God did some truly amazing things for King Hezekiah. For one thing, He healed him of a deadly sickness and gave him 15 more years of life. But even more astounding than that, God smote Sennacherib’s army, and they retreated to Assyria, leaving Jerusalem untouched.
What had Hezekiah done that he was saved from certain death and the destruction of his throne? He had repented and cried out to the God of Israel when he needed help. It was really just that simple.
But Hezekiah had a history with God that was also to his favor. When he took over as King of Judah, he destroyed all the pagan cult sites that had flourished under his predecessor. He cleansed and rededicated the temple in Jerusalem and reinstated pure worship to the God of Israel. After many years without one, he held a Passover celebration that went on twice as long as prescribed due to the joy and presence of the Lord.
God was certainly pleased with Hezekiah’s efforts. Nevertheless, events would arise to test Hezekiah and his dedication to the Lord. For example, when Hezekiah fell ill, God warned him that he was going to die. So he cried out and wept before the Lord, who then healed the king and promised him another 15 years of life.
When King Sennacherib of the mighty Assyrian empire sent a letter to Hezekiah threatening to destroy Jerusalem and end the kingdom of Judah, Hezekiah ran into the temple, laid the letter out before the Lord and pleaded his case, pointing out that Sennacherib was blaspheming God himself. God directed the prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah Sennacherib would not set foot in Jerusalem.
The next day the Assyrian army was struck down by an angel, possibly with a plague, and had to retreat to Nineveh. It was unheard of for the mighty Assyrian empire to back down and retreat from such a small kingdom as Judah. But when God’s people run to Him in repentance and prayer, He hears and responds.
Join me for this week’s episode of Out of Zion on Charisma Podcast Network, God Hears Hezekiah’s Prayers. Walk Thru the Bible with me each week by downloading our Bible reading plan, and get started reading right away! Invite your friends and family to join us! I can’t wait to Walk Thru the Bible with you! {eoa}
Dr. Susan Michael is USA director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and host of the Out of Zion podcast.
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