Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Hezekiah Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Hezekiah was a great king who trusted in God, led spiritual reforms, and witnessed divine miracles. His life is an example of faith and leadership. However, his later years warn us about the dangers of pride and shortsightedness.
CHARACTER STUDY OF HEZEKIAH – FAITHFUL KING OF JUDAH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:. 2 Kings 18:5
"He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." –
Supporting Texts:
2 Kings 18-20, 2 Chronicles 29-32, Isaiah 36-39
INTRODUCTION
Hezekiah was one of the most faithful kings of Judah, known for his trust in God, religious reforms, and miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians. He reigned during a time of national crisis and led Judah back to true worship.
His life is a powerful testimony of faith, prayer, and divine intervention. However, he also had moments of weakness, particularly in handling prosperity and pride. His story teaches us the importance of complete dependence on God and finishing strong in our walk with Him.
1. HEZEKIAH’S RISE TO POWER
a) He became king at a young age (2 Kings 18:1-2)
He ascended the throne at 25 and ruled for 29 years.
b) He inherited a spiritually corrupt nation (2 Chronicles 28:24-25)
His father, Ahaz, had led Judah into deep idolatry.
c) He chose to follow God wholeheartedly (2 Kings 18:3)
Unlike his predecessors, he did what was right in God's eyes.
d) He sought to restore the nation to God (2 Chronicles 29:3)
He opened the doors of the temple and initiated spiritual reforms.
e) Biblical Example: Josiah also became king young and led major reforms (2 Kings 22:1-2).
2. HEZEKIAH’S RELIGIOUS REFORMS
a) He removed idolatry from Judah (2 Kings 18:4)
He broke the bronze serpent that had become an idol.
b) He restored temple worship (2 Chronicles 29:4-5)
He purified the temple and re-established sacrifices.
c) He reinstituted the Passover (2 Chronicles 30:1-3)
The feast had not been properly observed for years.
d) He called the nation to repentance (2 Chronicles 30:6-9)
He urged both Judah and Israel to return to God.
e) Biblical Example: King Asa also led religious reforms in Judah (2 Chronicles 15:8-9).
3. HEZEKIAH’S TRUST IN GOD DURING CRISIS
a) The Assyrians invaded Judah (2 Kings 18:13)
King Sennacherib attacked and captured many cities.
b) The Assyrians mocked God and Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:19-25)
They claimed no god could save Judah.
c) Hezekiah sought God in prayer (2 Kings 19:14-15)
He laid the enemy’s letter before the Lord.
d) God miraculously delivered Judah (2 Kings 19:35-37)
The Angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.
e) Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat also trusted God in battle and was delivered (2 Chronicles 20:12-22).
4. HEZEKIAH’S MIRACULOUS HEALING
a) Hezekiah fell critically ill (2 Kings 20:1)
The prophet Isaiah told him to prepare for death.
b) He prayed earnestly for healing (2 Kings 20:2-3)
He reminded God of his faithfulness.
c) God granted him 15 more years (2 Kings 20:4-6)
Isaiah delivered God’s promise of healing.
d) God confirmed it with a sign (2 Kings 20:9-11)
The shadow on the sundial moved backward.
e) Biblical Example: Hannah also prayed fervently and received a miracle (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
5. HEZEKIAH’S PROSPERITY AND PRIDE
a) He became very wealthy (2 Chronicles 32:27-29)
God blessed him with great riches.
b) He displayed his treasures to Babylonian envoys (2 Kings 20:12-13)
He showed them all his wealth and resources.
c) Isaiah rebuked him for his pride (2 Kings 20:14-18)
He prophesied that Babylon would take Judah into captivity.
d) He humbled himself before God (2 Chronicles 32:26)
He repented, delaying God’s judgment.
e) Biblical Example: King Nebuchadnezzar was also humbled for his pride (Daniel 4:30-37).
6. STRENGTHS OF HEZEKIAH
a) He had unwavering faith in God (2 Kings 18:5)
He trusted God more than any other king of Judah.
b) He was a spiritual reformer (2 Chronicles 31:20-21)
He restored true worship in Judah.
c) He was a man of prayer (2 Kings 19:14-15)
He sought God earnestly in times of trouble.
d) He was courageous in leadership (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
He encouraged the people to trust in God during war.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel also remained faithful in prayer and leadership (Daniel 6:10-23).
7. WEAKNESSES OF HEZEKIAH
a) He struggled with pride (2 Chronicles 32:25)
He became proud after his healing and prosperity.
b) He made a foolish decision by showing his treasures to Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-13)
This later led to Judah’s downfall.
c) He was shortsighted in his response to Isaiah’s prophecy (2 Kings 20:19)
He was content knowing judgment would come after his time.
d) His reforms did not change the hearts of the people permanently (2 Chronicles 33:1-3)
His son, Manasseh, led Judah back into idolatry.
e) Biblical Example: King Solomon also allowed prosperity to lead to compromise (1 Kings 11:1-11).
8. LESSONS FROM HEZEKIAH’S LIFE
a) Faith in God brings deliverance (Psalm 34:17)
Trusting God leads to miraculous victories.
