Hezekiah in the Bible

Meaning: strength of the Lord

Exact Match

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

Verse ConceptsSleep, And DeathBuried In The City Of DavidKings Of All Israel Or Judah

Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

Verse ConceptsList Of Kings Of IsraelKings of judah

Hezekiah did right in the sight of the Lord, in accordance with everything that David his father (ancestor) had done.

Verse ConceptsBehaviourGood Kings Examples OfImitating Good KingsPeople Who Did Right

He removed the high places, demolished the sacred pillars, and tore down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze serpent that Moses had crafted, because the Israelis had been burning incense to it right up until that time. Hezekiah called it a piece of brass.

Verse ConceptsAbolitionHigh PlacesLeaders, PoliticalReformationShrinesThe Bronze SnakeSnakesStonesDestruction Of Satan's WorksObelisksAbandoning IdolsBronze For IdolsMemorabilia

Hezekiah trusted in and relied confidently on the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him.

Verse ConceptsFaith, Growth InTrusting In GodUnique IndividualsBelieving In GodOthers Believing In GodKings of judahTrusting Others

And the Lord was with Hezekiah; he was successful wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to serve him.

Verse ConceptsRebellion, Against Human AuthorityGod With Specific PeopleThe Righteous Prosperprospering

And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

Verse ConceptsList Of Kings Of IsraelNations Attacking Israel

And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

Verse ConceptsThree YearsCapturing CitiesList Of Kings Of Israel

And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.

Verse ConceptsCoinageTreatyWe Have Sinned

And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house.

Verse ConceptsStoringAmassing SilverMoney For The Temple

At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.

Verse ConceptsGoldSacrilegeOverlaid With GoldMoney For The Temple

And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.

Verse ConceptsCommanderLargenessOccupationsSiegesActual Attacks On JerusalemWater ChannelLarge Armies

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?

But if ye say unto me, We trust in the LORD our God: is not that he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

Verse ConceptsShrines

Thus saith the king, Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand:

Verse ConceptsAbilityTo DeliverAvoiding DeceitNo One Can Save

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Verse ConceptsTrust, Importance OfDoubting God

Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:

Verse ConceptsCisternsVinesDo Not Listen!Surrender

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.

Verse ConceptsKeeping Oneself AliveBeing MisleadSimilar ItemsDo Not Listen!

"But don't listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, "The LORD will deliver us!" Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land from control by the king of Assyria?

Verse ConceptsDeliverance, Source OfSalvation By Other Things

Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.

Verse ConceptsTearing Of ClothesRecordersThose Who Tore Clothes

And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

Verse ConceptsClothThose Who Tore Clothes

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Verse ConceptsAbortionBirth Not Being Possible

"This is what Hezekiah says: "Today is a day of trouble, rebuke, and blasphemy, because children are about to be born, but there is no strength to bring them to birth. Perhaps the LORD your God will take note of everything that Rab-shakeh has said, whom his master the king of Assyria sent to taunt the living God, and then he will rebuke the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore offer a prayer for the survivors who remain.'"

Verse ConceptsBlasphemy, Examples OfGod, Living And Self sustainingRemnantRidicule, Objects OfSurvivors FavouredPray For UsWill God Pay Attention?

And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,

Verse ConceptsAfricaMessengers Sent Out

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Verse ConceptsBlasphemy, Examples OfGod DeceivingBelief In GodKings of judah

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

Verse ConceptsLettersLiteracySpreading

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Verse ConceptsEarth, Creation OfHeaven And EarthJudgment SeatKingdomsUniverseNo Other Is GodThe Lord [Yahweh] Is God

Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.

Verse ConceptsCovenant, God's with DavidGod Answered PrayerGod Paid Attention To Me

‘Then this shall be the sign [of these things] to you [Hezekiah]: this year you will eat what grows of itself, in the second year what springs up voluntarily, and in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.

Verse ConceptsProphetic SignsSigns From GodVineyardPlanting VineyardsCultivationLiteral PlantingReapingFallow Land

Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying,

Verse ConceptsRecoveryPraying

I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

Verse ConceptsFaithfulness, Examples OfCommitment, to GodWeepingOthers MourningPeople Mourning Catastrophe

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

Verse ConceptsThe Third Day Of The WeekGod HealsGod Answered PrayerGod Paid Attention To MeRecovery

Isaiah said, "Take a fig cake." So some attendants took it, laid it on Hezekiah's boil, and he recovered.

Verse ConceptsBodydoctorsBoils Or UlcersMedicineFigsRecoveryAbscess

And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?

Verse ConceptsThe Third Day Of The WeekRecovery

And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.

Verse ConceptsTen ThingsGoing ForwardBackwardsEasy For God

At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

Verse ConceptsGiftsLeaders, Political

And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and shewed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

Verse ConceptsGoldHerbs And SpicesPride, Examples OfPride, OriginArmoryFragranceThings RevealedTaking Mixed Metalscredibility

Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.

Verse ConceptsPeople From Far AwayWhere From?

And he said, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All the things that are in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.

Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?

Verse ConceptsAfflicted SaintsSearchingResignationTime Of Peace

And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Verse ConceptsPoolsDrinking WaterHistorical BooksWater ChannelKings of judahaccomplishmentsaccomplishment

For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

Verse ConceptsFalse GodsFalse ReligionBowingAltars, PaganBuilding AltarsList Of Kings Of IsraelServing Asherah

And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three.

And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks.

Verse ConceptsAnnihilationExtermination

And certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Hezekiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war,

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

Verse ConceptsTombsCemetery

Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah.

Verse ConceptsJerusalem, History Of20 To 30 Years

Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the LORD, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread table, with all the vessels thereof.

