Standing Firm With Yahweh – Prophet Isaiah and King Hezekiah.
Shabbat shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will study the reign of Hezekiah, king of the house of the South or Judah and the role played by the prophet Yeshayahu (Isaiah) in the history of this king. We will see how time and again, King Hezekiah turned to Yahweh for counsel, strength, guidance and healing for his life and for the welfare of his reign. Yahweh showed him in various ways that He is still present, preserving the legacy of King David.
The biblical passages used in this study are:
- Reign of King Hezekiah: Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 18:1-8
- Assyrian invasion and Hezekiah’s resistance: Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 18:9-19:37
- Hezekiah’s illness and recovery: Melachim Bet (2 Kings) 20:1-11
- The last days of king Hezekiah: Divre Hayamim Bet (2 Chronicles) 32:27-33
Some of the lessons learned from this study include:
- The reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, who trusted in Elohim and rejected idolatry. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, threatens Jerusalem and sends messengers to intimidate Hezekiah and the people. Hezekiah seeks out the prophet Isaiah, who assures him that Elohim will protect them. Hezekiah prays fervently and Yahweh responds by sending a messenger (Angel) who destroys the Assyrian army. Sennacherib returns to Assyria and is killed. These chapters teach us about the importance of faith in Elohim, prayer and trust in His protection in the face of seemingly invincible threats.
- King Hezekiah falls gravely ill and the prophet Isaiah announces that he will die. Hezekiah prays fervently to Elohim, remembering His faithfulness and promises. Yahweh hears his prayer and, through Isaiah, grants him fifteen more years of life and promises to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian king. As a sign of this promise, Yahweh turns back the shadow on Ahaz’s sundial. This passage teaches about the power of sincere prayer, Yahweh’s mercy in extending Hezekiah’s life and the divine faithfulness in keeping His promises..
- The prosperity of King Hezekiah, who accumulated wealth and built storehouses, cities and aqueducts. Despite his success, Hezekiah shows pride, which provokes the wrath of Elohim. However, he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem humble themselves and avert disaster. Hezekiah is recognized for his piety and great deeds, and after his death, he is honored and buried with dignity. This passage teaches the importance of humility and continued dependence on Yahweh, regardless of personal success, through the need to recognize and correct pride in order to avoid divine judgment.
In summary, Hezekiah, king of Judah, reformed the kingdom by eliminating idolatry and restoring the worship of Yahweh Elohim. He faced and resisted the Assyrian invasion with faith. Elohim healed him of a deadly disease, extending his life fifteen years. His reign is remembered for his piety, prosperity and devotion to Yahweh.
Divre Hayamim Bet (2 Chronicles) 31:20-21
20 Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before Yahweh his Elohim.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of Yahweh, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his Elohim, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered.
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Remember, obedience to Yahweh’s commandments will bring blessing but disobedience will lead to the perdition of our souls eternally. Decide what you will do today.
We hope that you, and especially your sons and daughters, will enjoy this activity. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
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