Third Presbyterian Church Tuesday Bible Study Old ......2011/12/18  · Temptations, Results of— Discouragement, Caused by— Fear, Caused by— Despair, Caused by: When facing a

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Third Presbyterian Church

Tuesday Bible Study

Old Testament Tour – 2 Kings 18

Lesson 94 – Hezekiah Brings Revival

2 Kings 18:1-8 (NIV)

In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. [2]

He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His

mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. [3] He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his

father David had done. [4] He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah

poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been

burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)

[5] Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah,

either before him or after him. [6] He held fast to the Lord and did not cease to follow him; he kept the

commands the Lord had given Moses. [7] And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he

undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. [8] From watchtower to fortified city,

he defeated the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory.

2 Chron. 29:1-11 (NIV)

Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years.

His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. [2] He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as

his father David had done.

[3] In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired

them. [4] He brought in the priests and the Levites, assembled them in the square on the east side [5] and said:

"Listen to me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the temple of the Lord, the God of your

fathers. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary. [6] Our fathers were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of

the Lord our God and forsook him. They turned their faces away from the Lord's dwelling place and turned their

backs on him. [7] They also shut the doors of the portico and put out the lamps. They did not burn incense or

present any burnt offerings at the sanctuary to the God of Israel. [8] Therefore, the anger of the Lord has fallen

on Judah and Jerusalem; he has made them an object of dread and horror and scorn, as you can see with your

own eyes. [9] This is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and why our sons and daughters and our wives

are in captivity. [10] Now I intend to make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger

will turn away from us. [11] My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him

and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense."

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Questions

1. Hezekiah’s father had closed the temple and one of Hezekiah’s first order of

restoration/revival was reopening the temple. Speak specifically what you would do or

how you would feel if all churches were closed.

2. Think of Revival.

A. What has to happen personally in order for personal revival?

B. What has to happen corporately to experience revival as a church?

C. Do you feel either your personally or the church needs revival? Why or why not?

3. The symbol of the mercy of God the bronze snake that Moses had made was destroyed by

Hezekiah? Why?

A. How is it possible for symbols of Christian faith and history to become idols to us?

B. Can you think of something that is holy yet misplaced and worshipped as an idol

that needs to be destroyed in order for revival to take place in your life personally

or corporately as a church?

4. What do we need to do whenever a thing or person becomes an idol to us?

5. What was difficult about what Hezekiah did in obeying God?

6. Why is obedience to God’s commands part and parcel of truly worshiping Him?

A. How does disobedience to God’s commands or “somewhat repentance” undermine

our ability to truly worship?

7. In what way is it difficult to serve God?

8. What can you do this week to remind yourself that God is above all things and people in

your life?

9. What difficult Christian responsibility do you want to fulfill more consistently?

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A. The Righteous Reign of Hezekiah (Part 1)—Assyria's Invasion of Judah: A Man Who Trusted and

Held Fast to the Lord, 18:1-37

(18:1-37) Introduction— Hold Fast, Failure to— Steadfast, Failure to Be— Trials, Results of—

Temptations, Results of— Discouragement, Caused by— Fear, Caused by— Despair, Caused by: When

facing a serious trial, how often has fear gripped your heart, your knees buckled, and your courage disappeared?

How often have you been gripped with despair or felt utter discouragement? And when facing a temptation, has

your will to withstand ever collapsed? Did you give in to the seduction when the appeal was just too enticing?

Did you allow your flesh to be aroused, your passion to run wild to the point that you could no longer resist or

refuse?

Standing tall and holding fast for the LORD—being a real man or woman—is the great practical lesson of this

Scripture. This is the story of Hezekiah, perhaps the greatest king who ever ruled the Southern Kingdom of

Judah. In God's sovereignty, He knew that a strong, righteous king would need to be upon the throne of Judah

right after the fall of Israel, right after the Northern Kingdom collapsed under the assault of Assyria. Thus, God

moved to turn the heart of a young man to the LORD, a young man who was reared in one of the most ungodly

environments imaginable. Although the godly reign of Hezekiah would not stop the tide of wickedness from

flowing throughout Judah, it would significantly delay the hand of God's judgment from falling upon the

Southern Kingdom. Judah would not fall to Babylon for over 100 years. Note this fact: after the fall of the

Northern Kingdom, the Southern Kingdom of Judah is often given the ancient name of Israel. This fact needs to

be kept in mind as the remaining kings are studied. This is: The Righteous Reign of Hezekiah (Part 1)—

Assyria's Invasion of Judah: A Man Who Trusted and Held Fast to the LORD, 18:1-37.

