THE COMMITMENT OF HEZEKIAH A LESSON TO BELIEVERS . writer of Kings, who tells us: Why does Hezekiah say what he does? He was one of Judah's only "righteous and just" kings, bringing about a number of reforms during Throughout the stressful time in leadership, Hezekiah consistently used the same battle plan. This corresponds to the magnificent opening of the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? The prophet told Hezekiah, The Lord says you are going to die. E.J. What a time to fall ill and die! First, the kings priorities were right though he lived in a wicked, immoral culture. Be careful what you pray for! He was still in the palace courtyard. Hezekiahs prayer was Open and honest. Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance - Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. He had made mistakes, wrong decisions, and had moments that After Isaiah applied to a simple poultice, the king recovered (2 Kings 20:5-7). Story of Elijah Praying for the Widow's Son. Talk about how it feels to be sick. God brought the shadow back ten steps and Hezekiah knew that God would make him well. b. Was Hezekiah terrified of death? Leanne VanDyk. There is corporate prayer like we do at church, and there is prayer where a few are gathered, but probably some of the most effective prayer time of your life will be the time you invest alone with God. the macho exterior that men try to project. Hezekiah's attitude toward a terrible curse pronounced upon his family and nation for Hezekiah's own sin was, essentially: "So what. Hezekiah got alone with God. Just ask the children what they would want to do if they were in the hospital. Hezekiah is a human, weakened by illness, facing the heavy responsibilities of defending his nation against its enemies. Young. From God's response through Isaiah we get some hints to the reasons why God seems to have responded to Hezekiah's prayer, though we can't read God's mind: You, dear friend, are also loved by God. During the fourteenth year of the reign of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, attacked Judah, took all the fenced cities, and was about to take Jerusalem and destroy the land of Judah. Times couldn't be more desperate, more bleak, more filled with violence. This is God's insult and demand's God's response. He threw off the Assyrian yoke and defeated the Philistines (2 Kings 18:7-8). Early Church: Acts1-12
He knew this sign meant God would keep His promise and add fifteen years to his life when he went to the temple in three days. Tunneling a shaft through 1,748 feet of solid rock to supply water to the city in time of siege (2 Kings 20:20). They could make games or collect stickers. Hezekiah was regarded as a good king. Always remain true to the facts found in the Bible but help children connect to its meaning by using drama, visual aids, voice inflection, student interaction and/or emotion. Previous Assyrian kings had attacked the Northern Kingdom of Samaria -- Tiglath Pileser III (745-727 Heres a website with some patterns: Bring a fig to class and let the children have a taste. for," is useless. We give up. Contact Us
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Having trouble logging into your account? at this time. In Hezekiahs case, his answer came immediately. Isaiahs prophecy came true during King Zedekiahs reign (2 Kings 24:13-16). To be alone with God that he might pray with some privacy and without interruption, he turns to the wall. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, publishes Upgrade with Dawn, and writes for Crosswalk.com. Hezekiah was a good king (2 Kings 18:5-7). This led to Hezekiah pleading for his life. Gideon
God assured Hezekiah everything would be ok, but the Assyrians wouldnt let up. All rights reserved. . ' (NIV), The Bible tells us that Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes. And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (Isaiah 38:2 NIV), Isaiah had already left Hezekiah but God suddenly spoke to him, telling him to return and tell Hezekiah the following, This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I wil add fiteen years to your life. Tell the story using a printed flip chart. In the case of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, he was asked to dip in the Jordan seven times. He went to Hezekiah and told him the good news. Naaman was healed only after he dipped seven times in the Jordan river. There are at least five lessons we can learn from Hezekiah's life and choices. Thirteenth ruler of Judah, Hezekiah reigned for nearly thirty years at the end of the eighth and beginning of the seventh . Please check back later to see if new content has been added. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them (2 Kings 20:13). You have made heaven and earth. Certainly he did not look forward to death with the same longing as Paul, who saw it as "far better" (Philippians 1:23). Jesus healed him so that God would be glorified. While he was sick, the prophet Isaiah came to visit him. Our desire is that you grow closer to God through the resources we provide to iDisciple. From what we study in the three lessons on Healing and Prayer, we conclude the following: 1. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king. When the prophet Isaiah told him his death was near, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly. Apostle Paul
