Hezekiah Missed Opportunities, Part 2

Legend has it that in 1519, Spaniard Hernán Cortés imprisoned the Aztec emperor Montezuma II, raided Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, and oppressed the Aztec people—all because of a rapacious greed for the emperor’s treasure. What is so powerful about riches that it can seduce even a faithful man like King Hezekiah?

While faced with the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah fell mortally ill. But after pleading with God, he was graciously granted an additional 15 years of life while also being assured of victory over the Assyrian horde (Isaiah 38:5, 6). Upon asking for a sign of these promises, Hezekiah was given the choice between two miracles and decided to ask the Lord to decrease the time of day. The Lord did as Hezekiah asked (2 Kings 20:8–11).

Word that the solar phenomenon was associated with Hezekiah’s recovery reached Merodach-Baladan, the Babylonian king, who then sent ambassadors to Judah. But the arrival of the foreign visitors succeeded only in sparking Hezekiah’s pride (2 Chronicles 32:25). Thinking only of his own ambitions, he boasted of “all that was found among his treasures” (Isaiah 39:2) in an effort to make an ally against the Assyrians. He failed to think of it as a golden opportunity to witness of God.

The consequence, foretold by the prophet Isaiah, was sobering: All the riches that the king had eagerly showed off would one day belong to Babylon; not only that, but Judah itself would be destroyed by the very nation Hezekiah had hoped might secure its independence. Hezekiah was cowed, meekly accepting the judgment he had brought upon his entire kingdom (2 Kings 20:19). He had not trusted in God at a time when he was most indebted to Him.

When the Assyrian army once more encamped about Jerusalem, the king had learned his lesson. His sole response was to fall down in prayer: “Now therefore, O Lord our God,” said he, “save us from [the king of Assyria’s] hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, You alone” (Isaiah 37:20).

His plea was granted in a fearsome miracle that slew 185,000 of the Assyrian army (v. 36). And Judah was once more spared because of the Lord’s mercy and the renewed humility of his servant Hezekiah.

Reflect: What opportunities have you missed? Are you focused on what you can do rather than on what God has done for you?

Key Bible Texts

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. (2 Kings 20:15 KJV)