1. Hezekiah the Reformer

2. Hezekiah Scholars are confused about his age and then length of his reign (2 Kings 18:1-2) From the Bible – Ahaz’s reign (2 Kings 16:1-2) compared to Pekah’s (2 Kings 15:27) and Hoshea’s (2 Kings 17:1) – The end of Israel during Hezekiah’s reign (2 Kings 18:9-12) – Clear biblical distinction between his co-regency and his reign. 2 Chron. 29:3 2 Kings 18:13 vs. 701 B.C. date.

3. Hezekiah Apparently Ahaz declared him king-in-training ca. 728 B.C. at age 12-15. He began his sole reign in 718-15 B.C. at 25. From this point, he reigned 29 years.

4. Need for Reform There hadn’t been a whole-heartedly good king since Jehoshaphat – Jehoram. 2 Chron. 21:6. – Ahaziah 2 Chron. 22:3 – Joash 2 Chron. 24:2, 17-18 – Amaziah 2 Chron 25:2,14-15 – Uzziah 2 Chron. 26:3-4, 16 – Jotham 2 Chron. 27:2; 2 Kings 15:32-35 – Throughout all their reigns, the people offered sacrifice in the high places

5. Need for Reform Then came Ahaz (2 Kings 16, 2 Chron. 28) – Worshipped at all high places sites – Sacrificed his children to the gods – Removed God’s altar and put idol’s altar in Temple – Made idols to Baal and began to serve Syrian gods – Shut the doors to the Temple Cut into pieces the vessels of the Temple Tore apart the bronze sea Ripped up other parts of the Temple area.

6. The Reformer 2 Kings 18:3-4 Like David 2 Chron. 29:3. First year, first month. He didn’t wait around. Hezekiah’s reforms (2 Chronicles): – 29:5-11. He calls on Levites to sanctify themselves and to clean out, sanctify and open the Temple. Clean out all the filth and debris re-manufacture the vessels which Ahaz destroyed Sanctify the Temple. Took a total of 16 days

7. The Reformer Hezekiah’s reforms – 29:20-24. Offered a sin offering for all Israel. (Lev. 4:13-21) – 29:25-28. Restored the proper musical worship and restarted daily burnt offerings. – 29:31-36. Encouraged the people to bring offerings to God.

8. The Passover 30:3 Observed in 2 nd month due to lack of sanctified priests. (Num. 9:1-12) 30:1-9 Invited remaining Israelites to join 30:14 The people cleanse Jerusalem of idolatrous altars. 30:17-18. Exception made. (2 Pet 3:9) 30:23-27 Feast extended an extra week. Hezekiah provides freewill offerings.

9. Continued Reform The people swarm Judah and destroy all high places, idols and altars Hezekiah reinstituted the courses of priests and Levites Reinstituted the tithe for the priests/Levites Reinstituted the various offices for Temple administration