Verse ConceptsTables

Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD.

Verse ConceptsMorning DevotionsRising Early

Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with harps, and with lyres, in accordance with the command of David [his ancestor] and of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for the command was from the Lord through His prophets.

Verse ConceptsHarpsLyreMusical Instruments, types ofSeers

And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.

Verse ConceptsMusical Instruments, types ofOrchestras

Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the LORD with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Verse ConceptsSeersWorship, Results OfPraise, Should Be Offered ByPraising God

Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.

Verse ConceptsHuman WillHeart, And Holy SpiritHeart, HumanThank Offering

And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

Verse ConceptsJoy, Of IsraelSuddenly

And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel.

Verse ConceptsLettersPilgrimageRevival, CorporateSamaritans

For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

Verse ConceptsGod, Goodness Of

And Hezekiah spake comfortably unto all the Levites that taught the good knowledge of the LORD: and they did eat throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers.

Verse ConceptsFellowship Offeringencouragement, examples of

For Hezekiah king of Judah did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

Verse ConceptsGoatsA Thousand AnimalsSeven Thousand

And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD.

Verse ConceptsFellowship OfferingGatesWorship, Elements OforganizationPraising God In Public Worship

Hezekiah also appointed the king’s [personal] portion of his goods: for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths and for the New Moons and for the appointed feasts, as it is written in the Law of the Lord.

Verse ConceptsNew Moon Festival

Hezekiah also directed the people who lived in Jerusalem to give what was due to the priests and descendants of Levi, so they could be strengthened in the LORD's Law.

Verse ConceptsRevival, CorporateTaxation

And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.

Verse Conceptsimprovement

Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.

Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them,

Verse Conceptsimprovement

And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

Everything that Hezekiah began in the service of God's Temple was done according to the Law and to the commandments as he sought his God, worked with all of his heart, and became successful.

Verse ConceptsWork, And RedemptionServiceSuccess And Hard Workimprovementprospering

And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,

Also Hezekiah resolutely set to work and rebuilt all the wall that had been broken down, and erected towers on it, and he built another wall outside and strengthened the Millo (fortification) in the City of David, and made a great number of weapons and shields.

Verse ConceptsArmourShieldsTowersWeaponsArmor ProtectionBuilding Jerusalem's Wallrebuildingreinforcement

With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Verse ConceptsArmsGuardiansOptimismGod With You To Helpfaith and strengthStrength And FaithTrusting OthersSupportBattle

After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,

Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?

Verse ConceptsHigh Places

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

Verse ConceptsAbilityTo DeliverUnbelief, As Response To GodInfidelity To God

And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah.

He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.

Verse Conceptsdefence, divineLettersUnrighteousnessImpiety

And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven.

Verse ConceptsTrust, Importance OfPrayer, Described As

Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side.

Verse ConceptsRescue

And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

Verse ConceptsGifts

But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

Verse ConceptsPride, Examples OfPride, Results Of

Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

Verse ConceptsRevival, PersonalHumility, Examples Of

And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;

Verse ConceptsGoldHerbs And SpicesSilver

This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.

Verse ConceptsWater Irrigation

Later on, envoys came from the princes of Babylon to inquire about the miracle that had happened in the land. God left Hezekiah to himself, so that he might make known what was really in Hezekiah's heart.

Verse ConceptsenvoyProving, Through TestingRulersTesting

Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.

Verse ConceptsLoyaltyVisionsProphetic Visions

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

Verse ConceptsTombs

For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

Verse ConceptsBuilding Altars

The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Verse ConceptsCommunicationGod, Revelation OfVisionsProphetic VisionsThose Who Saw VisionsKings of judah

Thematic Bible



Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king. He ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah.


But Hezekiah was conceited. So he did not repay Jehovah for his kindness. Jehovah became angry with him, with Judah, and with Jerusalem. Hezekiah and the people living in Jerusalem humbled themselves when they realized they had become conceited. Thus Jehovah did not vent his anger on them during Hezekiah's time.


When this ended, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession.


The priests entered Jehovah's temple to make it clean. They carried into the courtyard every unclean thing that they found in Jehovah's Temple. Then the Levites took the unclean items outside the city to the Kidron Brook.


They could not celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had performed the ceremonies to make themselves holy and the people had not gathered in Jerusalem.

They decided to send an announcement throughout Israel from Beersheba to Dan. They summoned everyone to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover of Jehovah God of Israel. These people had not celebrated it in large numbers as the written instructions said they should.


You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or have regard for him who planned it long ago.


For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.

Although the illegal worship sites in Israel were not taken down, Asa remained committed to Jehovah his entire life.


Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.


Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.


But Hezekiah was conceited. So he did not repay Jehovah for his kindness. Jehovah became angry with him, with Judah, and with Jerusalem. Hezekiah and the people living in Jerusalem humbled themselves when they realized they had become conceited. Thus Jehovah did not vent his anger on them during Hezekiah's time.


Hezekiah became ill and was about to die. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz said to him: This is what Jehovah says: 'Give final instructions to your household. You will not recover. You will die.' Hezekiah faced the wall and prayed to Jehovah: Jehovah, Please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and truth. And consider my whole heart devoted to you. I have done what is good in your eyes. Hezekiah wept bitterly. read more.
Isaiah had not gone as far as the middle courtyard when Jehovah spoke to him: Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people: 'This is what Jehovah God of your ancestor David says: I heard your prayer. I saw your tears. Now I will heal you. The day after tomorrow you will go to Jehovah's Temple. I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will rescue you and defend this city from the control of the king of Assyria. I do this for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' Then Isaiah said: Get a fig cake, and put it on the boil so that the king will get well. King Hezekiah said to Isaiah: What is the sign to prove that Jehovah will heal me and that three days later I will be able to go to the Temple? Isaiah replied: Jehovah will give you a sign to prove that he will keep his promise. Would you prefer to have the shadow on the stairway go forward ten steps or go back ten steps? Then Hezekiah said: It is an easy matter to have the shadow go forward ten steps. So have it go back ten steps. Isaiah prayed to Jehovah and Jehovah made the shadow go back ten steps on the stairway set up by King Ahaz.

Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him.


He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan.



Ahaz slept with his fathers. He was buried in the town of David. Hezekiah his son became king in his place.

Hezekiah became ill and was about to die. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz said to him: This is what Jehovah says: 'Give final instructions to your household. You will not recover. You will die.'

It was the fourth year of King Hezekiah, the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel. Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria and laid siege to it.

They said to him: This is what Hezekiah says: 'Today is a day filled with misery, punishment, and disgrace. We are like a woman who is about to give birth but does not have the strength to do it.

Then Hezekiah said: It is an easy matter to have the shadow go forward ten steps. So have it go back ten steps.

Hezekiah slept in death with his ancestors. His son Manasseh succeeded him as king.


The king of Assyria sent his commander-in-chief (Tartan), his quartermaster, and his field commander with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They stood at the channel for the Upper Pool on the road to the Laundryman's Field.

By his side was working Nehemiah, the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the division of Beth-zur, as far as the place opposite the last resting-places of David's family and as far as the pool that had been made and the house of the men of war.

A large crowd gathered as they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land. They said: Why should the kings of Assyria find plenty of water?

Then Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon Spring in the valley to the entrance of Fish Gate. He made the wall go around the Ophel. He built it very high. He put army commanders in every fortified city in Judah.

Everything else about Hezekiah, all his heroic acts and how he made the pool and tunnel to bring water into the city is written in the official records of the Kings of Judah.

Jehovah said to Isaiah: You and your son Shear-ja'shub should go out to meet Ahaz at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the (laundryman's field) Fuller's Field.

The king of Assyria sent his field commander with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. He stood at the channel for the Upper Pool on the road to the Laundryman's Field.

Hanun and the people of Zanoah were working on the doorway of the valley. They put it up and put up its doors, with their locks and rods, and fifteen hundred feet of the wall as far as the doorway where the waste material was placed.

It was Hezekiah who had the higher spring of the water of Gihon stopped, and the water taken down on the west side of the town of David. Hezekiah did well in everything he tried.

I went in the dark through the gateway of the valley past the Fountain of the Snake (Serpent's Well) as far as the place where waste material was stored. From there I viewed the broken down walls of Jerusalem and the gateways that were burned with fire. Then I went on to the door of the fountain and to the king's pool: but there was no room for my beast to get through. Then in the night I went up by the stream, viewed the wall and then turned back. I went in by the valley gate.

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You saw that the City of David had many breaches in its defenses. You stored up water in the lower pool. You counted the houses of Jerusalem. Then you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it, or have regard for him who planned it long ago.


Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'You prayed to me about King Sennacherib of Assyria. I have heard you. This is Jehovah's message to Sennacherib: 'My people, the virgin daughter of Zion, despise you and laugh at you. My people in Jerusalem shake their heads behind your back. Whom are you defying and slandering? Against whom are you shouting? Who are you looking at so arrogantly? It is the Holy One of Israel! read more.
You defy Jehovah and through your servants you say: 'With my many chariots I ride up the high mountains, up the slopes of Lebanon. I cut down its tallest cedars and its finest cypresses. I travel to its most distant borders and its most fertile forests. I will dig wells and drink foreign water. I will dry up all the streams of Egypt with the soles of my feet.' Have you not heard? I did this long ago. I planned it in the past. Now I make it happen so that you will turn fortified cities into piles of rubble. The inhabitants of these cities are weak, discouraged, and ashamed. They will be like plants in the field, like fresh green grass on the roofs, scorched before it grows up. I know when you get up and sit down. I know when you go out and come in. I know how you rage against me. Since you rage against me and you boast in my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your mouth. I will make you go back the way you came. This will be a sign for you, Hezekiah: You will eat what grows by itself this year and next year. But in the third year you will plant and harvest, plant vineyards, and eat what is produced. The remnant in Judah who survives will flourish like plants that send roots deep into the ground and produce fruit. There will be a remnant of people in Jerusalem and on Mount Zion who will survive. Jehovah is determined to make this happen. This is what Jehovah said about the Assyrian king: 'He will not enter this city or shoot a single arrow against it. No soldiers with shields will come near the city. No siege mounds will be built around it.' He will go back by the same road he came. He will not enter the city. I, Jehovah, have spoken! I will defend this city and protect it. It is for the sake of my own honor and because of the promise I made to my servant David.

Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people: 'This is what Jehovah God of your ancestor David says: I heard your prayer. I saw your tears. Now I will heal you. The day after tomorrow you will go to Jehovah's Temple. I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will rescue you and defend this city from the control of the king of Assyria. I do this for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.'

Isaiah said to Hezekiah: Hear the word of Jehovah! Jehovah says: 'The time will come when everything in your palace, everything your ancestors have stored up to this day, will be taken away to Babylon. Nothing will be left. Some of your own descendants will be taken away. They will become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon.'

to go back to Hezekiah and say to him: I Jehovah, the God of your ancestor David, have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will rescue you and this city of Jerusalem from the king of Assyria, and I will continue to protect the city. Isaiah said: This is your sign from Jehovah that he will do what he promises. read more.
The sun made a shadow that went down the stairway of the upper palace of Ahaz. 'I am going to make the shadow go back ten steps.' So the sun on the stairway went back up the ten steps it had gone down.

