Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8
Hezekiah was the 13th king of the southern kingdom of Judah, ruling in the last quarter of the 8th century before Christ (715-686 B.C.). He was the most Godly king since David ruled, nearly 300 years earlier. The description of Hezekiah is glowing. "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. . . . He trusted in the LORD the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him" (2 Kgs 18:3.5).
Hezekiah attempted to bring sweeping spiritual reform to the people of Judah (cf. 2 Chr 29-31). He demolished the 'high places' which had been established as local shrines for worship of Baal and other false gods. He opened the temple which had been closed by his father, Ahaz. He gathered the priests and Levites to clean the temple. He reinstated temple worship and the Passover festival.
"He did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered" (2 Chr 31:20,21).
Hezekiah was a born with a sinful nature, like every person, but he is an encouraging example to us that it is possible to serve God faithfully, from the heart. Let us plead for God to grant us such a heart and life.
