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2 Kings 20

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‹ Chapter 19 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

1 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’" 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3 “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for My sake and for the sake of My servant David.’" 7 Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” So they brought it and applied it to the boil, and Hezekiah recovered. 8 Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?" 9 And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?" 10 “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps." 11 So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz. 12 At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah, for he had heard about Hezekiah’s illness. 13 And Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory—all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 14 Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon." 15 “What have they seen in your palace?” Isaiah asked. “They have seen everything in my palace,” answered Hezekiah. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them." 16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD: 17 The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD. 18 And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood, will be taken away to be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." 19 But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?" 20 As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 21 And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh reigned in his place.

‹ Chapter 19 2 Kings — All Chapters Chapter 21 ›

Study Notes — 2 Kings 20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with Hezekiah's illness and his prayer to God for healing. God hears Hezekiah's prayer and sends the prophet Isaiah to tell him that he will be healed. Hezekiah asks for a sign, and Isaiah tells him that the shadow on the sundial will move backward. The chapter also records the visit of the Babylonian envoys to Hezekiah and his decision to show them all his treasure, which leads to Isaiah's prophecy of the future Babylonian conquest of Judah. The chapter ends with Hezekiah's response to the prophecy and his trust in God's faithfulness.

Context for the Chapter

2 Kings 20 is part of the larger narrative of 2 Kings, which records the history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The chapter is set in the context of the Assyrian invasion of Judah and the prophecy of the future Babylonian conquest. It highlights God's faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him, and serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer, faith, and obedience in the life of a believer.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey His commands, even in the face of adversity. It reminds us of the importance of prayer and humility in our relationship with God, and serves as a call to dependence on Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about King Hezekiah's faith and obedience in the face of adversity. Hezekiah prays to God for healing, and God responds by sending the prophet Isaiah to tell him that he will be healed. The chapter also records the prophecy of the future Babylonian conquest of Judah. Hezekiah's story encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey His commands, even when things seem difficult. (2 Kings 20:1-5)

Voices from the Church

“"Faith is the foot of the soul by which it stands, and by which it walks."”

— Charles Spurgeon

“"The prayers of the faithful are not in vain, for God hears them and grants their requests."”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer (20:1-3) — Hezekiah becomes ill and prays to God for healing. This section highlights Hezekiah's humility and dependence on God.
  2. God's Response to Hezekiah's Prayer (20:4-7) — God hears Hezekiah's prayer and sends Isaiah to tell him that he will be healed. This section emphasizes God's faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him.
  3. The Sign of the Sundial (20:8-11) — Hezekiah asks for a sign, and Isaiah tells him that the shadow on the sundial will move backward. This section highlights God's power and faithfulness.
  4. The Visit of the Babylonian Envoys (20:12-15) — The Babylonian envoys visit Hezekiah, and he shows them all his treasure. This section sets the stage for the prophecy of the future Babylonian conquest of Judah.
  5. The Prophecy of the Babylonian Conquest (20:16-19) — Isaiah prophesies that the Babylonians will conquer Judah and take away all of Hezekiah's treasure. This section emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and trust in His faithfulness.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the nations and the lives of individuals. This is seen in His response to Hezekiah's prayer and His control over the Assyrian invasion.
The Importance of Prayer
The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, as seen in Hezekiah's prayer for healing and God's response to it.
The Faithfulness of God
The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His response to Hezekiah's prayer and His promises to Judah.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah.

Lessons from 2 Kings 20

  1. The Importance of Humility — Hezekiah's humility and willingness to pray to God for healing are notable aspects of the chapter. This humility is seen in his recognition of his own limitations and his dependence on God.
  2. The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the power of prayer in the life of a believer, as seen in Hezekiah's prayer for healing and God's response to it.
  3. The Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His response to Hezekiah's prayer and His promises to Judah.
  4. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah.
  5. The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey His commands, even in the face of adversity.

Themes from 2 Kings 20

  1. Faith and Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer, as seen in Hezekiah's prayer for healing and his decision to trust in God's faithfulness.
  2. God's Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His response to Hezekiah's prayer and His promises to Judah.
  3. The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the power of prayer in the life of a believer, as seen in Hezekiah's prayer for healing and God's response to it.
  4. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, as seen in the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah.
  5. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over all things, including the nations and the lives of individuals.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Hezekiah's example of prayer and faith in the face of adversity?
  2. How does God's response to Hezekiah's prayer demonstrate His faithfulness and mercy?
  3. What is the significance of the sign of the sundial in the chapter?
  4. How does the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah relate to the larger narrative of the Old Testament?
  5. What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and relationships with God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer (20:1-3)

20:1 Hezekiah becomes ill and prays to God for healing. This verse highlights Hezekiah's humility and dependence on God.
20:2 Hezekiah turns his face to the wall and prays to God, recognizing his own limitations and his need for God's mercy.

2. God's Response to Hezekiah's Prayer (20:4-7)

20:4 Before Isaiah has gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord comes to him. This verse highlights God's faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him.
20:5 God hears Hezekiah's prayer and sends Isaiah to tell him that he will be healed. This verse emphasizes God's power and faithfulness.