1. The righteous life of Hezekiah: the picture of a man totally devoted and committed to the Lord (v.1-12).

2. The invasion of Judah by the Assyrian king Sennacherib: a decision demanded to trust the power of man

or of God (v.13-37).

1. (18:1-12) Commitment, Example of— Dedication, Example of— Devotion, to the LORD, Example of—

Righteousness, Example of— Hezekiah, King of Judah— Israel, Fall of— Northern Kingdom of Israel,

Fall of: the major feature of Hezekiah's reign was his righteous life before the LORD. He was totally devoted

and committed to the LORD.

1. Hezekiah assumed the throne in the third year of King Hoshea of Israel. Beginning his reign at just 25

years of age, he reigned a total of 29 years (715-686 B.C.). Apparently, he spent 14 years of his reign as co-

regent with his father Ahaz, then 18 years alone and another 11 years as co-regent with his son Manasseh .

Considering that his father Ahaz was wicked, it is surprising that Hezekiah made a deep, genuine commitment

to the LORD; but he did. He also had one of the most successful reigns among all the kings.

His mother was Abijah, the daughter of a man named Zechariah. Perhaps Zechariah was the godly man who

had advised King Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:5) and served as a witness for the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 8:2). If so, then

Hezekiah's mother was probably a genuine believer who had a righteous influence upon him.

2. Whatever the case, at some point in his life Hezekiah made a deep spiritual commitment to the LORD and

lived a righteous life (2 Kings 18:3-6). Only four kings are said to have followed the godly example of David:

Asa (1 Kings 15:11), Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:43), Josiah (2 Kings 22:2), and Hezekiah (18:3).

Hezekiah launched a reformation throughout the nation that had been unmatched since the days of David and

Solomon. Significantly, he took action that had never before been taken by any king: he aroused the courage to

remove the high places, the false worship sites throughout the nation (2 Kings 18:4-5). Although he knew the

worshippers of false gods would be disturbed and might react, for their own spiritual welfare he destroyed the

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altars and images of the false gods. And note, he also destroyed the bronze snake that had been made by Moses

and preserved down through the years (see outline—• Numbers 21:1-35 and notes—• Numbers 21:1-35 for more

discussion). Obviously the bronze serpent had become such an object of reverence that it was eventually looked

upon as a symbol or image of some god or idol, perhaps even of the LORD. Whatever the case, so many people

worshipped the bronze serpent that it was given a popular name, Nehushtan, which simply means "bronze

thing."

In addition to destroying the worship centers of idols and false gods, Hezekiah carried out several other

major reforms that are recorded in Second Chronicles 29–30. These reforms included:

⇒ immediately opening and repairing the doors of the temple (2 Chron. 29:3)

⇒ immediately cleansing the temple: 1) encouraging the priests to sanctify and set themselves apart to

the LORD in a rededication of their lives, and 2) removing all rubbish and every defiling thing from

the temple (2 Chron. 29:4-19)

⇒ rededicating the temple, reinstituting the regular services (2 Chron. 29:20-36)

⇒ reinstituting the Passover and the Festival or Feast of Unleavened Bread (2 Chron. 30:1-20)

⇒ reaching out to the entire nation—including the people of the Northern Kingdom who had not been

transplanted—challenging everyone to return to the LORD and to join in the great celebration of the

Passover (2 Chron. 30:5-12)

⇒ launching a genuine revival among the entire nation (2 Chron. 30:13-27)

Hezekiah had a great and most unusual trust in the LORD (2 Kings 18:5). Scripture actually says that he

trusted the LORD more than all the kings of the Southern Kingdom. No king before or after him ever trusted the

LORD as much as he did. And unlike some of the other good kings who slipped back into sin or failure,

Hezekiah held fast to the LORD and persevered to the very end (2 Kings 18:6). He was faithful all his life,

always seeking to obey the commandments of God.

