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2 Kings 20 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Through all of Hezekiah’s successes, we finally come to a weakness. It is a strange chapter in which many commentators are divided with their analysis.
In this story, God speaks to Hezekiah four times. The first of these revelations informs Hezekiah that he will die from the disease he is suffering from. The beauty of what follows is that the Lord shows mercy on Hezekiah. The text literally reads, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. I will heal you.” This is an amazing revelation into the response of our God during times of extreme grief and suffering.
Isaiah returns and informs Hezekiah he will be given 15 more years. This leads to a critically important question that will be answered by the text later.
Why did Hezekiah want to live longer?
Think about it. Why do you want to live a long, healthy life? Honestly, most people would say they want to spend time enjoying life with their family and friends. They want to see their grandkids grow up. They want to retire and be able to relax. None of this is sinful. That’s not my point. The real question becomes, are these things I’ve just mentioned the only reason for living a long, healthy life? More importantly, are they the primary reason for living a long, healthy life?
The story continues and reveals what Hezekiah did in the remaining time given to him by God. He met with the Babylonians and showed off his wealth. Was this sinful? Maybe. Was it foolish? Absolutely! Isaiah then confirms a message from God. Because the king has done this, all that is in his house will be carried off to Babylon including some of his sons.
To this Hezekiah responds…
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good,” for he thought: Why not, if there will be peace and security during my lifetime?
2 Kings 20:19 HCSB
I have to admit, when I first read Hezekiah’s response, I had to read it again. Did he really just say that? Does it mean what I think it means? Yes and yes.
Even if we give Hezekiah the benefit of the doubt and assume that he was accepting the Lord’s rebuke as “good,” his follow-up statement puts into perspective his attitude from the beginning. He was thinking of himself.
So let’s go back to the original question posed. Why did Hezekiah want to live another 15 years? Was it because he desired to give those 15 years to the Lord for the advancement of God’s glory… or was it all about Hezekiah? To me, we pick up several cues in this chapter that indicate a selfish attitude. The obscure statement to Isaiah in verse 19 is obvious, however, why did he desire to show off his riches to Babylon? The text reads, “he showed them his whole treasure house.” What else does it say? His armory. His oils. His treasuries.
His life. His 15 years. His kingdom. Look, Hezekiah was a God-fearing man. He was a good king. But the Bible is clear that even those who commit their ways to the Lord are susceptible to becoming selfish and comfortable. It begs the question, what are we really living for? This is a tough word. There are many days where I look over my day and consider how selfish I’ve been. An ungrateful heart is a breeding ground for selfish behavior, and we have all experienced it. Jesus, as always, gets directly to the heart of the issue.
The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:25-26 HCSB
What are you building… a storehouse of treasure here or a storehouse of treasure in eternity?