Who Was King Hezekiah?

King Hezekiah, the 13th king of Judah, reigned during one of the most turbulent periods in Israel’s history. His story is found in 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, and Isaiah 36–39. Unlike many of his predecessors, Hezekiah was a righteous king who turned Judah back to God.

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.” – 2 Kings 18:3

Hezekiah’s Faithful Reforms

At the start of his reign, Hezekiah purified the temple, restored worship, and destroyed pagan idols, including the bronze serpent Moses had made, which had become an object of idol worship (2 Kings 18:4).

His spiritual reforms were bold, swift, and focused on re-aligning Judah with God’s covenant. Hezekiah knew that national revival begins with repentance and worship.

When Crisis Came: Hezekiah and the Assyrian Threat

During his reign, the mighty Assyrian empire threatened Judah. King Sennacherib of Assyria mocked the God of Israel and laid siege to Jerusalem.

Instead of panicking or compromising, Hezekiah sought the Lord in prayer and consulted the prophet Isaiah. His prayer is one of the most powerful examples of total surrender:

“Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.” – 2 Kings 19:19

God responded with a miraculous victory. In one night, an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35). Hezekiah’s trust in God brought deliverance without a single sword being lifted.

Hezekiah’s Illness and Healing

Later, Hezekiah became mortally ill, and the prophet Isaiah told him to get his house in order, for he would die. But Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and wept and prayed earnestly.

“Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully…” – 2 Kings 20:3

God answered his prayer, granted him 15 more years of life, and gave a sign in the sky: the shadow on the sundial moved backward. This act of mercy shows that God honors authentic prayer and faith, even when the situation seems final.

Lessons from King Hezekiah’s Life

1. Trust God When Threatened

Whether it’s enemies, illness, or overwhelming odds – God is greater. Hezekiah’s story teaches us to seek God before we act.

2. Prayer Changes Outcomes

Hezekiah didn’t accept the first word of doom. He prayed. And God changed the outcome. Prayer is not a last resort, it’s our first and most powerful tool.

3. Reformation Starts With Us

Hezekiah cleaned the temple and restored right worship. We must clean our hearts and turn from compromise if we want to see God move in our homes, churches, and nations.

🙏 A Prayer Like Hezekiah’s

“Lord God, when the world seems to rise against me and fear surrounds me, I will not be shaken. I turn to You as Hezekiah did, believing You alone are God. Hear my prayer, and let Your name be glorified in my life. Give me courage to reform my heart, strength to face my battles, and peace to trust Your plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

💡 Devotional Takeaway

“God honors humble hearts that trust Him fully.”

Hezekiah’s greatest strength wasn’t his army or his alliances, it was his unshakable trust in the Lord. When things feel impossible, remember that our God still fights for His people. Turn to Him like Hezekiah did, and you will see Him work.