Hezekiah's Life Extended by Grace

Isaiah 38:1-8

(2 Kin. 20:1–11; 2 Chr. 32:24–26)

1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'"

2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the LORD, 3 and said, "Remember now, O LORD, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, 5 "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. 6 I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city."' 7 And this is the sign to you from the LORD, that the LORD will do this thing which He has spoken: 8 Behold, I will bring the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down with the sun on the sundial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward." So the sun returned ten degrees on the dial by which it had gone down.

The good king of Judah received bad news of his imminent death through the messenger of God.  Isaiah had told him that his sickness was to result in death and that the LORD wanted him to arrange his affairs before he died, which was a kindness to allow Hezekiah to prepare his last wishes and arrange for his inheritance and government after his demise.  The king was devastated at the news and responded with a heartfelt prayer with bitter tears.  He reminded the God how he had lived as faithfully as he could with a true and loyal heart in all his actions.  He was likely repentant for hidden sins as he wondered why he should die so soon and so suddenly.  God heard the sincere heart of Hezekiah and answered him through the prophet.  Isaiah told him that God heard his heart and saw his sorrow and allowed him fifteen more years to live and serve Him.  Furthermore, God assured him of deliverance from the Assyrian king and his army because the Lord Himself would defend them.  He gave an impossible sign to prove His word in case there was any doubt; God would move the sundial backwards.  He would turn back time, extending the day as a reminder and proof He would extend the king’s life as well.  Therefore, Hezekiah could also trust that God would bring victory not only of life over death, but over his enemies as well.  This is a picture of sorts of how the Lord in Christ can bring life from death and defeat the enemy of He and us as well, for nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17).  It also points to answered prayer for life but does not guarantee a miracle for everyone to get everything asked for in prayer.  God had specific reasons for sparing Hezekiah and answering his heartfelt prayer in this way.  He answers us according to His word and His providence.  We can learn from this example to marvel at His grace and pray accordingly.  We have lives extended eternally by His grace and that should be enough of a miracle to sustain us until we meet Him and dwell forever in His presence!