Kings of Judah, Part 3

Kings of Judah is a series of devotionals from John Maisel. To catch up on this series, read Kings of Judah, Part 1 and Part 2.

We have been looking at the four kings that Isaiah the prophet served under. He saw good kings, bad kings, and kings that went from good to bad at the end of their life, like Uzziah.

Hezekiah, in my opinion, was a great and godly king, but he might have made a major mistake at the end of his life. Let’s look at this follower of the God of Israel.

Second Chronicles 29:2 tells us: He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.

David was not Hezekiah’s natural father. Ahaz was. Ahaz is the king who, from start to finish, was evil and wicked in the eyes of the Lord. The Bible says Ahaz was “unfaithful to the Lord; and he sacrificed to other gods.”

Hezekiah was raised in this evil home, but God’s grace protected him in an unusual way. Although he lived and was raised under the wickedness of Ahaz, the Scriptures show us that David was his spiritual father.

How many times have you seen a grown man or woman living in a broken family, and God reaches in and draws them to Himself? Hezekiah was in that type of situation. But he became one of the greatest kings in the entire Bible because he turned to the living God.

Hezekiah brought about a sweeping change for his people. He followed God’s plans in every detail. But yesterday’s victories don’t fight today’s battles. The Bible says:

“But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD’s wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.” -2 Chronicles 32:25

Hezekiah led a revival. He had seen God respond to his cry and supernaturally intervene in a battle with the Assyrians. After God did this, Hezekiah made a big mistake. He let his heart fall victim to his pride.

God knows our hearts better than we do. Hezekiah looked good on the outside, but God saw his heart … and his heart was a little cocky.

I love Hezekiah. I am just like him. My biggest fight is with my own heart.

When Hezekiah saw his sin, the Scriptures say:

“Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD’s wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.” -2 Chronicles 32:26

Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father? Always quick to forgive. Always ready to move forward in fresh grace and mercy.

Hezekiah's life also teaches us to trust in God's timing in every part of our lives ... even death.

God told Hezekiah that he needed to get his house in order because he was about to die. Hezekiah was somewhat accepting, but he really desired to live longer. God gave him 15 more years, but Hezekiah's lack of trust meant that Israel would suffer the consequences.