Because God was with him during his years of obedience, Hezekiah found success in whatever he undertook. Lexi threw me the sweetest surprise min, Happy Easter! Hebrews
2Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to theLord. So Isaiah asked Hezekiah, Do you see the shadow on the steps?, Hezekiah thought for a moment, It is easy for a shadow to go forward, so let it go back ten steps as a sign from God that He will keep His promise.. It's part of As a thank you for signing up for a free iDisciple account, enjoy this downloadable e-book. Hezekiah knew that there was still a lot of work to do in Judah. John's Letters
Philippians
Believe should learn from the life of Hezekiah to be committed to God alone no matter what. Some things God has promised to dosome He hasnt. I have decided to add more years to his life. Hezekiah is also appealing to God's promises for offspring and for a long life to those who walk uprightly before him: Hezekiah, I am sure, had not reached sinless perfection, but he had been careful (unlike his father) to live a godly, righteous, and faithful life before the Lord. Hezekiah was terminally ill. He just continued to pray and ask God to help him. He gave a 5 fold reply. 16 Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God. Voices in the culture can confuse or misdirect us from Gods will, but His Word is wisdom for us, and we must seek the Lord in prayer to be grounded and built up in Him (Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:15-16; Colossians 2:7). Lord. Opposing idol worship (2 Chronicles 30:14), toppling the hilltop "high places" where Baal hand!" He almost died. There are at least five lessons we can learn from Hezekiahs life and choices. Amazingly, God relented and Hezekiah was healed. This isn't a works-righteousness mentality. his reign. Hezekiah did not forget the Lord or blame him because of his sickness. You know. Isaiah
They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered. For most of Hezekiahs years, he modeled godly character. 1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. King Hezekiah was a man of prayer. His passion for God brought a restored Judah into a period of national revival. To access and start using your account today, go to iDisciple.org and click login. came to Hezekiah demanding that he surrender Jerusalem. Being righteous does not exempt us from the trials of life. He had been zealous for the Lord, in the face of much pressure and criticism from idolaters. Charismatic. A few minutes after Hezekiah prays, Isaiah returns to his bedroom. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, This is what theLordsays: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.. Even good people fall sick. who brought about great reforms. Your capital is When the prophet Isaiah told him his death was near, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept bitterly. The New Testament contains specific instructions for healing in James 5:13-15. Isaiah said Hezekiah would go to the Temple three days later and would live an additional 15 years. He went before the Lord in prayer and followed the Lords commands. The LORD tells Isaiah according to II Kings 20:5-6, "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. The Early Church
https://www.woh.org/author/leanne-van-dyk/. Weeping with his face toward a wall, Hezekiah asked God to be merciful. He has encouraged you to pray to him. ", 1In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. from Sennacherib gloat over the victory: The scripture records the humiliating conclusion: But the Assyrians felt after this that they had made a tactical error leaving Jerusalem unconquered. This led to Hezekiah pleading for his life. 3. He could rightly point to how he had served God and done exploits for His glory. When Hezekiah receives the letter, he brings it before the Lord and spreads it out for God to read. But with a different human response, the outcome can be different, though all within the boundaries of God's will. May all the love and prayers heal Eileen Deighan and bring comfort to her lovely parents and family Yet you are a believer in Yahweh, the true God. Daniel
1, 2, and 3 John
the situation around! He is a model to all who desire to walk in close fellowship with God during times of trouble, and a reminder not to forget the Lord in times of blessing. Vitringa, an eighteenth century Dutch scholar, put it this way: But Hezekiah did respond in prayer and faith, and God changed his mind. Such a short, simple prayer certainly had a remarkable result. The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the day s of our lives in the temple of the Lord. 2 Corinthians
