2 Kings 20 (KJV)
Read 2 Kings chapter 20 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
2 Kings 20
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2 Kings 20 Summary
2 Kings 20 records Hezekiah's illness, his tearful prayer, God's addition of fifteen years to his life, and the miraculous reversal of the sundial's shadow. However, Hezekiah then foolishly showed all his treasures to Babylonian envoys, prompting Isaiah's prophecy that Babylon would one day carry everything away.
Hezekiah's response to Isaiah's prophecy — 'Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?' — reveals a troubling self-centeredness: he was content that judgment would fall on future generations rather than his own.
Key Themes
Prayer and HealingMiraculous SignsFoolish PrideShort-Sighted Contentment
Key Verses in 2 Kings 20
"I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee."
— 2 Kings 20:5
God responds to heartfelt prayer — Hezekiah's tears moved the God of the universe to change His declared plan.
Life Application
Your prayers matter — God hears tears and responds to faith. But also beware of pride in seasons of blessing. Hezekiah's healing was followed by his worst mistake. Stay humble when God answers prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did God really add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life?
Yes — God changed His declared plan in response to Hezekiah's prayer, demonstrating that prayer genuinely influences God's actions within His sovereign purposes.
Why did Hezekiah show treasures to Babylon?
Likely pride and diplomatic naivety. The Babylonian envoys were likely scouting Judah's wealth, and Hezekiah's display provided intelligence that would later motivate Babylon's conquest.
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