3. Because of Hezekiah's strong trust and faithfulness to the LORD, the LORD poured out His blessings upon

him (2 Kings 18:7-8). Above all else, the LORD was with Hezekiah. The LORD granted His presence as the king

walked about serving day by day. Furthermore, the LORD granted success and prosperity in everything

Hezekiah undertook. Filling him with inner strength, the LORD even gave Hezekiah the courage to resist the

oppression of the Assyrians. And keep in mind that the Assyrians were the superpower of that day and that his

father Ahaz had willingly subjected the nation of Judah to Assyria, which meant that they were paying an

annual tribute or tax. Thus, rebelling against the king of Assyria and refusing to pay the tax took enormous

courage on Hezekiah's part, an inner strength seldom seen in rulers. But not only this, Hezekiah began to march

against the Philistines, who were also one of the vassal states of Assyria. In battle after battle, he defeated the

Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory (2 Kings 18:8). Demonstrating an enormous courage that could only

arise from an infilling of God's strength, Hezekiah stood in stark contrast to the spiritually weak and fearful

leaders of the past.

4. When the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell under the Assyrian invasion, Hezekiah faced a dangerous crisis

(2 Kings 18:9-12). Once the Assyrians conquered Samaria, they would then pose a very serious threat to

Hezekiah and Judah. For this reason, the king and the people must remember what happened to the Northern

Kingdom. The capital Samaria collapsed and fell three years after the siege of Assyria began (2 Kings 18:10).

Then the Assyrian king exiled the Israelites, scattering and transplanting them throughout Assyria (2 Kings

18:11). This happened to the Northern Kingdom because of their disobedience to the LORD. They violated their

covenant or promise to the LORD that they would keep His commandments. They refused to listen to God's

commandments, and they refused to obey them. Note how Scripture clearly states that the cause of Israel's

collapse was their disobedience to the LORD. These facts were being repeated by the author of Kings as a

reminder to the readers of his day and future generations: a refusal to keep God's commandments will bring

judgment.

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Thought 1. Hezekiah's commitment to the LORD is a dynamic example for us. Always remember where

he came from, his roots: the most wicked family imaginable. His father Ahaz was probably the most

wicked ruler who ever ruled in the Southern Kingdom. Furthermore, his mother was the daughter of a

wicked king who ruled in Israel. His family was literally steeped in sinful, wicked behavior. Yet despite

being surrounded by a world of evil, Hezekiah rejected the sinful lifestyle of his parents and

surroundings. When he came of age he turned to the LORD, making a deliberate decision to follow the

LORD. Furthermore, throughout the years he grew even closer to the LORD, so close that he is said to

have trusted the LORD more than any other ruler of the Southern Kingdom. He trusted, loved, and was

totally devoted to serving the LORD. What a tremendous example to the people of his generation and to

all generations down through history.

Hezekiah's life stands as a challenges to us today to trust the LORD and to give our hearts to Him. We

should believe the Lord, have faith in Him as our Savior and Master, the One to whom we owe our total

allegiance and loyalty. Our hearts and lives should be devoted to the Lord, totally committed to Him.

Listen to what God's Holy Word demands of us:

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take

up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children,

and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And

whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-

27).

"And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest [be baptized]. And

he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37).

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the

heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye

became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:17-18).

2. (18:13-37) Persecution, by Whom, Enemies— Oppression, by Whom, Spiritual Enemies— Enemies,

Works of, Threats and Oppression— Judah, Wars of, Against Assyria— Assyria, Invasion of Judah:

because of Hezekiah's rebellion against Assyria and his military moves against the Philistines, the Assyrians

eventually turned their attention to Hezekiah. Having conquered all of the Northern Kingdom, they now

invaded Judah. The invasion took place in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, but note: Hezekiah had

expected the invasion by the Assyrians. He had prepared Jerusalem by fortifying the capital, by making more

weapons for the army, and by organizing the citizen's army. He went so far as to stop up the springs outside the

city in order to block or conceal the water supply from the Assyrians (2 Chron. 32:1-6). A dramatic, suspenseful

account of Assyria's invasion and threats against Judah is pictured.

1. The large military campaign was launched by Assyria against the western world of that time, so they

easily conquered all the fortified cities of Judah. According to the historical records of Sennacherib, he captured

46 fortified cities, numerous small towns or villages; captured over 200,000 people; and, through their siege,

trapped Hezekiah in Jerusalem just "like a caged bird."

