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2 Chronicles 31 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
What we notice about the kings of the past two books (1 & 2 Chronicles) is that their actions are described in detail. Generally speaking, the kings either followed the Lord and backed it by the way they led personally and corporately, or, they compromised. It’s something to consider that what the kings said is not really focused on. That’s because talk is cheap. When it came to following through, the writer of Chronicles wanted us to know that the posture of the heart is what leads to faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
No king was perfect. As I’ve written before, the standard for what every king was measured by would be the life of David. As we know, he failed as well. The difference was, David came in repentance and truly longed to be restored by God. He pursued God with all his heart.
Hezekiah was a man who practiced what he preached.
“Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God. 21 Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.”
2 Chronicles 31:20-21 NASB
2 Kings says it this way…
“He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him.”
2 Kings 18:5 NASB
Every work which he began was done according to God with a fullness of heart. Did you catch that? There was no compromise. Interestingly, Hezekiah was so faithful that many Jews today maintain that the prophecies of Isaiah speak about him instead of Jesus. We know by the consistency of Scripture that this cannot possibly be true because Hezekiah, like David, did make a terrible decision later in life.
However, my point is simple. The overall body of work that is Hezekiah’s life is an example of how we must not compromise on what God has asked of us.
I recently had a conversation with an individual where accountability was needed. My challenge to this person was to question whether or not they were following through with what God had required of them. It was not a matter of what I thought of this situation. I could throw my opinion around all day long and it would not produce obedience unless inspired by the Holy Spirit. So, I deferred to what God was asking.
Regardless of what your friends or your family or your pastor thinks, if the Lord is placing something on your heart and you are ignoring it, that’s an issue. We must not compromise. My prayer for you is that the Lord would wrestle you down with whatever he is speaking to you right now. Jesus, lead us to a place where we do not resist your conviction in our lives.