Fifteen Years

As the King lay sick on his bed, he begs God to remember him. Asking that God would recall all the good he did in His name. This call was not made in vain. God heard him and sent a word through the prophet Isaiah that he would be spared and live another fifteen years. The nations heard about this miraculous healing and even Babylon came to congratulate the King. But instead of using this visit to point the nations to his God, he used it to show off his wealth. This sin would cost him his nation.

In our previous reading, we learned how God protected Hezekiah and his armies from the Assyrians by sending his angels into the enemy’s camp to quietly but effectively slaughter the Assyrian commanders. We learned of Hezekiah’s wisdom and speed in seeking God before rushing into battle, and how he gave glory to the Lord knowing it was God who gave his people victory. Today we’ll continue to follow Hezekiah’s life, seeing how God is with him, granting the king favor, blessing, and even adding years to his life. He will lead Judah in a time of great prosperity. And yet even amid God’s blessing and Hezekiah’s faithfulness, today’s reading will show how evil can creep in and threaten the peace God wants for His people.