According to Pliny, figs were used for the cure of ulcers.11Did the poultice of figs cure Hezekiah? 18And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon., 19The word of theLordyou have spoken is good, Hezekiah replied. 12At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of Hezekiahs illness. Sennacherib told the people Hezekiah was lying to them about being able to deliver them from his hand (2 Kings 18:29-36). They couldn't allow Judah's rebellious tendencies to weaken their dominance of the area, which they needed Background Study: The kings of Israel continued to come and go. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. (2 Kings 20:2-3), Standard Abbreviations https://www.jesuswalk.com/greatprayers/refs.htm. Hezekiah would live fifteen more years! Isa 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed. . (Isaiah 38:14-20 NIV). "O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. God gave specific instructions for healing. 16Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God. 4) Learning from Hezekiah's Life 5 minutes Say: What did we learn today? etc.). Hezekiah knew that he was a good king and he wanted to live a long life to bring the people closer to God. Quoted from the Prism of Sennacherib, in James B. Pritchard (ed.). BC), Shalmanezer V (727-722), and Sargon II (722-705). First, the king's priorities were right though he lived in a wicked, immoral culture. For Hezekiahs case, he had to apply herbs on the boil. 1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. At one point, the Assyrian king launched a huge smear campaign against Hezekiah with his own people. Beginning the Journey (for new Christians). Watercolors
Click here for King Hezekiah Prays for Health printables to print on A4 size paper, Click here for King Hezekiah Prays for Health printables (Letter size-USA), Craft: Instructions for a simple paper crown from http://www.dltk-kids.com, Craft: Prayer pail with popsicle/craft sticks from http://www.lubirdbaby.com, Activity: Five finger prayer to teach children to pray from http://ministry-to-children.com, Lesson on prayer for children from http://ministry-to-children.com, Explaining how to teach children to pray from http://ministry-to-children.com. Saul, David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam and Hezekiah. Third, Hezekiah knew where to turn in times of trouble. But his ear is particularly open to his children who seek to be obedient to him. In this instance, the answer was immediate. You want to say yes. He may be second or third or when we are backed into a corner and have no choice, but as a habit we need to make God the first place we turn in our lives. Hezekiah was king of a nation and that is an important job, yet Hezekiah willingly humbled himself in prayer, because he knew his place before the King of kings. He knew God had placed him in the position of authority over them. When Sennacherib, the Assyrian general, sent a letter full of threats to Hezekiah, the king immediately ran to the temple where he spread the letter out . Some time later, King Hezekiah was terribly sickso ill that Isaiah came to him and told him to get his life in order because death was imminent (2 Kings 20:1-7; 2 Chronicles 32:24). Because of that relationship, Hezekiah didnt wonder if God would be there when he came before Him. Hezekiah knew his place as kingand he knew God's place in the Kingdom. talked about a righteous life. "L ORD " is the Hebrew personal, specific name of God, pronounced "YAW-whey." The Jews felt that the name of the Lord was too holy to even pronounce, and substituted for it when reading or speaking the word Adonai, "lord." Church
Consider: Think of the pressure we take upon ourselves when we try to be the general in God's battles. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover. The servants spread the paste on the kings skin and he got better. God can do miraculous things for his people. is going on. Hezekiah often became the target of warring nations. 1
Regarding The Information age And The Clash of Civilizations. The king of Assyria, which was a much more powerful nation, decided to attempt a take over of Hezekiahs kingdom. King Hezekiahs prayer for healing is a scripture that can help you pray for healing for yourself. Earlier, Hezekiah had encouraged the people with his own confidence in the greatness of the power of the unseen God: It sounds much like Elisha's assurance to his servant at the siege of Dothan, where they are surrounded by the horses and chariots of fire of the Lord's army: "Don't be afraid Those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:16). King Ahaz was an evil, idolatrous king. Perhaps Hezekiahs illness had something to do with boils. Some of his religious reforms included: When Sargon II conquered the Philistine city of Ashdod in 711, Hezekiah avoided war. There He Goes- Jesus on a Donkey Song, Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock Song, (Thai) Jesus Loves Me, (Thai) Jesus Loves the Little Children, (Thai) This Little Light of Mine. Ephesians
