In his three great “episodes” of prayer, at least the three Scripture seems to emphasize, Hezekiah progresses marvelously, matures in his relationship with God.
At first (the Assyrian attack) he does not pray himself, but sends for Isaiah the Prophet to do so. To seek God’s deliverance for the nation. At the second event (the actual Assyrian occupation) Hezekiah does pray, passionately, in the Temple. “Spreading” the problem before the Lord! And then (at his sickness) the man prayed from the confines of his own home, the palace. And God heard and answered too!
That is maturing prayer. The King gets more and more personally involved in the intercession. He grows closer and closer to the Lord.
Then, the basis for the title to today’s Lesson, after God spared Hezekiah’s life, adding 15 years thereto … the King burst into praise!
Here are some excerpts from his prayer, his psalm!
It is recorded twice in Scripture, that important in the eyes of God, 2nd Kings 20 and Isaiah 38.
God told Isaiah the Prophet: “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” Isaiah 38:5
Then the King chimes, apparently knowing all had not been right with God: “Thou (Lord) hast cast all my sins behind thy back.” That sounds Pauline! Evangelical!
This too from Hezekiah’s lips: “The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.” Isaiah 38:19, praising God and teaching the young folks!
Music too: “The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.” Isaiah 38:20
This too, in the “healing” process … “medicine” was used as well. As prescribed by Isaiah! “For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.” Isaiah 38:21
Yet God, and God alone … is credited, thanked, honored for the wellness that came!
Take the pills.
Worship the Lord!
Hezekiah, so very “human.”
Yet a good King!
One who “grew” in his prayer life!
May we learn more and more ourselves … in the “school of prayer!”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell