In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, thus saith the Lord, set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. 2 Kings 20:1 KJV
The Second Book of Kings and the Second Book of Chronicles mention Hezekiah as a very righteous king. He was a direct descendant of King David. Matthew mentions him in the genealogy that led to Joseph into whose care Jesus was born. Isaiah, who told Hezekiah to “set your house in order,” was one of the great prophets.
In this passage from 2 Kings, a sick Hezekiah is told by the prophet that he would not recover but would die. He was instructed by Isaiah to “set your house in order.” This devastates the king and he wept bitterly. Hezekiah pleaded to the Lord, reminding God that he had been a faithful servant.
Before Isaiah had left the courtyard, the word of the Lord came to him. God told Isaiah to return to Hezekiah and tell him that he had heard his prayer and seen his tears. The Lord promised to add fifteen years to the king’s life.
The Lord Defends His People
At the time of God’s mercy on Hezekiah after Isaiah instructed him to “set your house in order,” Jerusalem was under assault by the Assyrians. In addition to extending the king’s lifespan, the Lord also promised to defend and deliver the city from their enemy.
Something very strange happened thereafter. Hezekiah asked what sign he would get that he would be healed. Isaiah answered with an option, “Shall the shadow go forward ten steps or backward ten steps?” The steps, created during the reign of King Ahaz, Hezekiah’s father, functioned as a sundial. Hezekiah was familiar with keeping time on these steps. Knowing that forward movement was natural, he answered that the shadow should move backward ten steps.
The miracle of the shadow receding ten steps on the stairway of Ahaz happened three days later confirming that the king would be healed, and he lived another fifteen years. This miracle of God has been the subject of debate and inquiry ever since.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your inspiring word. Thank you for your mercy and for hearing our prayers. Help me to live a righteous life that pleases you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Give Good Gifts
