Hezekiah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew Ḥizqiyyāhû, “Yahweh has strengthened,” reflecting divine support associated with his reign.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (late 8th–early 7th century BC)
• Main References: 2 Kings 18–20; 2 Chronicles 29–32; Isaiah 36–39
• Key Connections: Son of Ahaz; father of Manasseh; prophet Isaiah; confronted Sennacherib of Assyria

Who was Hezekiah?

Hezekiah was a king of Judah who ruled from Jerusalem during the Assyrian imperial expansion.
He is portrayed as initiating major cultic and administrative reforms centered on the temple and covenant fidelity.
His reign is marked by a national crisis during Sennacherib’s invasion and by diplomatic pressures involving foreign powers.
He is also associated with a severe illness and recovery late in his life.

Key Events & Achievements

• Temple-centered reforms: Reopened and purified the temple and promoted renewed worship practices in Judah (2 Chronicles 29–31).
• Assyrian siege crisis: Faced Sennacherib’s campaign against Judah, with Jerusalem preserved amid the conflict (2 Kings 18–19; Isaiah 36–37).
• Illness and recovery: Received a prophetic message about his sickness and subsequent recovery, followed by an encounter with Babylonian envoys (2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38–39).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Hezekiah’s reign illustrates how royal leadership in Judah could be evaluated by covenant loyalty, temple stewardship, and response to prophetic counsel.

Key Verse

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him." — 2 Chronicles 32:7, NIV