HEZEKIAH’S PRIDE, SUCCESS, AND FAILURE
Keywords 32:26
Then Hezekiah repented
of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's
wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.
1. Hezekiah’s pride and
repentance (23-26)
At the peak of
Hezekiah’s life, he became ill to the point of death. He earnestly asked God
for mercy and God healed him with a miraculous sign. However, his heart became
proud, and he took God’s kindness for granted. He neither showed thanks nor
acknowledged God’s work in his life. This provoked God to anger and brought
God’s wrath on him and his nation. He then repented of his pride and God
withheld his wrath during his reign. God opposes the proud but shows favour to
a repentant sinner.
2. Hezekiah’s success and failure (27-33)
God blessed
Hezekiah with great wealth and honour. He succeeded in everything he undertook.
However, the time of prosperity is a time to see what is in one’s heart. When
the Babylonian envoys came and asked about the miraculous sign in the land,
Hezekiah proudly displayed to them his wealth and achievement. He didn’t seek
God’s wisdom in prayer, for he was self-confident and self-assured. In this way
he failed in the test of God who sees everything in his heart.
Prayer Lord, thank you for your grace. Help me to bear your blessing
with a humble and thankful heart all my days.
One Word Pride comes before the fall
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