The Lord said, "You will die; you will not recover" (20:1b), 32 Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the king of Assyria: He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. 7 Last Words of Christ
32:2-8). Hezekiah trusted God to be faithful to His word so he was willing to act in faith. Copyright 2023, Ralph F. Wilson. They sent a letter by messenger to Hezekiah, basically which, said, The Assyrians are tough and they are coming for you next.. Reopening the temple, which had been closed by his father, repairing it, and reorganizing its services, priests, and Levites (2 Chronicles 31:11-21). But God brought the king back from death's door and gave him fifteen more . The Word of God tells us God desires our love, and He honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30; Matthew 22:37). But Hezekiahs life took a sad turna warning for Gods people who want to finish well. Had a wonderfu, Its FridayThe Romans beat my JesusThey ro, SPRING SALE52 WEEKS IN THE WORD is available n, God does not say that we wont experience hardsh, Have you been stuck for years? Judah's king Ahaz was wicked and disobeyed God's laws and led God's people to worship false gods. God spoke to him and told him to go back to Hezekiah. 3Remember,Lord, how I have walkedbefore you faithfullyand with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes. And Hezekiah wept bitterly. The Lord kept His promise to protect Jerusalem. 16Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God. I love the imagery here in this prayer story of Hezekiah. 2 Kings 20:1-11, James 5:13-15, Denomination:
She has focused much of her work on atonement theology and the development of theological education. Hezekiah's prayer was Honoring, humble and respectful of who God is. Though Hezekiah had led the nation in reform and revival, his indifference for the future had terrible consequences. He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. In the story Isaiah Helps King Hezekiah Pray the Lord took his time to answer Hezekiahs prayer. He reigned for 29 yearsapproximately 715-686 BCbeginning at age 25 (2 Kings 18:2). 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. So you should give your last orders to everyone. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. I get this visual image of Hezekiah, and this letterlaying it there on the table, and saying, Okay, God, what now? In the New Testament, John writes: "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Psalms
On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of theLord. You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format. Abraham
I encourage you to pray. 7Then Isaiah said, "Prepare a poultice of figs." 6I will add fifteen years to your life. What do you say to God? He saw God as He is, enthroned above the cherubim, as the one and only, King of heaven and earth. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This story can be told using a variety of methods. 35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. Well, Gods answer was swift and definite. Hezekiah ruled over Judah and was a good and faithful king. I cried like a swift or thrush, I moaned like a mourning dove, My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. what is bad for us (Matthew 7:7-11). To abstain from medicine like some extreme teaching is not scriptural at all. All Rights Reserved. His prayer mainly reminds God of how good and faithful Hezekiah had been (as if God needed to be told!). They came from Babylon., 15The prophet asked, What did they see in your palace?, They saw everything in my palace, Hezekiah said. If We find this account in 2 Kings 19:14-19. This content provider does not have additional content available right now. He is considered a very righteous king by the author of the Books of Kings. The suns shadow actually went backwards! May these prayers for safety bring you comfort and peace of mind. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.". Sheand her husband Bob live in Southern California. He reads it to God and observes that the insult is to the living God far more than it is to Hezekiah himself. him be the general and just follow his orders. Background Information on the Divided Kingdom. (2 Kings 19:15-16), "Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 'Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.'" MANY DO NOT RECEIVE HEALING AS THEY IGNORE THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN IN GODS WORD. My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon. He brought immorality back to Judah, promoted the worship of pagan gods, and Jewish tradition says he even may have murdered Hezekiahs long-time friend, Isaiah. Lord's Supper
God can use the following methods or any combination to heal. Hezekiah was a very good king. Revelation