Isaiah said to Hezekiah: Hear the word of the Jehovah of Hosts: The time will come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says Jehovah. Some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away! They will become officers in the palace of the king of Babylon.'

Years ago when Hezekiah was king of Judah, a prophet named Micah from the town of Moresheth said: 'Jehovah of Hosts says, Jerusalem will be plowed under and left in ruins. Thorns will cover the mountain where the Temple now stands.' Then the leaders continued: No one put Micah to death for saying that. Instead, King Hezekiah prayed to Jehovah with reverence and trembling and asked him to have mercy. Then Jehovah decided not to destroy Jerusalem, even though he had already said he would. People of Judah, if Jeremiah is killed we will bring a terrible disaster on ourselves.


He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done.

Then the leaders continued: No one put Micah to death for saying that. Instead, King Hezekiah prayed to Jehovah with reverence and trembling and asked him to have mercy. Then Jehovah decided not to destroy Jerusalem, even though he had already said he would. People of Judah, if Jeremiah is killed we will bring a terrible disaster on ourselves.

Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him. For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.

He did right in the eyes of Jehovah, as his ancestor David had done.

This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and true to Jehovah his God. Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.

Everything else about Hezekiah, including his devotion to God, is written in the vision of the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, and in the records of the kings of Judah and Israel.


Hezekiah began to rule as king when he was twenty-five years old. He ruled for twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother was Abijah, daughter of Zechariah.

Ahaz slept with his fathers. He was buried in the town of David. Hezekiah his son became king in his place.

Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. It was in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel. Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king. He ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah.

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

Uzziah the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,


The Rabshakeh said to them: Say to Hezekiah: These are the words of the great king, the king of Assyria: In what are you placing your hope?

and they went to the outskirts of Gedor to the east of the valley in search of pasture for their flocks. They found rich, good pasture, and the land was spacious, peaceful and quiet. Some Hamites had lived there formerly. The men whose names were listed came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah. They attacked the Hamites in their dwellings and also the Meunites who were there and completely destroyed them, as is evident to this day. Then they settled in their place, because there was pasture for their flocks. read more.
And five hundred of these Simeonites, led by Pelatiah, Neariah, Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi, invaded the hill country of Seir. They killed the remaining Amalekites who had escaped, and they have lived there to this day.


But Hezekiah was conceited. So he did not repay Jehovah for his kindness. Jehovah became angry with him, with Judah, and with Jerusalem. Hezekiah and the people living in Jerusalem humbled themselves when they realized they had become conceited. Thus Jehovah did not vent his anger on them during Hezekiah's time.

When the leaders of Babylon sent ambassadors to ask him about the miraculous sign that had happened in the land, God left him. God did this to test him, to find out everything that was in Hezekiah's heart.

The king of Babylonia, Merodach Baladan son of Baladan heard that King Hezekiah was sick. So he sent him a letter and a present. Hezekiah welcomed the messengers and showed them his wealth. He showed his silver and gold. He also let them look at his spices and perfumes. He even showed all his military equipment. There was nothing in his storerooms or anywhere in his kingdom that he did not show them. The prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked: Where did these men come from and what did they say to you? Hezekiah answered: They came from a very distant country, from Babylonia. read more.
Isaiah then said: What did they see in your palace? Hezekiah replied: They saw everything in my palace. I showed them everything in my treasury. Isaiah said to Hezekiah: Hear the word of Jehovah! Jehovah says: 'The time will come when everything in your palace, everything your ancestors have stored up to this day, will be taken away to Babylon. Nothing will be left. Some of your own descendants will be taken away. They will become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon.' Hezekiah said to Isaiah: The word of Jehovah that you spoke is good. He added: Is it not good that there is peace and security as long as I live?


Hezekiah became ill and was about to die. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz said to him: This is what Jehovah says: 'Give final instructions to your household. You will not recover. You will die.' Hezekiah faced the wall and prayed to Jehovah: Jehovah, Please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and truth. And consider my whole heart devoted to you. I have done what is good in your eyes. Hezekiah wept bitterly. read more.
Isaiah had not gone as far as the middle courtyard when Jehovah spoke to him: Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people: 'This is what Jehovah God of your ancestor David says: I heard your prayer. I saw your tears. Now I will heal you. The day after tomorrow you will go to Jehovah's Temple. I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will rescue you and defend this city from the control of the king of Assyria. I do this for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' Then Isaiah said: Get a fig cake, and put it on the boil so that the king will get well. King Hezekiah said to Isaiah: What is the sign to prove that Jehovah will heal me and that three days later I will be able to go to the Temple? Isaiah replied: Jehovah will give you a sign to prove that he will keep his promise. Would you prefer to have the shadow on the stairway go forward ten steps or go back ten steps? Then Hezekiah said: It is an easy matter to have the shadow go forward ten steps. So have it go back ten steps. Isaiah prayed to Jehovah and Jehovah made the shadow go back ten steps on the stairway set up by King Ahaz.

King Hezekiah became sick and almost died. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to see him. Isaiah said to him: Jehovah tells you: 'You are to put everything in order because you will not recover. Get ready to die.' Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to Jehovah: Remember, Jehovah, that I have served you faithfully and loyally. I have always tried to do what you wanted me to. Then he cried bitterly. read more.
Then Jehovah commanded Isaiah to go back to Hezekiah and say to him: I Jehovah, the God of your ancestor David, have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will rescue you and this city of Jerusalem from the king of Assyria, and I will continue to protect the city. Isaiah said: This is your sign from Jehovah that he will do what he promises. The sun made a shadow that went down the stairway of the upper palace of Ahaz. 'I am going to make the shadow go back ten steps.' So the sun on the stairway went back up the ten steps it had gone down.