2. Standing all alone against the mighty Assyrians, Hezekiah was desperate to make peace and to prevent

the Assyrians from attacking Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:14-16). He therefore sent an envoy to the Assyrian king

Sennacherib who was camped at the Judean city Lachish, which he had just captured. If the Assyrian king

would withdraw, Hezekiah offered to surrender and to pay whatever ransom was demanded for peace. Seeing

an opportunity to gain a huge amount of money, Sennacherib demanded 300 talents of silver (11 tons) and 30

talents of gold (1 ton). To meet this enormous demand, Hezekiah emptied the treasuries of the temple and

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palace (2 Kings 18:14-15). In a further effort to show goodwill and just how hopeful he was for peace,

Hezekiah even stripped the temple of its gold ornaments and added this wealth to the demanded ransom

(2 Kings 18:16).

But the Assyrian king had deceived Hezekiah. He had no intention of withdrawing his forces, for Hezekiah

had been a thorn in his side through his rebellious actions. To teach this Judean king a lesson on subjection,

Sennacherib was determined to conquer Jerusalem, strip the city of all its wealth, and reinstate the annual

tribute or tax that Hezekiah had stopped paying. In addition, he was probably planning to replace Hezekiah with

an Assyrian governor who would enforce loyalty and allegiance to the Assyrian ruler.

3. Remaining behind at Lachish with the main army, Sennacherib sent an envoy with a large number of

troops to position a blockade around Jerusalem (2 Kings 18:17-25). With this action, the Assyrian king was

launching a propaganda war of intimidation, threatening and demanding that Hezekiah surrender Jerusalem to

the Assyrians (2 Kings 18:17-18). After setting up the siege around the capital, the three officials sent by

Sennacherib approached the city and stopped at the aqueduct of the upper pool (2 Kings 18:17-18). Note that

the location of the canal or aqueduct was called the Washerman's Field, which means that the spot was a

popular place where some of the city residents washed their clothes. Obviously, this spot was within earshot of

the city walls, for the Assyrian officials called out and summoned Hezekiah to join them in negotiations for

surrender. But instead of joining the negotiations himself, Hezekiah sent three royal officials whose positions

would match those of the Assyrian officials. By this action, Hezekiah was insistent on being treated as an equal

to the Assyrian king. Had the king of Assyria himself come for negotiations, Hezekiah no doubt would have

carried out the negotiations personally, king to king.

Standing face-to-face with the Judean negotiators, the Assyrian commander questioned the tactics of

Hezekiah and why he was confident (2 Kings 18:19-22). Claiming that he was the personal spokesman for the

"great king" of Assyria, he questioned three of Hezekiah's actions:

⇒ He questioned Hezekiah's claim of military strength, alleging that Hezekiah's words were empty and

the Judean army was weak (2 Kings 18:20).

⇒ He also questioned Hezekiah's dependence upon Egypt, claiming that in an actual war Egypt would

splinter like a reed and cause the defeat of any ally who was leaning upon it (2 Kings 18:21; Isaiah

42:3).

⇒ Continuing to belittle Hezekiah, the Assyrian spokesman questioned Hezekiah's dependence on the

LORD (2 Kings 18:22). But note that he showed a complete misunderstanding of God and of idolatry,

for he claimed that Hezekiah had displeased the LORD by destroying the high places and altars of

worship throughout Judah and Jerusalem.

Having questioned Hezekiah's military strength, his alliance with Egypt, and his dependence on the LORD,

the Assyrian commander then demanded that Hezekiah surrender (2 Kings 18:23-25). Obviously a skilled

negotiator, the commander gave four strong reasons why Hezekiah should surrender:

⇒ Hezekiah should surrender because of the weakness of Judah's army. Ridiculing the fact that Judah

had few horses and horsemen, the commander declared that he would give 2,000 horses to Judah if

they could put riders on them.

⇒ Hezekiah should surrender because the whole army of Judah could not defend against one officer's

regiment of Assyrian troops (2 Kings 18:24).

⇒ Hezekiah should surrender because Judah could not depend upon Egypt.

⇒ Hezekiah should surrender because even the LORD Himself was now against Judah (2 Kings 18:25).

