MPV Commentary

Hezekiah's Life Lengthened.

In those days Hezekiah fell ill, and his condition was severe. Given that his reign lasted twenty-nine years (2Ki 18:2) and the Assyrian invasion occurred in the fourteenth year of his rule (2Ki 18:13), it is clear that this illness took place during the same year as the Syrian invasion. The historian's account of Sennacherib's attack precedes the story about Hezekiah's illness, following a common pattern in the sacred narrative.

Set your house in order, for you will die and not live. This message from Isaiah was more than just a personal warning to Hezekiah; it concerned the state of his kingdom, as he had no son to succeed him (compare 2Ki 20:6 with 2Ki 21:1).

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, seeking a better opportunity for prayer. This action was not driven by frustration or discontent, but rather a desire to focus on his spiritual well-being.

Remember now how I have walked before you, and how faithful I have been in keeping your covenant. Hezekiah's thoughts were guided by the promise made to David and his successors (1Ki 8:25). He had kept the conditions of this promise as faithfully as human weakness allowed, and he was confident that God would honor His word.

Before Isaiah left the middle court of the royal castle, the prophet returned with a message from God. The Lord assured Hezekiah that He was mindful of His promise to David and would fulfill it in Hezekiah's life. This included not only the prolongation of his life but also deliverance from the Assyrian threat.

On the third day, Hezekiah made a complete recovery from his illness, demonstrating the miraculous nature of his healing (see his thanksgiving song, Isa 38:9). The exact cause of his disease is unknown, and there is no indication that a plague was raging in Jerusalem at the time.