Justin Houtz

2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38-39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2

DateVersionReading Plan
July 23, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

2 Kings 20

Observation & Interpretation

The chapter depicts the end of Hezekiah’s reign, following the death of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, by his two sons. Hezekiah became sick with an illness that would take his life, but when he prayed for the LORD to remember his faithfulness, the LORD healed him and gave him fifteen more years of life (2 Kings 20:1-7). The sign of the healing was of God causing the shadow of the sundial to go back ten steps (2 Kings 20:8-11).

Then is recorded how Merodach-baladan, the king of Bablyon at the time, sent envoys with letters to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:12). Hezekiah welcomed them, showed them all of the treasures in the storehouses (2 Kings 20:13). Isaiah the prophet then asked Hezekiah about the men, Hezekiah told him what he had shown the men (2 Kings 20:14-15). Isaiah proceeded to tell Hezekiah that there would come a day in which everything would be taken and carried off by Babylon, even some of his own sons who would be eunuchs in the palace of Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18). Hezekiah affirmed the words of Isaiah and responded with satisfaction that these things would not happen in his lifetime (2 Kings 20:19).

The chapter ends with description of how these deeds of Hezekiah and all that he did are also written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. Hezekiah slept with his fathers and Manasseh succeeded him as king of Judah (2 Kings 20:20-21).

Application

Hezekiah was among the good kings of Judah and the LORD was gracious to grant him fifteen more years of life, but he was by no means perfect. He was mistaken in showing the messengers of Babylon all the treasures of his storehouses, “Doubtless his real purpose was to strengthen his ties with Judah against Assyria.” (BBC). It is crucial to see this because however blameless we can perceive one to be, there still remains a sin nature to which they can succumb. Only by God’s grace and the work of the Holy Spirit are we able to operate in such a way that blesses, honors and glorifies our Lord. This also compels us to look to the One who is perfect in every way. Jesus is the true and righteous Hezekiah whose treasure in Himself He bestows freely to those whom the Father has given. May God’s people rejoice in this truth and seek the treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.

Resources