2 Kings 20

This week we will consider from 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 & Isaiah 38-39.

Last time we considered Hezekiah's 1st test: The Assyrian invasion of Judah. This week we will consider the other 2 tests: His illness and the envoys from Babylon. As we saw last time 2 Kings 18-20 are not in chronological order. Our chapters this week, 2 Kings 20, et. al., occurred before Sennacherib's 2nd invasion in 2 Kings 18:17.

Hezekiah's illness (2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 & Isaiah 38)

1. What was the reason behind Hezekiah's illness? (2 Chronicles 32:24-26)
2. What did Isaiah say to Hezekiah & what was Hezekiah's response? (2 Kings 20:1-3, Isaiah 38:1-3)
   a. What do you think of Hezekiah's response?
3. What did the Lord speak to Isaiah about healing Hezekiah? (2 Kings 20:4-7, Isaiah 38:4-6 & 21)
   a. What are your thoughts on the Lord's response to Hezekiah?
4. Why do you think Hezekiah asked for a sign? (2 Kings 20:8-11, Isaiah 38:22 & 7-8)
   a. What was the sign and what does it show us of the Lord?
5. In Isaiah, Hezekiah's song after being healed is recorded. (Isaiah 38:9-20)
   a. What does it show us of Hezekiah's heart and character?

Visit by the envoys of Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-19, 2 Chronicles 32:27-31 & Isaiah 39)

Note: During this time Assyria was still the main world power. Babylon's power did not come about until 70 years after the death of Hezekiah, Babylon defeated Assyria and became the new world power. This was during the end of the reign of Josiah.

1. 2 Chronicles 32:27-30 speaks of the diversity and immensity of Hezekiah's prosperity?
   a. What does this speak of a far as God's approval of him?
   b. Do we ever stop and consider the diversity and immensity of how God has blessed us?
2. 2 Chronicles 32:31 says, "God left him alone only to test him that He might know all that was in his heart."
   a. Why would God test Hezekiah? Does Hezekiah pass the test?
   b. I Peter 1:7 & James 1:3 speak of believers being tested. Why does God test believers?
3. What was Hezekiah's motive in showing them all the treasures of Judah? (2 Kings 20:12-13, Isaiah 39:1-2)
4. What was Isaiah's response to Hezekiah's actions? (2 Kings 20:14-18, Isaiah 39:3-7)
   a. When were Isaiah's words fulfilled?
5. What do you think of Hezekiah's response to Isaiah? (2 Kings 20:19, Isaiah 39:8)

Hezekiah's last days and his death ( 2 Kings 20:20-21, 2 Chronicles 32:32-35)

1. What was the pool and the conduit that Hezekiah built? (2 Kings 20:20, 2 Chronicles 32:30)
2. How are the acts of Hezekiah described in 2 Chronicles 32:32?
3. Where was Hezekiah buried and how was this place different from other kings? (2 Chronicles 32:33)
4. What did the people think of Hezekiah? (2 Chronicles 32:33)
   a. What does this tell us of Hezekiah?

In Hezekiah we see one who started strong, whose faith wavered for a moment but then recovered to finish strong. May he be an encouragement to us in these challenging evil days, especially at times when our faith might waver.