Note that the commander declared that the LORD had actually instructed Assyria's king to attack Judah and

destroy the nation. No doubt this struck fear in those who overheard the claim. Keep in mind that the Northern

Kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria. The question must have been in the minds of the hearers:

Could God actually be behind the Assyrian invasion, using the Assyrians as an instrument of His judgment?

4. When it was time for the Judean officials to speak, they surprisingly requested that the Assyrian envoy

speak in Aramic not in Hebrew (2 Kings 18:26-27). There was a twofold reason for this: because Aramaic was

the international language for diplomacy and commercial transaction throughout western Asia and because the

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Judean people standing on the wall could overhear the negotiations. By overhearing the threats of the Assyrian

envoys spoken in their own Hebrew language, there was the danger that the crowd would be gripped with fear

and despair.

But the Assyrian commander refused, for he realized the importance of propaganda, of destroying the

people's confidence. Even in responding to the Judean official he sought to turn the hearts of people on the wall

by stating that his message was for all the people and not just for leaders because the people themselves would

suffer the most if Assyria attacked. What a skillful negotiator the Assyrians had!

5. Still the commander was not through with his propaganda: launching a second major speech, he addressed

his words more to the crowd standing nearby than to the Judean officials (2 Kings 18:28-35). Shouting an

appeal for them to hear the "great king," he encouraged the people to oppose Hezekiah, to actually launch a

revolt against him. He declared that Hezekiah could not deliver them from the Assyrian forces, that the king

was only deceiving them by persuading them to trust the LORD, for the LORD would not deliver them (2 Kings

18:28-30).

Still shouting out to the crowd on the wall, he challenged them to surrender and make a peace treaty. He

claimed life would be far better for them under Assyrian rule (2 Kings 18:31-32). Under the Assyrians they

would have plenty to eat and drink; whereas if they continued their opposition, they would end up eating their

own filth and drinking their own urine (2 Kings 18:27). If they surrendered, though, they would be transplanted

to another fruitful land, a land just like their own there in Judah.

Finally, the commander challenged the people to make a decision: to choose life not death (2 Kings 18:32).

To choose life, they must not listen to Hezekiah, for he was misleading them by his promise of the LORD's

deliverance.

In closing his second speech he threatened the people with the power of Assyria (2 Kings 18:33-35). He

bombarded the people with question after question, laying out three provoking thoughts:

⇒ No nation had ever been delivered from Assyria, not by any god.

⇒ No god was able to deliver Samaria, that is, the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

⇒ How, then, could the LORD deliver Jerusalem from the hand of the Assyrians?

Note the response of the people to the Assyrian threats: they kept silent (2 Kings 18:36-37). Concluding the

negotiations, the royal officials of Judah carried their report to Hezekiah. But note how they approached him:

with torn clothes, a sign of distress and grief.

Thought 1. Hezekiah stood fast for the LORD, stood fast against a brutal and murderous enemy. And just

think: the enemy was the superpower of that day with a far superior military force. Sweeping all across

much of the known world, the Assyrians had already conquered and subjected nation after nation under

their rule. Their conquest had even included the Northern Kingdom of Israel and all the cities of Judah

except Jerusalem itself. Now the Assyrians were standing at the gates of Jerusalem, threatening to totally

destroy the capital and exile all its citizens, scattering them all over the world. But even with the enemy

at the gate threatening utter destruction, Hezekiah held fast to his faith in the LORD and stood strongly

against the enemies of God and of His people.

What a living, dynamic example for us! No matter how terrible the trial or temptation, pressure or

distress, threat or ridicule, persecution or abuse—no matter what may confront us—we must stand fast

for the LORD. Standing up, standing tall, being a real man or woman for the LORD is one of the great

needs of our day. We are not to be weaklings. Our knees are not to buckle. Our courage is not to collapse.

Our hearts are not to shrink back. We are to persevere, endure, stand fast for the LORD, trusting His Spirit

to empower us.

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"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end

shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the

work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor.

15:58).

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not

entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1).

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not"

(Galatians 6:9).

Q. The Reign of Hezekiah (Part 1)—the Cleansing of the Temple for Worship: A Lesson on the Great Needs of the Church, 29:1-36

(29:1-36) Introduction: commitment, steadfastness, perseverance, endurance, holding fast, faithfulness—this is

the great need of the church, not buildings and not money. A place for a body of believers to meet is essential.

But the place can be a home, a hut, or out in the open air, as well as a magnificent structure.