3. The Sign of the Sundial (20:8-11)

20:8 Hezekiah asks for a sign, and Isaiah tells him that the shadow on the sundial will move backward. This verse highlights God's power and faithfulness.
20:9 Hezekiah asks if the shadow should move forward or backward, and Isaiah tells him that it will move backward. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things.

4. The Visit of the Babylonian Envoys (20:12-15)

20:12 The Babylonian envoys visit Hezekiah, and he shows them all his treasure. This verse sets the stage for the prophecy of the future Babylonian conquest of Judah.
20:13 Hezekiah shows the envoys all his treasure, including the silver and gold in his storehouses. This verse highlights Hezekiah's wealth and prosperity.

5. The Prophecy of the Babylonian Conquest (20:16-19)

20:16 Isaiah prophesies that the Babylonians will conquer Judah and take away all of Hezekiah's treasure. This verse warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
20:17 Isaiah tells Hezekiah that the Babylonians will carry away all his descendants and make them eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. This verse emphasizes the severity of God's judgment on those who disobey Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Hezekiah's illness in the chapter?

Hezekiah's illness serves as a catalyst for his prayer to God and God's response to it, highlighting God's faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him. (2 Kings 20:1-5)

What is the meaning of the sign of the sundial in the chapter?

The sign of the sundial is a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in His ability to move the shadow backward. (2 Kings 20:8-11)

Why does Hezekiah show the Babylonian envoys all his treasure?

Hezekiah shows the envoys all his treasure in an attempt to impress them and form an alliance with Babylon, but this ultimately leads to the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah. (2 Kings 20:12-15)

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Kings 20:1 → Psalm 38:1-4 Both passages deal with the theme of prayer and faith in the face of illness and adversity.
2 2 Kings 20:5 → Isaiah 38:5 Both passages record God's response to Hezekiah's prayer, highlighting His faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him.
3 2 Kings 20:8 → Joshua 10:12-14 Both passages deal with the theme of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in His ability to control the sun and the shadow on the sundial.
4 2 Kings 20:12 → Isaiah 39:1-2 Both passages record the visit of the Babylonian envoys to Hezekiah and the subsequent prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah.
5 2 Kings 20:16 → Jeremiah 25:1-14 Both passages deal with the theme of God's judgment on Judah and the consequences of disobedience to His commands.
6 2 Kings 20:17 → Daniel 1:1-7 Both passages deal with the theme of the Babylonian conquest of Judah and the subsequent exile of the Jews.
7 2 Kings 20:18 → Ezekiel 19:1-9 Both passages deal with the theme of God's judgment on Judah and the consequences of disobedience to His commands.
8 2 Kings 20:19 → Matthew 1:1-17 Both passages deal with the theme of God's faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
9 2 Kings 20:1-5 → John 1:1-14 Both passages deal with the theme of God's power and faithfulness, as seen in the creation of the world and the healing of Hezekiah.
10 2 Kings 20:12-15 → Acts 2:1-47 Both passages deal with the theme of God's sovereignty over all things, including the nations and the lives of individuals.

Sermons on 2 Kings 20

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Kings 17-25 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses how people often pursue things that are empty and unfulfilling, leading to temporary moments of excitement and pleasure but no lasting happine
Carter Conlon Many of God’s People Are Coming Home by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of living a purposeful life, especially when faced with the knowledge of having only 15 years left. He emphasizes the need to
R. Edward Miller Audio Sermon: No Tears by R. Edward Miller This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God to break through our emotional barriers, encouraging the expression of genuine emotions before God. It highlights the signific
Zac Poonen (Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo
David Ravenhill Anatomy of a Prophetic Word by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill discusses the importance of understanding the prophetic word, emphasizing the need for a balance between the Word of God and the Spirit of God. He highlights the co
E.A. Adeboye Plead Your Case by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye preaches on the power of prayer and presenting our cases before God in times of trouble. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's intervention through prayer, cit
Thomas Brooks I Have Seen Your Tears by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of tears in the lives of God's people, illustrating how their heartfelt cries can move God to action. He reflects on the message from 2 Kings 20:
Walter Wilson Whose Tears? by Walter Wilson Walter Wilson preaches about the significance of tears as seen through the eyes of a chemist, a pastor, and a police officer, emphasizing how tears reflect the bleeding of a broken
Watchman Nee Tears and Prayers by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes the power of tearful prayers, illustrating how God acknowledges our sorrows as He did with Hezekiah, who prayed and wept, prompting God's response. He highl

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 20

In this chapter, we see the faith and obedience of King Hezekiah in the face of adversity. Hezekiah's illness and prayer to God for healing serve as a catalyst for God's response, highlighting His faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him. The sign of the sundial is a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness, and the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest of Judah serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Throughout the chapter, we see God's sovereignty over all things, including the nations and the lives of individuals. As Matthew Henry notes, 'God's thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways.' (Isaiah 55:8-9) This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to obey His commands, even in the face of adversity. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Hezekiah's Humility

Hezekiah's humility and willingness to pray to God for healing are notable aspects of the chapter. This humility is seen in his recognition of his own limitations and his dependence on God.

God's Faithfulness

The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in His response to Hezekiah's prayer and His promises to Judah. This faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Hezekiah's decision to trust in God's faithfulness despite the prophecy of the Babylonian conquest.

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