CHARACTER LESSON 14: Hezekiah
- Hal Habecker
- May 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Selected Studies in Aging – How Did Characters in the Bible Finish in Life?
Hal Habecker, Finishing Well Ministries
The attached video watching guide below is designed to follow the study. Every Scripture I mention is already included, but please feel free to take your notes as you listen and think about what is being said.”
Hal Habecker
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Lesson intro
HEZEKIAH: The Danger of Self-Focus
Hezekiah's story started well, very well. He became king at age 25 and "did right in the sight of the Lord" (2 Kings 18.1-3). He removed false idols, trusted in the LORD, and clung to Him faithfully.
TERMINAL ILLNESS
When Hezekiah was afflicted with a terminal illness, the prophet Isaiah told him: "Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live" (2 Kings 20.1). Hezekiah prayed desperately, and God responded by giving him 15 more years of life.
MISUSED YEARS
When envoys from Babylon came to visit him after his recovery, Hezekiah showed off all his treasures rather than testifying to God's faithfulness. Isaiah prophesied that all these treasures would one day be carried off to Babylon.
Hezekiah gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart was proud; therefore wrath came on him and Judah and Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 32.25)
What would we do with 15 years if God added them to our lives? Would we live them for ourselves or would we live those extra years for God? Hezekiah's son Manasseh was born during these extra 15 years, yet grew up to be one of Judah's most wicked kings. This suggests that Hezekiah failed to invest spiritually in his son during his extended years.