King Hezekiah lived an eventful and remarkable life. Regarded as one of the greatest kings of Judah, Hezekiah’s faith and devotion to God brought about significant religious reforms, deliverance from enemy forces, and a miraculous recovery from a near-death experience. But have you ever wondered, how old was he when he died and what is the significance of his age at the time of his death? In this blog post, we delve into the life of King Hezekiah and uncover the relevance of his age in the larger context of biblical history.
As we explore this intriguing aspect of Hezekiah’s life, we will see the connections between his faith and actions, the power and mercy of God, and the implications of his life lessons for Christians today. So, let’s dive in and discover the revealing insights into the life and age of King Hezekiah at the time of his death, as well as the lessons we can draw from his story.
Key Takeaways
- Hezekiah was 54 years old when he died (2 Kings 20:6, 2 Kings 18:2).
- His faith and devotion to God brought about significant religious reforms.
- Hezekiah serves as an example of faith in God’s deliverance and healing power.
- It’s crucial to recognize the connection between our faith and actions.
- We must exhibit humility and dependence on God in challenging times.
King Hezekiah
Hezekiah’s Life and Rule as King of Judah
Hezekiah was the son of King Ahaz, and he began ruling the kingdom of Judah at 25 years of age (2 Kings 18:2). Unlike his father Ahaz, who led the people towards idolatry, Hezekiah instituted significant religious reforms and encouraged the people to worship the one true God of Israel – Yahweh.
Hezekiah’s first primary act was to repair and reopen the Temple of the LORD. He removed idols and pagan shrines throughout the kingdom, emphasizing the need for true worship and the rejection of false gods (2 Chronicles 29-31). He restored the Passover celebration and reestablished the Levitical priesthood, which his father had neglected, aiming to draw the people back to a relationship with God.
A Test of Faith: The Assyrian Invasion
Hezekiah’s faith in God was tested when the king of Assyria, Sennacherib, invaded Judah. The Assyrians had conquered surrounding nations and demanded tribute payments from the people of Judah, which Hezekiah initially agreed to pay (2 Kings 18:14-16). However, Sennacherib broke his agreement and laid siege to Jerusalem.
Instead of giving in to despair or aligning with other nations for help, Hezekiah prayed to God, and enlisted the prophet Isaiah’s counsel (2 Kings 19:1-35). In response, God miraculously intervened, and the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw from Jerusalem. This event demonstrated Hezekiah’s reliance on God in moments of crisis, and God’s faithfulness in delivering His people.
Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery
Hezekiah faced another challenging situation when he became severely ill. The prophet Isaiah informed him that his death was imminent and advised him to put his affairs in order (2 Kings 20:1). Distressed, Hezekiah prayed to God, reminded Him of his faithfulness, and wept bitterly (2 Kings 20:2-3).
God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and sent Isaiah back to tell him that he would be healed and given another 15 years to live (2 Kings 20:4-6). As a sign of God’s assurance, the shadow on the sundial retreated ten steps, a supernatural occurrence (2 Kings 20:7-11). Hezekiah’s story serves as an example of faith in God’s healing power, and trusting God in our struggles.
Hezekiah’s Pride and Its Consequences
Despite his devotion to God, Hezekiah was not immune to human failings. After his recovery, he welcomed envoys from Babylon who came to inquire about the miraculous sign that had occurred (2 Kings 20:12-19). Hezekiah proudly displayed his kingdom’s wealth and treasures, failing to give God credit for his blessings and accomplishments.
Isaiah informed Hezekiah that his pride would lead to the exile of his descendants to Babylon (2 Kings 20:16-18). Although Hezekiah humbly accepted this judgment, his actions served as a reminder that pride can hinder our relationship with God, and all achievements and blessings must be credited to Him alone.
How Old Was Hezekiah When He Died?
According to the Bible, Hezekiah ruled for a total of 29 years before he breathed his last. Based on the biblical account, we know he was 25 when he began to reign (2 Kings 18:2), and since he was given an additional 15 years after his near-death experience (2 Kings 20:6), we can ascertain that he died at the age of 54.
Conclusion
The life and age of King Hezekiah offer valuable lessons for Christians today. His accomplishments and sins serve as reminders of the importance of faith, godly actions, and humility.
Hezekiah’s 54 years were filled with significance, and his life demonstrates the power of trusting in God during our trials and tribulations. His dependence on God serves as an example and a call for us to turn to the LORD in every circumstance, leaning on His strength and guidance.
Finally, the lessons from Hezekiah’s life strongly encourage us to maintain a humble heart, recognizing that all our achievements, blessings, and opportunities come from the Lord. As we walk with the LORD, let us remember the life and age of King Hezekiah and strive to align our faith and actions to God’s will, serving Him with steadfast devotion.
