OFF THE GRID CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES- A Glimpse into the life and Reign of King Hezekiah 2 Kings 19-22

Chapter 19: Hezekiah Seeks Isaiah's Counsel

In the second book of Kings, chapters 19 through 22 provide us with a glimpse into the life and reign of King Hezekiah, one of the notable rulers of the southern kingdom of Judah. Chapter 19 opens with a dire situation as King Hezekiah learns of the impending threat from the Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib. Faced with the imminent danger of invasion and the siege of Jerusalem, Hezekiah turns to the prophet Isaiah for guidance and support.

Hezekiah's first response to the Assyrian threat is to seek the counsel of the Lord by sending his officials to consult Isaiah. The king is filled with anxiety and fear, recognizing the superior military strength of the Assyrians and their track record of conquest. Hezekiah's actions reflect his faith in the power of prayer and his reliance on divine intervention to save his kingdom.

Chapter 19 records Isaiah's reassuring message to Hezekiah, proclaiming that God will protect Jerusalem and cause the Assyrian army to retreat. Isaiah's prophecy assures Hezekiah that the Assyrians will not even shoot an arrow into the city but will be divinely defeated. This message of hope bolsters Hezekiah's confidence, and he turns to God in prayer, seeking deliverance from the Assyrian threat.

Chapter 20: Hezekiah's Illness and Sign

Chapter 20 takes a detour from the political and military events to focus on a personal aspect of Hezekiah's life. Hezekiah falls seriously ill and is on the verge of death. In response to his fervent prayers and tears, God grants him a miraculous sign. Isaiah informs Hezekiah that he will recover and that as a sign, the shadow on the sundial will move backward ten steps.

This sign serves to reinforce Hezekiah's faith and trust in God's power to intervene in his life. It also highlights the theme of divine intervention and providence that runs throughout the narrative of 2 Kings.

Chapter 21: Manasseh's Evil Reign

The narrative then shifts to the reign of Hezekiah's son, Manasseh, in Chapter 21. Unfortunately, unlike his righteous father, Manasseh proves to be a wicked and idolatrous king. He reintroduces pagan worship, erects altars to false gods, and even practices human sacrifice. Manasseh's reign is marked by a severe departure from the ways of the Lord, leading the nation of Judah into a state of moral decay.

Chapter 22: The Rediscovery of the Book of the Law

Chapter 22 brings a glimmer of hope to the spiritually deteriorating kingdom of Judah. During the reign of King Josiah, who succeeded Manasseh, there is a significant turning point in the nation's spiritual history. Josiah orders the repair of the temple in Jerusalem, and during the renovation, the high priest Hilkiah discovers a long-forgotten scroll – the Book of the Law (often identified as the Book of Deuteronomy).

Upon hearing the words of the law read to him, King Josiah is deeply moved. He realizes that the nation has been living in disobedience to God's commands. Josiah humbles himself before the Lord and seeks guidance from the prophetess Huldah, who confirms that the judgment foretold in the law will indeed come upon Judah but not during Josiah's lifetime because of his repentance.

Josiah takes immediate action, launching a comprehensive religious reform throughout the kingdom. He destroys the pagan idols and altars, purifies the temple, and reinstates the Passover celebration. Josiah's reforms are an attempt to return Judah to the path of righteousness and to renew the covenant with God.

In conclusion, chapters 19 through 22 of 2 Kings provide a multi-faceted look at the reigns of Hezekiah, Manasseh, and Josiah. We see the importance of faith and prayer in times of crisis, the impact of personal faithfulness, and the consequences of straying from God's commands. These chapters offer a glimpse into the dynamic interplay between human actions and divine intervention, emphasizing the central theme of obedience to God's law as the foundation for a prosperous and spiritually vibrant nation.