God added 15 years to the life of King Hezekiah.
The Divine Prolongation of Hezekiah's Life
King Hezekiah of Judah faced a grave illness that brought him to the brink of death. Distraught, he turned to God in prayer, pleading for his life to be prolonged, remembering his faithful service and sincere devotion. In response to Hezekiah's heartfelt supplication, the prophet Isaiah was sent with a divine message. The Lord promised Hezekiah not only recovery from his illness but also a significant extension of his life.
The Lord's message to Hezekiah was explicit: "I will heal thee: . . . And I will add unto thy days fifteen years." This miraculous intervention underscored God's compassion and responsiveness to the prayers of His righteous servants. The account of this event is a profound testament to faith and divine power, illustrating how God can directly intervene in human affairs.
Context of Hezekiah's Reign
Hezekiah was a king renowned for his piety and his efforts to reform religious practices in Judah, steering his people away from idolatry and back towards the worship of the one true God. His reign was marked by significant religious reforms, including the cleansing of the Temple and the re-establishment of the Passover celebration.
Key aspects of Hezekiah's life related to this event include:
- Serious Illness: Hezekiah was mortally ill, indicated by the prophet Isaiah's initial instruction to set his house in order, as he was going to die.
- Heartfelt Prayer: Hezekiah prayed fervently to God, weeping bitterly, recalling his faithful walk before the Lord.
- Divine Intervention: Before Isaiah had even left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him, turning him back to deliver the message of healing and extended life.
- Sign Given: As a sign that the Lord would fulfill His promise, the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz went back ten steps. This was a supernatural confirmation of the divine miracle.
The Significance of the Miracle
The adding of 15 years to Hezekiah's life is a notable event in biblical history, highlighting several important themes:
- Power of Prayer: It demonstrates the efficacy of earnest and righteous prayer.
- God's Mercy: It showcases God's willingness to show mercy and alter outcomes based on the repentant and faithful heart.
- Divine Sovereignty: While God has a plan, He can also respond to human free will and fervent pleas.
Summary of Hezekiah's Life Extension
To clearly illustrate the details of this event, consider the following summary:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recipient | King Hezekiah of Judah |
| Divine Action | God added 15 years to his life |
| Context | Hezekiah was terminally ill and prayed to God |
| Biblical Reference | Found in 2 Kings 20:5-6 |
| Promise Delivered By | Prophet Isaiah |
| Confirmation Sign | The shadow on the sundial of Ahaz reversed ten steps |
This account serves as a powerful reminder of God's direct involvement in the lives of individuals and His capacity for miraculous healing and intervention.
