2 Kings 20 | 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 | Isaiah 38-39

Following this rescue from the Assyrians, Hezekiah become ill in the 14 th year of his reign, when he was around 39 years old. God first tells him to get his house in order, and prepare to die, however after Hezekiah prays to the Lord for mercy, Isaiah tells him that he will be given another 15 years. Unfortunately, like some good kings in the past, we’re told that pride wells up in the heart of Hezekiah, and he does not properly appreciate what God did for him. Following his being healed, the king of Babylon sends envoys to visit Hezekiah, and he proudly shows them all the wealth and treasures of his kingdom. Isaiah later confronts him about this lack of discretion, and tells the king that in the future Babylon will come back to take all of what he showed them, as well as his own sons to be servants in that country. Hezekiah is relieved that such a thing will not happen in his lifetime.

After the predicted time of 15 years has passed, Hezekiah dies, and his 12 years old son Manasseh reigns in his place. Manasseh will reign for 55 years, and prove to be one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah. Manasseh would have never been born if Hezekiah had accepted the word of the Lord regarding his death. Hezekiah was a great and godly king in the beginning, but he did not finish well!