Hezekiah became sick and was about to die. He prayed to Jehovah, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.


When this ended, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession.

He rebuilt the illegal places of worship that his father Hezekiah had torn down. He set up altars dedicated to other gods such as the Baals. He erected a pole dedicated to the goddess Asherah as King Ahab of Israel had done. Manasseh, like Ahab, worshiped and served the entire army of heaven.

He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan.


Jehovah was with Hezekiah. He did well in everything he did. He took up arms against the king of Assyria and was his servant no longer.

Hezekiah became richer and was highly honored. He prepared storehouses for himself to hold silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuables. He built storehouses for the produce of grain and wine and oil; and buildings for all sorts of beasts and flocks. He made towns for himself. He gathered much property in flocks and herds: for God had given him great wealth. read more.
It was Hezekiah who had the higher spring of the water of Gihon stopped, and the water taken down on the west side of the town of David. Hezekiah did well in everything he tried.


King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, prayed about this and called to heaven. Jehovah sent an angel who exterminated all the soldiers, officials, and commanders in the Assyrian king's camp. Sennacherib was humiliated and returned to his own country. When he went into the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him with a sword.


Hezekiah slept in death with his ancestors. He was buried in the upper tombs of David's descendants. When Hezekiah died, all of Judah and the people in Jerusalem honored him. His son Manasseh succeeded him as king.

Hezekiah slept in death with his ancestors. His son Manasseh succeeded him as king.


After everything Hezekiah had done so faithfully, King Sennacherib of Assyria came to invade Judah. He set up camp to attack the fortified cities. He intended to conquer them himself. Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to wage war against Jerusalem, He and his officers and military staff made plans to stop the water from flowing out of the springs outside the city. They helped him do it. read more.
A large crowd gathered as they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land. They said: Why should the kings of Assyria find plenty of water? Hezekiah worked hard. He rebuilt all the broken sections of the wall. He built the towers taller and built another wall outside the city wall. He strengthened the Millo in the City of David, and made plenty of weapons and shields. He appointed military commanders over the troops and gathered the commanders in the square by the city gate. He spoke these words of encouragement: Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or terrified by the king of Assyria or the crowd with him. Someone greater is on our side. Jehovah our God fights on our side. The Assyrians must rely on human power alone. These words encouraged the army of Judah. Sennacherib and his troops were camped at the town of Lachish. He sent a message to Hezekiah and the people in Jerusalem. It said: I am King Sennacherib of Assyria. I have Jerusalem surrounded. Do you think you can survive my attack? Hezekiah your king is telling you that Jehovah your God will save you from me. But he is lying! You will die of hunger and thirst. Did Hezekiah not tear down all except one of Jehovah's altars and places of worship? And did he not tell you people of Jerusalem and Judah to worship at that one place? You have heard what my ancestors and I have done to other nations. Were the gods of those nations able to defend their land against us? None of those gods kept their people safe from the kings of Assyria. Do you really think your God can do any better? Do not be fooled by Hezekiah! No god of any nation has been able to stand up to Assyria. Believe me, your God cannot keep you safe!' Sennacherib's officers said more against Jehovah God and his servant Hezekiah. Sennacherib wrote letters cursing Jehovah the God of Israel. These letters said: The gods of the nations in other countries could not rescue their people from me. Hezekiah's God cannot rescue his people from me. Sennacherib's officers shouted loudly in the Judean language to the troops who were on the wall of Jerusalem. They tried to frighten and terrify the troops so that they could capture the city. They spoke against the God of Jerusalem as if he were one of the gods of the peoples of the earth, the work of the hands of man.


The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.

The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.



He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan.


Hezekiah assigned the priests and the Levites to divisions. Each priest or Levite was put in a division based on the service he performed. The services included: sacrificing burnt offerings, sacrificing fellowship offerings, serving, giving thanks, or praising within the gates of Jehovah's camp. He set aside part of the king's property for burnt offerings, the morning and evening offerings, burnt offerings on the weekly worship days, the New Moon Festivals, and the annual festivals, as it is written in Jehovah's Law. He told the people living in Jerusalem to give the priests and Levites the portions they were due so that they could devote themselves to Jehovah's Law. read more.
As soon as the order was given, the people of Israel brought gifts of their finest grain, wine, olive oil, honey, and other farm produce, and they also brought the tithes of everything they had. All the people who lived in the cities of Judah brought tithes of their cattle and sheep. They also brought large quantities of gifts they dedicated to Jehovah their God. The gifts started arriving in the third month. They continued to pile up for the next four months. King Hezekiah and his officials saw how much had been given. They praised Jehovah and praised his people Israel. The king spoke to the priests and the Levites about these gifts, and Azariah the High Priest, a descendant of Zadok, said to him: Since the people started bringing their gifts to the temple, there has been enough to eat and a large surplus besides. We have all this because Jehovah has blessed his people. On the king's orders they prepared storerooms in the Temple area and put all the gifts and tithes in them for safekeeping. They placed a Levite named Conaniah in charge and made his brother Shimei his assistant. Ten Levites were assigned to work under them: Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah. This was done by authority of King Hezekiah and Azariah the High Priest. Kore son of Imnah, a Levite who was chief guard at the East Gate of the temple, was in charge of receiving the gifts offered to Jehovah and of distributing them. In the other cities where priests lived, he was faithfully assisted in this by other Levites: Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah. They distributed the food equally to their fellow Levites according to what their duties were. They were appointed to distribute them to males who were at least three years old. The way they were enrolled in the genealogical records did not matter. The six men who served under Kore were to distribute the offerings to everyone who went to Jehovah's Temple to perform the daily service that each division was responsible for. They were to distribute offerings to the priests who were enrolled by families and to the Levites who were at least twenty years old. Distribution was based on the way they served in their divisions. The priests and Levites were enrolled with their wives, sons, daughters, and other people who depended on them in the community. The priests and Levites had to be faithful in keeping themselves holy for the holy work. Men were appointed to give a portion of the offerings to all the males in the priestly families and to everyone listed in the genealogies of the Levites. These men were Aaron's descendants, priests who lived in the pasturelands of every Levite city. This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and true to Jehovah his God. Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.


