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Divided Kingdom, part 2 Judah Alone Lesson 13 The Last Days of Hezekiah 2 Kings 20: Chron 32:24-33 Isa 38:1-22; 39:1-8

 Textually, this story occurs after the invasion by Sennacherib  It seems to have occurred at about the same time…in Hezekiah’s 14th year Isa 38:6  If Hezekiah ruled 29 years, and if God gave him an additional 15 years, then when would this have taken place? Hezekiah’s Sickness 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22

 The sickness seems to have come from a boil on his body Isa 38:21  What cannot be argued is that the king’s sickness was a “punishment” from God for any act of unfaithfulness Hezekiah’s Sickness 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22

 The events as they unfolded…  Isaiah tells the king to “set your house in order, for you shall die and not live”  Hezekiah wept bitterly, prayed to God  Isaiah is instructed to immediately return and inform the king his prayer has been answered…he receives 15 additional yrs  The king also requested a sign Hezekiah’s Sickness 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22

 The events as they unfolded…  God allows Hezekiah to choose the sign… which direction the shadow will fall  Hezekiah selects the more difficult direction…the shadow goes back 10 steps  It is uncertain what this meant…literal steps, or (as some believe) a reference to degrees on a sundial made by Ahaz Hezekiah’s Sickness 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22 Isa 38:8

 The events as they unfolded…  Upon being healed, Hezekiah composed a song of thanksgiving to God for extending his life Isa 38:9-20 Hezekiah’s Sickness 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chron. 32:24; Isa. 38:1-22

 “But Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received because his heart was proud; therefore, wrath came upon him and on Judah and Jerusalem” 2 Chron 32:25  “However, Hezekiah humbled the pride of his heart…” 2 Chron 32:26 Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride 2 Kings 20:12-19; 2 Chron. 32:25-31; Isa. 39:1-8

 The events as they unfolded…  Merodach-baladan (son of Baladan, king of Babylon) heard of Hezekiah’s illness, and sent envoys with a letter and gifts  Hezekiah “was pleased”…showed them all his wealth (private & temple)  There was nothing spared that he did not show them Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride 2 Kings 20:12-19; 2 Chron. 32:25-31; Isa. 39:1-8

 The events as they unfolded…  This was a test from God “…to see what was in Hezekiah’s heart” 2 Chron 32:31  Isaiah questioned the king…the resulting prophecy foretold riches & heirs being carried off into Babylon, but not in Hezekiah’s lifetime 2 Kings 20:17-18  This pleased Hezekiah Isa 39:8 Hezekiah’s Foolish Pride 2 Kings 20:12-19; 2 Chron. 32:25-31; Isa. 39:1-8

 Hezekiah live the remainder of his days in honor…full of “deeds of devotion” 2 Chron 32:32  He died and was buried in the tombs of the kings in Jerusalem 2 Chron 32:33  He was succeeded by his son Manasseh Hezekiah’s Death 2 Kings 20:20-21; 2 Chron. 32:32-33

 One that proclaims the inspiration of the Scripture Isa 44:24 – 45:7  Isaiah did his work around B.C.  The Cyrus named above sent the Jews back to rebuild Jerusalem in 538 B.C.  This means he was mentioned by name at least 162 years before he was born!!  Explanation?!?! An Interesting Prophecy

1)God is merciful, and often moved by man’s plight 2)Pride NEVER serves man in a good way Prov 6:17 1 Pet 5:5 3)God tests His people 2 Cor 2:9 13:5-6 Heb 11:17 Jas 1:3 Hezekiah’s Later Years

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