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A Detailed Study of 2 Kings 20

 


A Detailed Study of 2 Kings 20

Introduction

2 Kings 20 records significant events in the life of King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah, known for his faithfulness to God and reforms in Judah, faces two major challenges in this chapter:

  1. A life-threatening illness from which God miraculously heals him.

  2. A diplomatic visit from Babylon, which foreshadows Judah’s future exile.

This chapter highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, human pride, and prophetic warnings.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

1. Hezekiah’s Sickness and God’s Response (Verses 1-7)

Verse 1:
"In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live."

  • Hezekiah falls gravely ill, likely from a severe infection or disease.

  • The prophet Isaiah delivers a message from God: Hezekiah must prepare for his death. This implies both setting his kingdom in order and personal spiritual preparation.

  • The phrase “set thine house in order” suggests the importance of responsible leadership and personal accountability before God.

Verse 2-3:
"Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore."

  • Instead of accepting his fate, Hezekiah prays earnestly.

  • His prayer is not based on entitlement but on his past faithfulness.

  • His tears show sincere desperation, reminding us that God hears heartfelt cries (Psalm 34:18).

Verses 4-5:
"And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 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."

  • Before Isaiah even leaves the palace, God answers Hezekiah’s prayer!

  • God grants Hezekiah 15 more years to live.

  • The promise of healing is accompanied by an instruction—Hezekiah must visit the temple, showing his gratitude and devotion.

Verse 6:
"And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake."

  • God extends Hezekiah’s life and reaffirms His promise to protect Jerusalem from Assyria.

  • The reference to David highlights God’s covenant faithfulness (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Verse 7:
"And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered."

  • Healing comes through a combination of divine intervention and practical medicine.

  • The use of figs suggests a natural remedy, showing that God can work through medical treatments.

2. The Sign of the Sun’s Shadow (Verses 8-11)

Verse 8:
"And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?"

  • Hezekiah asks for a sign, not out of doubt but as a confirmation of God’s promise.

  • Signs were common in biblical times to affirm divine messages (e.g., Gideon’s fleece in Judges 6:36-40).

Verse 9-11:
"And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees? And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the Lord: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz."

  • The miracle involves the sun’s shadow moving backward, an impossible event naturally.

  • This serves as a supernatural confirmation of Hezekiah’s healing.

  • It also reveals God’s control over time and creation (Psalm 74:16).

3. The Babylonian Delegation (Verses 12-19)

Verse 12:
"At that time Berodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick."

  • Babylon sends messengers, seemingly to congratulate Hezekiah.

  • However, their true motive is likely spying on Judah’s resources.

Verse 13:
"And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not."

  • Hezekiah’s mistake: He proudly displays his wealth and military resources.

  • Instead of glorifying God, he exalts his own achievements.

Verse 14-15:

  • Isaiah questions Hezekiah about the visitors, exposing his lack of discernment.

  • Hezekiah fails to recognize the danger of forming alliances with Babylon.

Verses 16-18:
"Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon."

  • Isaiah delivers a prophecy of exile:

    • Babylon will eventually plunder Judah.

    • Hezekiah’s descendants will be taken captive, some becoming eunuchs (fulfilled in Daniel 1:1-4).

Verse 19:
"Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?"

  • Hezekiah accepts the prophecy, but his response is shortsighted—he is relieved that disaster won’t come in his lifetime.

  • This reflects human nature: a focus on immediate peace rather than future consequences.

4. Hezekiah’s Death (Verses 20-21)

  • Hezekiah’s reign is summarized as a time of great achievements.

  • He is succeeded by Manasseh, who will lead Judah into idolatry.

Key Lessons from 2 Kings 20

  1. Prayer Changes Outcomes – Hezekiah’s sincere prayer leads to divine healing and an extension of life.

  2. God’s Power Over Time – The sun’s shadow moving backward confirms that nothing is impossible for God.

  3. Pride Leads to Trouble – Hezekiah’s boasting to Babylon contributes to Judah’s future downfall.

  4. Shortsightedness Can Be Dangerous – Hezekiah is content knowing disaster will happen after his reign, showing a lack of concern for future generations.

Conclusion

2 Kings 20 is a powerful chapter demonstrating God’s mercy, sovereignty, and prophetic warnings. Hezekiah, a righteous king, experiences both divine favor and human failure, reminding us of our need for wisdom, humility, and faithfulness.

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