King Hezekiah of Judah wrote this after he was sick and became well again: I thought that in the prime of my life I would go down to the gates of the grave and be robbed of the rest of my life. I thought that I would not see Jehovah in this world. Even with all the people in the world, I thought I would never see another person. read more.
My life was over. You rolled it up like a shepherd's tent. You rolled up my life like a weaver. You cut me off from the loom. You ended my life in one day. Until morning came, I thought you would crush my bones just like a hungry lion; both night and day you make an end of me. I cry like a swallow (swift). I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, Jehovah. I am terribly abused. Please come and help me. There is nothing I can say in answer to you. For you are the one who has done this to me. My life has turned sour. I will limp until I die. Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. Yes, it was for my benefit that I suffered such distress. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction. You have put (thrown) (hurled) all my sins behind your back. For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise. Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. The living, yes the living praise you, as I am doing today! Fathers tell their children about your faithfulness. Jehovah will save me! We will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the Temple of Jehovah. Isaiah said: Prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover. Hezekiah said: What will be the sign that I will go up to the Temple of Jehovah?


Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,


The sons of Neariah: Eloienai, Hizkiah and Azrikam, three in all.


These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.


When this ended, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession.

He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan.


Hezekiah and the people living in Jerusalem humbled themselves when they realized they had become conceited. Thus Jehovah did not vent his anger on them during Hezekiah's time.


He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done. He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan. Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him. read more.
For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.



The rest of the things Ahaz did are recorded in the Book of the History of the Kings of Judah. Ahaz slept with his fathers. He was buried in the town of David. Hezekiah his son became king in his place.

They brought seventy bulls, one hundred sheep, and two hundred lambs as burnt offerings for Jehovah.


Hezekiah slept in death with his ancestors. His son Manasseh succeeded him as king.

Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king. He ruled for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. He did what Jehovah considered evil by copying the disgusting things done by the nations that Jehovah dispossessed from before the Israelites. He rebuilt the illegal places of worship that his father Hezekiah had torn down. He set up altars dedicated to other gods such as the Baals. He erected a pole dedicated to the goddess Asherah as King Ahab of Israel had done. Manasseh, like Ahab, worshiped and served the entire army of heaven. read more.
He built altars in Jehovah's Temple, of which Jehovah said: My name will be in Jerusalem from generation to generation. He built altars for the entire army of heaven in the two courtyards of Jehovah's Temple. He burned his son as a sacrifice in the valley of Ben Hinnom, he consulted fortunetellers, and he cast evil spells. He also practiced witchcraft, and appointed royal mediums and psychics. He did many things that made Jehovah furious. Manasseh had a carved idol made. Then he set it up in God's Temple, where God had said to David and his son Solomon: I have chosen this temple and Jerusalem from all the tribes of Israel. I will put my name here from generation to generation. I will never again remove Israel from the land that I set aside for their ancestors if they will obey all the commandments, all the teachings, the ordinances, and the regulations I gave through Moses. Manasseh misled Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem so that they did more evil things than the nations that Jehovah destroyed when the Israelites arrived in the land. Jehovah spoke to Manasseh and his people. But they would not pay attention. So Jehovah made the army commanders of the king of Assyria invade Judah. They took Manasseh captive, put a hook in his nose, put him in bronze shackles, and brought him to Babylon. When he experienced distress, he begged Jehovah his God to be kind and humbled himself in front of the God of his ancestors. He prayed to Jehovah. And Jehovah accepted his prayer and listened to his request. Jehovah brought him back to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Then Manasseh knew that Jehovah is God. Then Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon Spring in the valley to the entrance of Fish Gate. He made the wall go around the Ophel. He built it very high. He put army commanders in every fortified city in Judah. Manasseh also removed the foreign gods and the idol in Jehovah's Temple. He eliminated the altars he had built in the Temple on Jehovah's mountain and in Jerusalem. He built Jehovah's altar and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it. And he told Judah to serve Jehovah the God of Israel. However the people continued to sacrifice at the illegal places of worship. But they sacrificed only to Jehovah their God. Everything else about Manasseh, including his prayer to his God and the words that the seers spoke to him in the name of Jehovah the God of Israel are in the records of the kings of Israel. His prayer and how God accepted it are written in the records of Hozai. The things he did before he humbled himself are also written there. This includes all his sins and unfaithfulness and the places where he built illegal worship sites and set up idols and poles dedicated to the goddess Asherah. Manasseh lay down in death with his ancestors. They buried him in his own palace. His son Amon succeeded him as king.


Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. It was in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel. Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king. He ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done. read more.
He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan. Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him. For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses. Jehovah was with Hezekiah. He did well in everything he did. He took up arms against the king of Assyria and was his servant no longer. He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its limits, from the tower of the watchman to the walled town.


