In the 18th chapter of 2 Kings, it is written of King Hezekiah that “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him (that would, of course, include King David – one whom scripture calls ‘a man after God’s own heart’). For he clave (remained faithful) to the Lord, and departed not from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses. And the Lord was with him, and he prospered whithersoever he went forth…” (see verses 5-7, 2 Kings 18).
In the 39th year of King Hezekiah, we read these words about him: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, came to him and said unto him, ‘Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’ Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, ‘I beseech you, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.’ And Hezekiah wept sore.” (See 2 Kings 20:1-3).
Now note well that the prognosis that King Hezekiah would die was not the prognosis of a mere physician. It was the prognosis of one of God’s most illustrious prophets who actually quotes the Lord, telling King Hezekiah “you shall die, and not live!” Surely all hope of recovery should be abandoned at that point, right? It appears that King Hezekiah had a good understanding of God’s mercy and compassion and willingness to hear and answer the prayers of His faithful followers. He, therefore, does not accept this prognosis as final. He earnestly pleads with the Lord with weeping.
“And it came to pass, before Isaiah was gone out (of the king’s palace) into the middle court that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, thus says the Lord, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto your days fifteen years…'” (See verses 4-6, 2 Kings 20).
Now, of course, if you add fifteen years to the life of a 39 year old king, you quickly discern that King Hezekiah still lived to be only 54 years old. And that tells us something about how God views human life and the length of a human life. To most humans the most critical thing about our lives is the length of our life. One of the greatest blessings afforded us is to live very long lives. But it appears that God looks more at the quality of one’s life rather than the number of our years. And, of course, God knows that when the redeemed die they are but asleep for what, for all purposes, is but a split second, for the very next conscious thought one has is their awakening clothed in immortality, born again in spirit form to live eternally.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley