Prophets: Hezekiah

Intro

the second to last good king of Judah

almost done with the history of the pre exile

taking a break after Israel goes to exile and will pick it up there when we return

Hezekiah Himself

king of Judah at the time of the fall of Israel

returns the people to the worship of God and him alone

rebels against Assyria and does not pay them tribute

Sennacherib

the king sends messengers to coerce the people to leave their king and kingdom

challenges not just the people and not just the king but their God

uses the example of Samaria

speaks in Hebrew for all of them to hear

Isaiah enters the scene

Hezekiah turns to God for help despite the words of the Assyrians

Isaiah promises he has an answer to end all of this

do not be afraid

Shadows of Babylon

Hezekiah is sick and about to die

he prays once more to the LORD and he is heard

God saves him because of his faith and example for a few more years

he tells him of what will happen in the future

showing the Babylonians everything they will take from Judah

Application

Hezekiah turns Israel around for just a moment

there will be one more after him who does the same that we will see next time

more important in Hezekiah’s story is what happens with those who try to take Israel

separation from God is a difficult thing to wrestle with

God does not separate himself from us, we separate ourselves from him when we sin and refuse to talk to him

he loves and cares and shows compassion for those who will simply reach out and take it