2nd Kings 20 PEACE AND TRUTH (SECURITY) We may never make a lot of difference to the world as a whole, but each of us can affect the small world in which we live and the generation of which we are a part. Our family and friends, the community in which we live and the assembly of which we are a part can be positively influenced for good and for God when we are committed to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. There will be those who avoid those who "walk in the Spirit" but a believer who is faithful to the Lord and consistent in life and testimony, can leave a legacy behind that will bless many in time to come.
The events in this chapter in 2nd Kings probably took place before the invasion of the Assyrians recorded in previous chapters. Hezekiah had shown the messengers who came from Babylon everything of value in his palace and kingdom before he took the gold and silver to pay tribute to the Assyrians. it was a serious mistake on his part to reveal all to potential enemies. Perhaps the infected boil that would have taken his life was either allowed by God or an act of God to humble him and bring him to a place of repentance and tears.
Anything that awakens our conscience to reveal sin and draw us closer to God is good. Many have said during very painful and difficult times, "It was extremely hard to bear and it was painful, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. It made me realize what is important and brought me closer to the Lord."
Hezekiah's prayer was not an appeal for favor from the Lord because of his good works and faithful devotion. it was a recognition that he knew God looks upon those who call upon Him from a pure heart. He can act in grace toward them in the deepest trial. Because God is sovereignly disposed to show grace toward His children, prayer is a means of establishing the petitioners understanding of where they are in God's plans. The message of imminent death was put off because of the sincerity of Hezekiah's response and the tears that made his remorse real. The Lord heard his prayer, saw his tears, understood the reality of his repentance and had Isaiah go back immediately with the promise of healing. The poultice of figs applied on the boil was the means God used to bring a conclusion to the sickness, and in three days he was able to go to the house of the Lord.
The physical sign of affirmation of the sun going back 10 degrees (stair steps) was for the benefit of Hezekiah himself. The Creator of the sun and the earth is able to use that which He made in the way He chooses to produce the results He desires. When Hezekiah saw this, he was certain that the promised healing would take place. We do not always understand, or need to understand, the way our Lord responds to our prayerful and earnest requests. But this we do know; our Father hears us and how He answers is up to Him. Our demands do not make something happen.
Why Hezekiah showed the messengers from Babylon who brought letters and a gift from the king of Babylon, all of his treasures, is not clear. If he was trying to impress the foreigners with his wealth, that would be wrong. For any of us, all credit for the blessings we have received goes to God alone. We must avoid vanity and self-exaltation. If it was a desire to strengthen the security of the nation by friendship with Babylon, it may be more understandable but it was still wrong. Cooperation with the world and its system leads to friendship with the world, and "Friendship with the world is enmity against God."
No wonder Hezekiah had nothing to say in answer as to the diplomatic reason for the visit and his strange behavior. They had come to commiserate with Hezekiah in his illness. He acted on his own without prayer and showed them everything. The prophecy of Isaiah clearly said that whatever Hezekiah expected would be opposite to whatever he had hoped. It would be Babylon, not Assyria that would take the people of Judah captive. The very ones he wanted to impress would defeat the nation. The leaders of the nation as well as young people like Daniel with their life before them, would be taken away as captives and placed in the palace of the king of Babylon. Babylon became the world power that would crush the Assyrians empire and take world leadership.
Hezekiah's response seems to be a humbled acceptance of the Lord's judgment rather than a self-centered reply relating only to himself. In essence he was saying, "At least we have this time of peace and security where truth can still be taught to our children and practiced by us." It may have been that in the years following many of those who had places of leadership carefully taught their children to love and serve the Lord. Daniel was only young when he along with other young people were taken captive, but they seemed very conscious of God in everything from what to eat, to how to conduct one's self in the presence of those in authority.
Hezekiah was an effective ruler and realized how vulnerable a besieged city could be. The pool and the tunnel through which water could come into Jerusalem in time of siege were great engineering feats. We may not be able to do much about events that are happening around us, but we can prepare ourselves and those who come after us for eventualities that may be in the future. It is true, "the coming of the Lord draweth near," but we do not know the length of time between now and then. We need to live with the conscious knowledge that the Lord may come today, and work with awareness that He may not come for a long time yet. Our children and grandchildren may even grow old. It is our responsibility to teach them how to live and please God in whatever situation they are placed.
The death of Hezekiah closed an era of effective leadership that has not been experienced in Israel since. His son who followed him as the ruler of Judah was a man notable for the evil he did. How can one explain why the children of God-fearing parents go the opposite way from what they were taught? We cannot explain that, but lest believing parents of unbelieving children despair, remember God is able to do for them what we cannot do. The only person I can change is myself. It is up to me to conduct my life in the way God wants under His divine leadership. Hopefully I will be able to influence those around me for good - but what they do with truth, peace, God, righteousness and God offered salvation is up to them as they come to maturity. "God our Savior will have all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth."
2Kings 20:1. “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.”
SET IN ORDER. We have decisions to make – consequences to consider – The effects of which make things come together or scatter To the four winds of chance if we do not choose wisely These matters to be urgent and act on them timely.
At the beginning of life order needs to be taught – For important things will be overlooked if we expect them to be caught. Whether it be parents or teachers, or maybe some others There is discipline we learn when things are in order.
Then we go out on our own as the years pass us by – And self-discipline and orderliness are not things we can buy. To act with discretion and orderly planning takes time – But it pays big dividends when the convictions are mine.
As old age approaches, we should take time to plan – For the things that are important and what to leave behind. Our reputation has been formed but others have a right to know What to expect when it is my time to go.
When that time comes for me to bid farewell – If things are in order no one will have to try to tell What I meant to be done or who gets what – Because that was already done before my life’s door was shut.
If things are set in order in every phase of my life – I will have avoided much that potentially causes strife. And perhaps there will be a memory every now and then Of a man who in an orderly way previously considered them.
“Father, the things I need to be aware of and put in order are coming to my mind a little bit at a time. I am praying for a sense of order to be granted me that I may not leave a lot of unattended business for others to attend to when Thou dost call me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”