2 Kings 20:5

Turne againe, and tell Hezekiah the captaine of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of Dauid thy father, I haue heard thy prayer, I haue seene thy teares: behold, I will heale thee; on the third day thou shalt goe vp vnto the house of the Lord. 2 Kings 20:5 (KJV)

Historical Context: During the reign of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, the Assyrian empire threatened the nation. Hezekiah was a faithful king who sought to honor God and restore true worship in Judah. In 2 Kings 18 we read of his reforms and his trust in God to deliver the nation from its enemies.

Hezekiah’s Illness: In 2 Kings 20 Hezekiah fell severely ill. The prophet Isaiah came to him with a message from God, telling him to put his house in order because he would not recover. The news distressed Hezekiah, and he turned to God in prayer, earnestly seeking mercy and healing.

God’s Response: In response to Hezekiah’s prayer God sent Isaiah back with a message of hope and healing. The verse 2 Kings 20:5 records that message: “Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.” God first establishes His authority as the God of David, emphasizing the covenant relationship with David’s line. He then acknowledges Hezekiah’s prayer and tears, showing divine compassion and attentiveness. The promise “Behold, I will heal thee” reverses the earlier declaration of death, displaying God’s sovereignty to change outcomes. Finally, “on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD” assures Hezekiah that within three days he will be well enough to worship, signifying complete restoration.

Spiritual Lessons: The passage teaches the value of prayer and persistence; Hezekiah’s earnest prayer moved God’s heart. It reveals God’s compassionate nature—He hears our prayers and sees our tears, extending mercy and healing. It underscores God’s sovereignty—His plans can override human expectations and bring miraculous intervention. The promise of going up to the house of the LORD highlights the importance of worship and gratitude after receiving God’s mercy.

Overall, 2 Kings 20:5 reminds believers that God is attentive to our prayers, compassionate toward our distress, and capable of intervening in miraculous ways. It encourages us to turn to Him in faith, seek His healing, and respond with worship and thankfulness.