READ: 2 Kin. 18:1–37: … he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father David had done. He removed the high places … cut down the sacred pillars … he trusted in the LORD God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah … the LORD was with him … he acted wisely …
What a contrast with Ahaz and the kings of Israel! Hezekiah walks in the ways of God. He clings to the LORD and does not turn away from following Him and keeping His commandments.
The mother of Hezekiah is the daughter of the priest Zechariah, possibly the same priest who taught Uzziah to seek God (2 Chr. 26:5). She raised the young Hezekiah in the fear of the LORD even though he had an exceedingly ungodly father!
What is a new act of faith, which no king before Hezekiah had done since Solomon, is the removal of the high places and all idolatrous stones and wooden images. In the past these high places were a great offense to the LORD (Num. 33:52); if they were maintained, this was always mentioned (1 Kin. 3:2–3; 12:31; 14:23; 15:14; 22:43; 2 Kin. 12:3; 14:4; 15:4; 15:35; 16:4; 17:11).
Hezekiah shows how necessary reformation is. Everything that belongs to idolatry he removes. Nor does he any longer serve the heathen king of Assyria. In 2 Chr. 29–31 much more is written about the reformation under Hezekiah. This concerns the restoration of sacrifices and the liturgy in the temple service of the LORD..
Hezekiah also celebrates the Passover again, to which the remaining members of the ten-tribe kingdom are invited (2 Chr. 30). This brings great joy. The Levitical service is also restored to honor. The LORD blesses all this with victories over the Philistines.
But then a trial follows: Sennacherib the king of Assyria comes into Judah, despite the gold and silver that Hezekiah sends to him. Sennacherib comes with his great army to the walls of Jerusalem and cuts off the water supply. Through cunning speeches he tries to bring about that the people surrender. But the people do not answer.
To what extent is Hezekiah an example for us?
Singing: Ps. 97:4,6