4.14 2 Kings 18-21

Sharon Knox

4.14.2020

2 Kings 18-21

Summarize what you read in one paragraph:

In Chapters 18-21, Hezekiah becomes king of Judah at the age of 25 years old. Unlike his father Ahaz, who was wicked, Hezekiah was “faithful to the Lord and never disobeyed Him” (2 Kings 18:6 GNT). He followed the example of his grandfather David. He had a very close relationship with God and trusted and obeyed Him.  During his reign, he completely destroyed anything in the land that was against God including the high places, idols, and pagan altars. Not only was he dealing with wickedness within Judah but received a letter about being invaded and destroyed by the Assyrians. In 2 Kings 19, Hezekiah goes to the temple and pours out his heart before the Lord. God responds and sends the Angel of the Lord to put to death 185,000 Assyrians.  In 2 Kings 20, Hezekiah becomes ill and was told by Isaiah he was to die. Again Hezekiah prayed to the Lord and God added 15 years to his life. Hezekiah’s life was characterized by his faithfulness and trusting in God. His son Manasseh was evil, however, and rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah destroyed and undid the good that he had done (2 Kings 21:2-9).

What is one key verse?

2 Kings 20:2-3

“Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord,  ‘Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.’ And Hezekiah wept bitterly.”

How does what you read change your vision of God?

Reading these chapters reminds me that God is ALWAYS faithful to his promises even when we are not. In 2 Kings 19, He delivered Israel from the Assyrians when and how he said he would, even though they clearly did not deserve it and had been disobedient, worshipping and sacrificing to other gods. 2 Timothy 2:13 says “if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” Faithful is who He is!

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

I have learned that the righteousness or unrighteousness of one person can change the course of a nation. Hezekiah’s righteousness and conviction lead to Israel’s deliverance. Manasseh’s wickedness and rebellion lead to their destruction.

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

Hezekiah had “wholehearted devotion” (2Kings 20:3). He completely destroyed ALL of the idols and high places in the kingdom, anything that was against God. He also went straight to God in the midst of the chaos.  Like him, I want “wholehearted devotion” and to completely destroy anything in me that is not pleasing to God, even those “high places”, those untouchable places, the “pet” sins that I try to hold on to. I also want to go to God in the midst of the chaos and lay my heart and my burdens before Him. I know He is the only one who can save me!

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

Like Hezekiah, Jesus was completely obedient to God and did everything that He wanted to, even to the point of death. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross” Philippians 2:8