There’s a fascinating story in 2 Kings 20 about King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah.
At the beginning of the chapter, Hezekiah fell gravely ill, and Isaiah brought him a message from God: “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.” In desperation, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed earnestly. God heard his prayer and graciously added 15 more years to his life.
Shortly after this, visitors came from a foreign land to congratulate him on his recovery. Instead of glorifying God, Hezekiah proudly displayed all his treasures, wealth, and armory to them. This act of pride set the stage for Isaiah’s next prophecy that all that Hezekiah had shown would one day be carried off to Babylon, and his descendants would be taken into captivity.
Now here’s the shocking part:
In verse 19, Hezekiah responds to the latest prophecy of doom:
“The word of the LORD you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?”
This is surprising when we consider Hezekiah’s history. In the previous chapter (2 Kings 19), he had prayed fervently for deliverance from the Assyrian army, and God answered dramatically, sending an angel who struck down 185,000 soldiers overnight. God had proven, time and again, that He listens to his prayers. Yet, when faced with a prophecy of future disaster, Hezekiah did not pray, intercede, or seek God’s mercy; he simply accepted it – WHY? – because it would not affect him personally.
This exposes a truth about human nature: sometimes we become indifferent as long as calamity does not touch us directly. Look at the world around us, like Hezekiah, we can be tempted to settle for peace in our time, even if it means our children, our community, or future generations will bear the consequences.
But that is not the way God calls us to live. Scripture reminds us:
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” (Proverbs 3:27)
We are called to be our brother’s keeper, to intercede for others, to do good whenever we can. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle; instead, the light only grows brighter.
Don’t be self-centered like King Hezekiah.
If you can take a step, no matter how small, to positively impact someone’s life or to shape a better future, do it.
The choices you make today may outlive you. Choose to leave a legacy of good.
Have an amazing weekend, and as you reflect on this, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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4 thoughts on “King Hezekiah”
To know I read this story too days ago. Thank you for beautifully capturing the lessons from this interesting story. I receive Grace gor selflessness.
The choices I make today has potential to impact and affect generations. This lesson shines light to what happens in governments around the world, industries and even in communities and families. It shows how one man’s decision can affect nations unborn and teaches intentionality. Thank you so much for such great insight Doc🙌🙏
This is very accurate.
Very sad how humans can be misguided by self-centredness
Excellent article here.
Very instructive.
May God help us to be the light that lights up others and be selfless in our conducts. Amen.
More Grace sir.