Money is also essential to carry on the mission of the church, for the gospel of Christ must be carried not only

to our own communities but also to the whole world. Therefore, the church is responsible not only to take the

gospel to its own community and to meet the needs of its neighbors but also to meet the needs of everyone

everywhere.

Yet as necessary as a meeting place and money are, these two resources are not the major needs of the church.

The primary need is the resource of people, people who are wholeheartedly committed, dedicated, loyal,

devoted, steadfast, persevering, enduring, and who are strong witnesses for Him. This is the greatest need of the

church.

A new reformation is heralded, proclaimed in this present Scripture. After King Ahaz brought ruin upon Judah

through war and the closing of the temple, the nation of Judah was in desperate need. Its economy was wrecked

and its military was decimated. There was no courageous, godly leadership to restore the nation, not as long as

King Ahaz lived and continued to reign. But God knew the catastrophic devastation that had swept over the

nation, and even while Ahaz was still ruling, the LORD was preparing his son Hezekiah to take the throne and to

restore the nation. The present passage covers the story of Hezekiah, a godly man who was to rule the nation in

righteousness and justice. When he ascended to the throne, a renewed hope was aroused within the hearts of the

people, a hope for the restoration of the nation to its former glory. Keep in mind that the Northern Kingdom of

Israel had collapsed under the assault of Assyria during the reign of Ahaz, Hezekiah’s father. The year of the

Northern Kingdom’s collapse and exile was 722 B.C. In His sovereignty, God knew that a strong and righteous

king would need to be upon the throne of Judah following the fall of Israel. And though Hezekiah was reared in

one of the most ungodly environments imaginable, he came to know the LORD in a very personal way,

committing his life wholeheartedly to the LORD. His godly reign would not stop the tide of wickedness from

flowing throughout Judah, but it would significantly delay the hand of God’s judgment from falling upon the

Southern Kingdom. Due much to Hezekiah’s righteous reign, Judah would not fall to Babylon for over 100

years. Scripture records more on the history of Hezekiah than on any king other than David and Solomon.

In studying the history of Hezekiah, the returning exile would be aroused to recommit his life to the LORD and

to make sure that the temple was kept pure for the worship of the LORD. Remember that the exiles were

returning to Judah to achieve the very same goals that had challenged Hezekiah, those of restoring true worship

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in the temple and of rebuilding the nation. This is, The Reign of Hezekiah (Part 1)—the Cleansing of the Temple

for Worship: A Lesson on the Great Needs of the Church, 29:1-36.

1. (29:1-2) Godliness, Example of—Righteousness, Example of, Hezekiah—Character, Good, Example

of—Commitment, Example of—Dedication, Example of—Devotion, to the LORD, Example of—Hezekiah,

King of Judah—Kings, of the Southern Kingdom of Judah: the major feature of Hezekiah’s life and reign was

his godly, righteous life before the LORD. He was totally devoted to God and committed to launching a reformation

throughout the nation, a reformation that would reestablish true worship and rebuild the nation economically,

politically, and militarily. Note the Scripture and outline:

Hezekiah began his independent rule when he was 25 years old, and he reigned as an independent king for 29

years. Apparently, 14 years of his reign were spent serving as co-regent with his father Ahaz. Then he reigned

18 years alone and another 11 years as co-regent with his son Manasseh. Considering that Hezekiah’s father

was Ahaz, one of history’s most wicked kings, it is surprising that Hezekiah made a deep, genuine commitment

to the LORD. Nevertheless, he did, and he had one of the most successful reigns among all the kings. His mother

was Abijah, the daughter of a man named Zechariah. Perhaps Zechariah was the godly man who had advised

King Uzziah (26:5) and served as a witness for the prophet Isaiah (8:2). If so, then Hezekiah’s mother was

probably a genuine believer who had a righteous influence upon him.

Whatever the case, at some point in his life, Hezekiah made a deep commitment to the LORD. He lived

righteously, following the godly example of David (v.2).

Thought 1. Hezekiah’s godliness and righteousness are dynamic examples for us. Against all odds, he chose to

follow the LORD. With a father steeped in wickedness who had fallen into the very depths of depravity,

Hezekiah stood little chance of ever making a commitment to the LORD. Nevertheless, he defied the odds,

seeking to follow and to give his life over to the LORD. Likewise, no matter how bad or terrible our upbringing,

we can break the cycle. We too can trust the LORD and become successful in life. Through the power of Christ,

we can overcome the negative impact of alcoholic, abusive, or profane parents.

