Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

An old joke that young ministers used to tell among themselves is about asking a congregation if they have recently read the book of Hezekiah. We are reading about this King of Judah. His story is in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. There is no book of Hezekiah in our Bible.

Hezekiah was the King of Judah for six years when Israel fell to the Assyrians according to 2 Kings 18. The reason for the discipline from Jehovah is because the Covenant had been broken. Eight years later Assyria attacked Judah. Hezekiah pays the King, but it does not last. Sennacherib threatens Hezekiah and challenges his loyalty to his God. As with most non-believers, the King of Assyria does not understand the difference between Yahweh and idols. The commander of His forces voices ominous promises to the people of Jerusalem and challenges their King. The Judean officials tear their clothes in mourning before they go to their boss.

In 2 Chronicles 29, Hezekiah, King of Judah is referred to as “doing what is right in the sight of the Lord.” He repaired the Temple and established renewed worship of Jehovah there. His opinion is that the failure to worship has brought the Lord’s displeasure. Purification took sixteen days following Yahweh’s word on how to do it. Tomorrow we continue with more of Hezekiah’s reign.

After the dispersion of the northern kingdom Hezekiah celebrates the Passover in 2 Chronicles 30. They invited all of Israel and scheduled the Holy Day in the second month, not the first as was ordered by Mosaic Law. Some did not make the trip, but many did respond. King Hezekiah prayed for those who had not taken the trouble to become ceremonially clean before sharing in the feast. This type of event had not happened since the time of King David.

The excitement of the worship of Jehovah during the Passover brought destruction of some of the idols that are spoken of in 2 Chronicles 31. Hezekiah the King of Judah assigned the priests and Levites to the worship in the Temple as David had before him. He also ordered the giving of offerings and tithes to support those whose job it was to lead worship. Do you contribute to your local Church for this same purpose?

Jerusalem is on the holy mountain in Psalms 48. Mount Zion is another name for it. The security of this natural fortress intimidates enemies. If it were not for the disobedience of the Israelites and their Kings, the country would not have been defeated. The righteousness of our God is ours for claiming through His Son Jesus. Love is endless because our Father is eternal.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger