forgive sins and restore life.
We all carry both godly character and sinful pride. The story of King Hezekiah reminds us that our sins can be forgiven through prayer and repentance. Bitter tears restore life. Thank you, Lord.
– Kim Snyder
Christ Fellowship