• If we were reared in a divisive, broken, or single-parent home, we can break the trend through the power of

Christ.

• If we were reared in an uneducated or poverty-stricken environment, we can break the trend through the power

of Christ.

Even an immoral, wicked, depraved, or corrupt environment can be overcome through the power of Christ. In

Christ, God has given us the Savior, the Deliverer who can rescue us from bad parents, bad childhoods, and bad

environments—no matter how dreadful or appalling they may be. In Christ, there is power to rise above the

enslavements and bondages of our past. Therefore, if we reject Christ, it is our choice; we are without excuse.

The power of Christ is available to all of us. Christ can enable us to live righteous and godly lives, lives free of

all the bondages and enslavements of this life. Listen to what God’s Holy Word says:

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our

infirmities, and bare our sicknesses” (Mt.8:17).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn.3:16).

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2. (29:3-19) Churches, Needs of, to Be Pure—Ministers, Needs of, to Be Sanctified—Sanctification, Duty—

Ministers, Duty—Churches, Duty—Hezekiah, Reformation of—Temple, Cleansing of, Example: right after

his father’s death, in the very first month of his independent rule, Hezekiah launched a reformation throughout

the nation. Under Ahaz’s leadership, the nation had been devastated by war, resulting in a wrecked economy,

military, and political administration. All three branches of government desperately needed to be strengthened.

Thus, as soon as Hezekiah could fully take over the nation’s command, he embarked on a strategy to rebuild the

economy and the military and to strengthen the political base. But note this significant fact: the focus of the author

is the spiritual reformation that Hezekiah initiated. He focused solely upon the basic need of the people, that of

returning to the LORD and of serving Him. If the people would return to the LORD, they would have the blessings

of God as they sought to rebuild the nation economically and militarily. Scripture gives the details of the spiritual

reformation:

1. Hezekiah’s very first act as sole ruler of Judah was to reopen the doors of the temple (v.3). His wicked father

had closed the temple and barricaded the doors in an attempt to irradicate the worship of the LORD.

2. As soon as the doors were opened and repaired, Hezekiah summoned all the religious leaders of the nation to

a meeting at the temple in Jerusalem. He then drew them together in the courtyard just east of the temple.

3. Once they were assembled, Hezekiah challenged the religious workers to sanctify and cleanse themselves as

well as the temple of the LORD. He meant by this that they were to remove all sin from their lives and all

rubbish from the temple (v.5). Both they and the temple needed to be sanctified, cleansed, and recommitted to

the LORD. They needed to be totally set apart to His service. Four reasons were given for their sanctification.

a. First, they needed to be cleansed because they and their forefathers had sinned and done evil. They had

forsaken the LORD (v.6). Note that Hezekiah does not say “my father” but “our fathers.” It was not just Ahaz

who had been guilty of forsaking the LORD but the entire nation. For that reason, Hezekiah laid the guilt of

apostasy at the feet of all the people.

b. Second, they needed to be cleansed because they and their fathers had forsaken the LORD’s temple, turning

their backs upon Him and the worship of His Holy Name.

c. Third, they needed to be cleansed because they and their fathers had shut the doors of the temple and put out

the lamps, plunging the temple into total darkness. They had disallowed any worship there. In addition, they had

not burned incense to symbolize the offering up of prayers to the LORD, nor had they presented any burnt

offerings at the sanctuary. Simply stated, they had failed to seek atonement and reconciliation with the LORD,

failed to offer up public worship to Him.

d. Fourth, they needed to be cleansed because God’s anger and judgment had been aroused. He had given them

up to trouble, horror, and ridicule. He had given up their families to be conquered and exiled, enslaved by Syria,

Samaria, Edom, and Philistia (28:5-10, 17-18).

4. There was only one answer for Judah: revival (vv.10-11). Hezekiah declared that he personally was going to

make a renewed covenant, recommitment to the LORD. His purpose was to secure the favor of the LORD so the

LORD would turn His fierce anger away from the nation.

