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2 Kings 20

21 verses

TL;DR

Hezekiah, king of Judah, is gravely ill, but the prophet Isaiah brings a divine promise of healing and extended life, while also warning of impending Babylonian judgment.

Summary

In chapter 20, Hezekiah’s sickness is foretold by Isaiah, who brings a message that God will heal him and add fifteen years to his life. The prophet declares that Hezekiah can trust in a visible sign: the shadow on the sundial will shift by ten degrees. Despite the promise of health, Isaiah also prophesies that all of Hezekiah’s treasures and future generations will be taken to Babylon and that his sons will become servants of that king. Hezekiah’s openness is shown when he offers the Babylonian envoy a tour of his wealth, yet Isaiah predicts that even these riches will be confiscated. The chapter concludes with a brief note that Hezekiah’s reign ended with his death, and his son Manasseh succeeded him. This passage juxtaposes divine mercy with judgment, underscoring the certainty of God’s sovereign plans.

Outline
  1. Hezekiah’s illness and Isaiah’s prophetic visit
  2. The divine promise of healing and a symbolic sign
  3. Prophecy of Babylonian captivity and judgment
Themes
Divine mercy and healingProphetic judgment and certaintyTrust and obedience
Keywords
illnesshealingprophecyshadowcaptivityJudahAssyriaBabyloncovenanttrust
People
HezekiahIsaiahBaladanBerodachbaladanManassehDavid
Places
JerusalemBabylonAssyria
Things
figssundial shadowsilvergoldspicesointmentarmorpoolconduit
Key Verses
  • 2 Kings 20:6: God promises healing and an additional fifteen years.
  • 2 Kings 20:10-11: The sign of the shifting shadow as a tangible confirmation.
  • 2 Kings 20:17: The ominous prophecy of all treasures and offspring taken to Babylon.
Questions
  • What does the shifting shadow reveal about God’s communication with humanity?
  • How do the promises of healing and the warning of judgment coexist in this narrative?
  • What lessons can modern readers draw from Hezekiah’s openness to revealing his treasures to foreign envoys?
  • In what ways does this chapter emphasize the sovereignty of God over both deliverance and judgment?
  • How does Isaiah’s role as prophet shape the king’s response to divine messages?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains hopeful promise of healing but also stark warning of impending judgment.