2 Kings 20 recounts the story of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, and his encounter with illness and the granting of a miraculous sign by God. Hezekiah becomes severely ill, and the prophet Isaiah visits him to deliver a message from God that he will not recover and will die. Hezekiah pleads with God, reminding Him of his faithfulness and righteousness, and weeps bitterly.
God hears Hezekiah's prayer and instructs Isaiah to return to the king with a message of healing. Isaiah tells Hezekiah to prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the infected area, assuring him that he will recover within three days. Hezekiah asks for a sign to confirm this promise, and God grants it by causing the shadow on the sundial to move ten steps backward.
Hezekiah is indeed healed, and he praises God for His mercy and grace. He receives a visit from envoys of the king of Babylon, and he proudly shows them his treasures and wealth, revealing all that Judah possesses. This action displeases God, as He foretells that Babylon will eventually conquer Judah and carry away its people and possessions.