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After declaring his own intentions, Hezekiah with tenderness of heart addressed the religious workers as “my

sons,” calling upon them not to be negligent in their duty. They too needed to recommit their lives and renew

their covenant with the LORD. As God’s ministers, they represented Him and served Him. Therefore, they must

sanctify and cleanse themselves in order to minister and burn incense before Him. Remember that incense

symbolized prayer. It was necessary for the priests and Levites to be cleansed of all sin before they could pray

and worship the LORD in purity of heart and life.

5. The Levites and priests immediately obeyed after Hezekiah’s address. They went to work exactly as he had

charged (vv.12-19).

a. The Levites appointed leaders to supervise their work (vv.12-14). Two leaders were appointed from each of

the three major clans: Kohath, Merari, and Gershon. Two leaders were also appointed from a fourth clan,

Elizaphan (v.13). Other leaders were appointed from three clans of the Levitical musicians, the clans of Asaph,

Zechariah, and Mattaniah (vv.13-14).

b. After selecting their leadership, the Levites then sanctified themselves (v.15). This was a public service of

sanctification, a service when they all assembled together as brothers, fellow servants of the LORD. Just picture

the scene: a mass of priests and Levites gathered together in a service of recommitment to the LORD, sanctifying

and setting themselves apart to serve the LORD with renewed devotion.

c. Once the Levites had personally recommitting their lives to the LORD, they then sanctified and cleansed the

temple (vv.15-17). Just as the king had charged and as the LORD’s Word instructed, they carried out their tasks

(1 Chr.28:12, 19). The Levites removed all the rubbish and every defiled thing from the sanctuary and piled it

all out in the courtyard. They then carted all the rubbish out through the Kidron Valley (v.16). The cleansing of

the temple took sixteen days altogether (v.17). Eight days were needed to clean the courts up to the portico or

porch, and then eight more days were needed to cleanse the temple itself.

d. After completing the cleansing of the temple, the Levites and priests went to the king and gave him their

report (vv.18-19). They had cleansed the entire temple, the altar, the Table of Showbread, and all the utensils

and articles used with each. Furthermore, they had recovered and sanctified (cleansed) all the items and utensils

taken by King Ahaz when he closed the temple.

Thought 1. Ministers and churches have a responsibility to be holy and pure, for the LORD has set them apart

to proclaim His Holy Word to the world and to minister to people. If the minister is slothful or living in sin, he

becomes defiled and unclean before the LORD. As a result, the power of God does not rest upon his life, neither

in preaching nor in ministering. He preaches and ministers without power, being empty and nothing more than

sounding brass and tinkling cymbals (1 Cor. 13:1). As a poor, even bad, representative of the LORD, he is to

face a far more severe judgment from the LORD. Why? Because the sinful, unclean, and defiled minister was

given the unique privilege of proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ to a lost and dying world. For this

reason, every minister of the gospel must be sanctified every day of his life, daily cleansed from sin and set

apart anew to the LORD.

Similarly, the church must be sanctified, cleansed from all defilement and kept holy, set apart as a lighthouse

for the LORD. Sitting on the streets of our cities and villages, the church building becomes a symbol of our need

to worship and of the LORD’s presence among us when we worship faithfully. For this reason, the church

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building is to be maintained and never abused. Unclean and shameful activities are not to be allowed in the

church. Churches are not to be defiled by any behavior that dishonors or pollutes the air within the church or

that damages the human body such as smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, immoral or indecent activities, or

any other pursuit that could arouse sinful behavior. The holy church is to be kept holy. It is to remain an

atmosphere set apart for the worship of the LORD and the blessing of the people through the presence and health

that God gives to his worshippers—both spiritual and physical health.

The sanctification or purity of the minister and of the church is an absolute essential. Listen to what God says

about sanctification and holiness:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any

man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye

are” (1 Cor. 3:16-17).

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither

fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom

of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in

the name of the LORD Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye

have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your

body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of

the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That

he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to

himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy

and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27).

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication”

(1 Th.4:3).

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and

body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ” (1 Th.5:23).

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD” (Heb. 12:14).

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it

is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Pe.1:15-16).

“And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break

forth upon them” (Ex.19:22).

“And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people,

that ye should be mine” (Le.20:26).

“And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the

LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place” (2 Chr.29:5).

“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do

evil” (Isa. 1:16).

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – 2 Chronicles.

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – 2 Kings.