Hezekiah enacted sweeping religious reforms, including a strict mandate for the sole worship ofYahwehand a prohibition on venerating other deities within theTemple of Jerusalem. 14And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. Central Lesson: From the Sickbed The Scourge of Sickness This chapter ushers us into the sickroom of King Hezekiah that we may learn the painful lessons God taught him there. King Hezekiah wanted a sign from the Lord. King Ahaz had nailed Jerusalems Temple doors shut, but Hezekiah reopened the temple and cleansed it. I've heard people accuse Hezekiah of selfishness in his prayer This king knew how to pray and he prayed in a way that got results. Was he a faithless whiner? Placing the lump of figs on the boil was a symbolic act; at that time Hezekiah began to get better. The captain prepares the soldiers to fight the enemy. What sign did the Lord give Hezekiah to show that he would get well? 17 It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. Speaking
For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too. When he bragged about his possessions, he brought disaster to Judah, including the looting of Israels treasury and the nations eventual captivity. You will not get well.. 2 Kings 20:7 Then Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. You restored me to health and let me live. In pride, the king showed Marduk-Baladans ambassadors all the precious things in Jerusalemhis personal treasures, the riches of the city, and everything in the arsenal. Hezekiah truly was a remarkable king. Samaria finally fell in 722 BC and the Northern Kingdom ceased to exist (2 Kings 17:3-6; 18:9-12). And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 6I will add fifteen years to your life. Stopping up springs around Jerusalem that could supply water to an attacking Assyrian army (2 Chronicles 32:1-4). God is sovereign in all his ways and does allow sickness to come to Godly men and woman. was worshipped, smashing sacred stones, cutting down Asherah poles, and destroying Moses' bronze snake that had become an object of worship (2 Kings 18:4). In Hezekiahs Tragic End: A Warning and a Promise, J. D. Greear wrote, Hezekiah had passed the test of adversity but he failed the test of prosperity.. "You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.". Jesus answered, Neither this man nor his parents sinned but that the works of God should be revealed in him. King Hezekiah began to reign over Judah when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. In verses 17-18 he prays, It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. Hezekiah knew he was out of his league facing the Assyrians. Privacy, 7 Lessons from the Prayer Life of Hezekiah. Hezekiah had great wealth and honor from the Lord, and God had given him great success (2 Chronicles 32:27-30); but God decided to test his servantto know everything that was in his heart (2 Chronicles 32:31). Scriptures:
The Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to Hezekiah to give him the message that he was about to die. Scripture:
Grace: Favor for the Undeserving. Hezekiah appealed to God's promises for an heir and for long life for those who live a righteous life. Continue to do this until all of the words of the verse are erased and the children can say the verse. From God's response to Hezekiah's prayer through the Prophet Isaiah (20:6b), it sounds like Sennacharib's presence was still threatening Jerusalem It was probably instrumental, but only because God enabled it. "He will save us," you tell your people. You may just need to get you some note cards right down all the things you are struggling withlay them out on a tablethen say, Okay God, here are my strugglesI cant do anything about them. In verse 19, Hezekiah prayed, Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.. Also, in Old Testament times, people believed that long life was a reward for righteous living. (That doesnt mean we shouldnt pray for everything. I am troubled: O Lord, come to my aid! Judah was a relatively small country caught between the nutcracker of Assyria Hezekiah was king of a nation and that is an important job, yet . 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by mens hands. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. Hezekiah wept a lot; he wept profusely. Hezekiahs prayer was Bold. When we considered Moses' intercession in Exodus 32, we discussed the interplay between God's judgment and human response. He hasnt promised to rid everyone of cancer or to heal every bad relationship. Often times, we offer half hearted, 10 minutes prayers to God even for people who are terminally ill with cancer. 15And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: "O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. Privacy Policy. When you pray, do you ever imagine God in heaven, on his throne? The Lord stopped Isaiah before he had even left Hezekiahs palace. It seems that Hezekiahs fatal illness occurred the same year as the Assyrian invasion described in 2 Kings 19. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.
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