Jehovah was with Hezekiah. He did well in everything he did. He took up arms against the king of Assyria and was his servant no longer.



The king, his officials, and the whole assembly in Jerusalem decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month.



He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done.


Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.

Hezekiah sent a message to all Israel and Judah. He wrote letters to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. He invited them to come to Jehovah's Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover of Jehovah the God of Israel. The king, his officials, and the whole assembly in Jerusalem decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month. They could not celebrate it at the regular time because not enough priests had performed the ceremonies to make themselves holy and the people had not gathered in Jerusalem. read more.
The king and the entire assembly considered their plan to be the right thing to do. They decided to send an announcement throughout Israel from Beersheba to Dan. They summoned everyone to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover of Jehovah God of Israel. These people had not celebrated it in large numbers as the written instructions said they should. Messengers carried letters from the king and his officials throughout Israel and Judah. The king's order said: Israelites should return to Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Then he will return to the few of you who escaped from the power of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your ancestors and your relatives who were unfaithful to Jehovah the God of their ancestors. He made them something that shocks people, as you have seen. Do not stiffen your neck like your fathers, but yield to Jehovah and enter his sanctuary that he has consecrated from generation to generation. Serve Jehovah your God that His burning anger may turn away from you. If you return to Jehovah, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. Jehovah your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face away from you if you return to him. So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, and as far as Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of Jehovah.

When this ended, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession. Hezekiah assigned the priests and the Levites to divisions. Each priest or Levite was put in a division based on the service he performed. The services included: sacrificing burnt offerings, sacrificing fellowship offerings, serving, giving thanks, or praising within the gates of Jehovah's camp. He set aside part of the king's property for burnt offerings, the morning and evening offerings, burnt offerings on the weekly worship days, the New Moon Festivals, and the annual festivals, as it is written in Jehovah's Law. read more.
He told the people living in Jerusalem to give the priests and Levites the portions they were due so that they could devote themselves to Jehovah's Law. As soon as the order was given, the people of Israel brought gifts of their finest grain, wine, olive oil, honey, and other farm produce, and they also brought the tithes of everything they had. All the people who lived in the cities of Judah brought tithes of their cattle and sheep. They also brought large quantities of gifts they dedicated to Jehovah their God. The gifts started arriving in the third month. They continued to pile up for the next four months. King Hezekiah and his officials saw how much had been given. They praised Jehovah and praised his people Israel. The king spoke to the priests and the Levites about these gifts, and Azariah the High Priest, a descendant of Zadok, said to him: Since the people started bringing their gifts to the temple, there has been enough to eat and a large surplus besides. We have all this because Jehovah has blessed his people.


I thought that in the prime of my life I would go down to the gates of the grave and be robbed of the rest of my life. I thought that I would not see Jehovah in this world. Even with all the people in the world, I thought I would never see another person. My life was over. You rolled it up like a shepherd's tent. You rolled up my life like a weaver. You cut me off from the loom. You ended my life in one day. read more.
Until morning came, I thought you would crush my bones just like a hungry lion; both night and day you make an end of me. I cry like a swallow (swift). I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, Jehovah. I am terribly abused. Please come and help me. There is nothing I can say in answer to you. For you are the one who has done this to me. My life has turned sour. I will limp until I die. Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. Yes, it was for my benefit that I suffered such distress. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction. You have put (thrown) (hurled) all my sins behind your back. For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise. Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.


For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.

You said: Seek my face (look for me) (my presence). My heart said to you, O Jehovah, I will look for you.

Whatever the God of heaven orders let it be done completely for the house of the God of heaven. Let there not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons.


For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.

This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and true to Jehovah his God. Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.

Remember, Jehovah, that I have served you faithfully and loyally. I have always tried to do what you wanted me to. Then he cried bitterly.


For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses.


Yes, it was for my benefit that I suffered such distress. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction. You have put (thrown) (hurled) all my sins behind your back.


This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and true to Jehovah his God.


The living, yes the living praise you, as I am doing today! Fathers tell their children about your faithfulness.


They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

Rescue us from Assyria's control, O Jehovah our God, so that all the kingdoms on earth will know that you alone are Jehovah God. Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'You prayed to me about King Sennacherib of Assyria. I have heard you.


Hezekiah faced the wall and prayed to Jehovah:


Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: This is what Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'You prayed to me about King Sennacherib of Assyria. I have heard you.


Many people from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not made themselves clean. So they ate the Passover, but not in the way the written instructions said they should. Hezekiah prayed for them: May Jehovah forgive everyone


Hezekiah faced the wall and prayed to Jehovah:


But Hezekiah was conceited. So he did not repay Jehovah for his kindness. Jehovah became angry with him, with Judah, and with Jerusalem.


But Hezekiah was conceited. So he did not repay Jehovah for his kindness. Jehovah became angry with him, with Judah, and with Jerusalem.


When this ended, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession.


Hezekiah read the letters from the messengers. Then he went to Jehovah's Temple and shared them with Jehovah. He prayed: Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, you are enthroned above the angels. You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heaven and earth. Turn your ear (listen) (pay attention) to me, O Jehovah, and listen. Open your eyes, Jehovah, and see. Listen to the message Sennacherib sent to defy the living God. read more.
It is true Jehovah. The kings of Assyria have devastated nations. They threw the gods from these countries into fires because these gods are not real gods. They are only wooden and stone statues made by human hands. So the Assyrians have destroyed them. Rescue us from Assyria's control, O Jehovah our God, so that all the kingdoms on earth will know that you alone are Jehovah God.

