In our study of Proverbs, we come to chapters 25 to 29. The beginning of this section of Proverbs reads: “These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied” (Proverbs 25:1). Knowing that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), I wondered why this notation was important. So, I went in search of those scripture which could tell me more about King Hezekiah. What I found was that he was a man who obeyed God. “For he held fast to the Lord: he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses” (2 Kings 18:6). The result? “7 The Lord was with him; he prospered wherever he went.” (2 Kings 18:7).
Perhaps that is why we should look closely at which Proverbs of Solomon were dear to him. Oh, perhaps you would think, after all he was King of God’s chosen people, what could go wrong? Well, if you think that, you have forgotten the history of “God’s people” who constantly rebelled, chased after idols, and were like lost sheep who could never find their way. Furthermore, he became King over an exceedingly small nation surrounded by large powerful nations. His father and grandfather had been very wicked kings, promoting idolatry, making foolish treaties with evil empires, and paying for the treaties with all the money while impoverishing their people.
So, one might think he would be popular among the people? Well, not so much. They had grown accustomed to worshipping other gods, desiring the idols and their own sin. Here came King Hezekiah to tear down all the altars, restore the temple, and to defy the purchased allies.
So, What Happened Next?
Well, God did bring revival because King Hezekiah followed these three principles of revival.
- Revival first seeks God and His will
- All “in”—with heart, mind, and soul always searching for God.
- Study and follow the Word of God in detail. Do things the way God says in His word. Seek to know His heart. Desire to follow His commands, His way.
So, with all that, King Hezekiah did restore the nation for a time. But like frequently happens in life, he had a moment of fear when he decided to pay Assyria for protection. They came then, once the money was gone, to overtake a city-a stronghold. If that were not the worst of it. When all seemed to be turning upside down in King Hezekiah’s world. He became ill. The prophet Isaiah came to tell him to put his house in order; because, he would surely die quickly. So, what did he do? He prayed. God then promised him 16 more years of life and protected the city from the Assyrians, giving them the victory.
Joy and Peace Amid Trials
Yet, King Hezekiah knew it was God’s grace that saved Judah and himself. He later said, “ Indeed it was for my own peace
That I had great bitterness;
But You have lovingly delivered my soul from the pit of corruption,
For You have cast all my sins behind Your back.” Isaiah 38:17
Sounds somewhat like Joseph nearing the end of his life, “ Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke [a]kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19).
Or Paul, when nearing the end of his life. Having been beaten, imprisoned and even forsaken by the very people he tried to save. He wrote this to Timothy,
“3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the [a]genuine faith that is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:3-5).
They all knew this: their joy was in God. As they saw the fruits of obeying God in the harsh, painful times—they rested in Sovereignty and what He accomplished through their suffering and pain.
Oh, that we could do the same. Seeing our suffering as an opportunity for joy as we watch Him complete His work through our humble obedience to His word.
Obeying God
Thus, Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the Lord his God. (2 Chronicles 31:20). Therefore, it was said of King Hezekiah,
“5 He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses.” (2 Kings 18).
This was said of King Hezekiah because there was none like him in obedience. His son and grandson both returned the country to evil. Then, his great grandson Josiah loved the lord and it was said of him,
25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
Yet, the nation
26 Nevertheless the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath, with which His anger was aroused against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him. 27 And the Lord said, “I will also remove Judah from My sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, ‘My name shall be there.’ ”
King Hezekiah known for his obedience like no other. His great grandson, known for his love of God like no other. Yet, the nation still was taken captive by the Babylonians for they chose to remain unfaithful, despite these two kings who gave it there all.
Where do we stand today?
Let’s now look at Proverbs 25 through 29 with that light in mind—to seek to love God with all our heart, mind and soul while obeying God in all He commands, then trusting Him with the consequences wherever that may lead us.
If our nation would truly turn to obeying God and loving Him with all their hearts, minds and souls we would prosper spiritually, morally, and emotionally. But that begins with each one of us. Are you seeking Him and are you obeying God by studying His word and praying that His will be done in your life? Do you see His handiwork even in the trials and rejoice in all that He has done?
Concluding thought:
With Jesus as our true friend, how can we not prove ourselves to be His true friend. Reflecting Him to all the world, that they might come to know Him.
“Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come,
And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1 (AMP)
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2020
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