He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done. He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan. Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him. read more.
For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses. Jehovah was with Hezekiah. He did well in everything he did. He took up arms against the king of Assyria and was his servant no longer.


This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and true to Jehovah his God.


When this ended, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, broke the pillars in pieces, cut down the Asherim and pulled down the high places and the altars throughout all Judah and Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh. They destroyed them all. Then all the sons of Israel returned to their cities, each to his possession.


Hezekiah said to Isaiah: The word of Jehovah that you spoke is good. He added: Is it not good that there is peace and security as long as I live?


Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. It was in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel. Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king. He ruled in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done. read more.
He removed the high places. He broke the stone pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah poles. The brass snake that Moses had made was crushed to powder at his command, because in those days the children of Israel had offerings burned before it, and he gave it the name Nehushtan. Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him. For his heart was fixed on Jehovah. He did not turn from his ways. Hezekiah obeyed Jehovah's commandments that Jehovah gave to Moses. Jehovah was with Hezekiah. He did well in everything he did. He took up arms against the king of Assyria and was his servant no longer.


The king of Babylonia, Merodach Baladan son of Baladan heard that King Hezekiah was sick. So he sent him a letter and a present. Hezekiah welcomed the messengers and showed them his wealth. He showed his silver and gold. He also let them look at his spices and perfumes. He even showed all his military equipment. There was nothing in his storerooms or anywhere in his kingdom that he did not show them. The prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked: Where did these men come from and what did they say to you? Hezekiah answered: They came from a very distant country, from Babylonia. read more.
Isaiah then said: What did they see in your palace? Hezekiah replied: They saw everything in my palace. I showed them everything in my treasury. Isaiah said to Hezekiah: Hear the word of Jehovah! Jehovah says: 'The time will come when everything in your palace, everything your ancestors have stored up to this day, will be taken away to Babylon. Nothing will be left. Some of your own descendants will be taken away. They will become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon.'


Hezekiah became richer and was highly honored. He prepared storehouses for himself to hold silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuables. He built storehouses for the produce of grain and wine and oil; and buildings for all sorts of beasts and flocks. He made towns for himself. He gathered much property in flocks and herds: for God had given him great wealth.


He did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah as David his father had done.

Hezekiah became ill and was about to die. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz said to him: This is what Jehovah says: 'Give final instructions to your household. You will not recover. You will die.' Hezekiah faced the wall and prayed to Jehovah: Jehovah, Please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and truth. And consider my whole heart devoted to you. I have done what is good in your eyes. Hezekiah wept bitterly. read more.
Isaiah had not gone as far as the middle courtyard when Jehovah spoke to him: Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people: 'This is what Jehovah God of your ancestor David says: I heard your prayer. I saw your tears. Now I will heal you. The day after tomorrow you will go to Jehovah's Temple. I will add fifteen more years to your life. I will rescue you and defend this city from the control of the king of Assyria. I do this for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' Then Isaiah said: Get a fig cake, and put it on the boil so that the king will get well. King Hezekiah said to Isaiah: What is the sign to prove that Jehovah will heal me and that three days later I will be able to go to the Temple? Isaiah replied: Jehovah will give you a sign to prove that he will keep his promise. Would you prefer to have the shadow on the stairway go forward ten steps or go back ten steps? Then Hezekiah said: It is an easy matter to have the shadow go forward ten steps. So have it go back ten steps. Isaiah prayed to Jehovah and Jehovah made the shadow go back ten steps on the stairway set up by King Ahaz.


Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.


Hezekiah incorporated Moses' teachings and commands into worship and dedicated his life to serving God. Whatever he did for the worship in God's Temple, he did wholeheartedly, and he succeeded.


King Hezekiah said to Isaiah: What is the sign to prove that Jehovah will heal me and that three days later I will be able to go to the Temple?


Remember, Jehovah, that I have served you faithfully and loyally. I have always tried to do what you wanted me to. Then he cried bitterly.


The king of Babylonia, Merodach Baladan son of Baladan heard that King Hezekiah was sick. So he sent him a letter and a present. Hezekiah welcomed the messengers and showed them his wealth. He showed his silver and gold. He also let them look at his spices and perfumes. He even showed all his military equipment. There was nothing in his storerooms or anywhere in his kingdom that he did not show them. The prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked: Where did these men come from and what did they say to you? Hezekiah answered: They came from a very distant country, from Babylonia. read more.
Isaiah then said: What did they see in your palace? Hezekiah replied: They saw everything in my palace. I showed them everything in my treasury. Isaiah said to Hezekiah: Hear the word of Jehovah! Jehovah says: 'The time will come when everything in your palace, everything your ancestors have stored up to this day, will be taken away to Babylon. Nothing will be left. Some of your own descendants will be taken away. They will become officials in the palace of the king of Babylon.' Hezekiah said to Isaiah: The word of Jehovah that you spoke is good. He added: Is it not good that there is peace and security as long as I live? Everything else about Hezekiah, all his heroic acts and how he made the pool and tunnel to bring water into the city is written in the official records of the Kings of Judah.

At that time Merodach-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of his illness and recovery. Hezekiah received the envoys gladly and showed them what was in his storehouses. He showed them the silver, the gold, the spices, the fine oil, his entire armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in his entire kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked: What did those men say, and where did they come from? Hezekiah replied: They came from the distant land of Babylon. read more.
The prophet asked: What did they see in your palace? They saw everything in my palace, Hezekiah said. There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.

The time will come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says Jehovah. Some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away! They will become officers in the palace of the king of Babylon.'


This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and true to Jehovah his God.


Hezekiah had faith in Jehovah, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah who were before him.


References

Hastings

Easton

American

Fausets