King Hezekiah: Turning to Prayer in Crisis

King Hezekiah: Turning to Prayer in Crisis

Introduction

Crisis is often the great revealer of character. In the face of threats, fear, and uncertainty, how we respond says much about who we are and what we believe. One of the Bible’s most compelling examples of responding rightly in crisis is King Hezekiah , the 13th king of Judah. Unlike many kings before and after him, Hezekiah stood out as a man who chose prayer over panic , faith over fear , and humility over pride .

His story, chronicled in 2 Kings 18–20 , 2 Chronicles 29–32 , and Isaiah 36–39 , showcases what it looks like to lead with godly dependence during overwhelming circumstances. This blog explores Hezekiah’s prayer life and leadership, offering timeless lessons for all who face personal, national, or spiritual crises today.

Who Was King Hezekiah?

Hezekiah reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years (circa 715–686 BCE) during a tumultuous period when the Assyrian Empire was expanding aggressively. He inherited a kingdom weakened by the idolatry of his father, King Ahaz. Yet from the beginning of his reign, Hezekiah charted a radically different course.

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.” —2 Kings 18:3

Hezekiah was committed to religious reform, restoring temple worship, removing pagan idols, and calling the people back to God. But perhaps his greatest legacy lies in how he turned to prayer in times of great crisis .

Crisis #1: The Assyrian Threat

In the 14th year of Hezekiah’s reign, the powerful Assyrian king, Sennacherib , invaded Judah and captured many fortified cities. Jerusalem, the capital, was under direct threat. The psychological and political pressure was immense. The Assyrian field commander publicly mocked God and threatened total destruction:

“Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. The Lord will not deliver you out of my hand.” —Isaiah 36:14

At this moment of national peril, Hezekiah didn’t rely solely on military power or political alliances. Instead, he did something unexpected—he went straight to God.

Hezekiah’s Response: A Prayer of Surrender and Trust

Hezekiah’s reaction to the Assyrian threat is one of the most powerful prayer scenes in the Old Testament. Upon receiving the enemy’s letter filled with threats, he:

1. Went to the temple of the Lord

2. Spread the letter before God

3. Prayed a heartfelt, honest prayer

“Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, Lord, are God.” —Isaiah 37:20

Hezekiah didn’t boast or beg. He acknowledged God's sovereignty and asked for deliverance not for personal safety, but for God’s glory .

Lesson #1: True prayer in crisis acknowledges God’s power over our problems.
Rather than reacting in fear or self-defense, Hezekiah turned to worship and intercession. His focus was not just escape, but witness —that all nations would know God’s greatness.

God’s Response: Divine Intervention

God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and responded through the prophet Isaiah:

“Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.” —Isaiah 37:21

That very night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (Isaiah 37:36). Sennacherib returned to his land in shame and was later assassinated by his own sons.

Lesson #2: Prayer invites God’s intervention where human strength fails.
The Assyrian army was the most powerful force on earth at the time. But Hezekiah’s humble, faith-filled prayer brought about a miraculous victory that no human plan could achieve.

Crisis #2: Hezekiah’s Illness

Shortly after the military threat passed, Hezekiah faced a personal crisis— a terminal illness . Isaiah told him plainly:

“Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” —2 Kings 20:1

Once again, Hezekiah turned to prayer. But this time, the prayer was private and deeply emotional:

“Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord…” —2 Kings 20:2

He wept bitterly and pleaded for more time. God heard his cry and extended his life by 15 years , sending Isaiah back with this message:

“I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.” —2 Kings 20:5

Lesson #3: God hears the brokenhearted.
Hezekiah’s physical posture—turning to the wall—is symbolic of turning away from human support and facing only God . His vulnerable prayer reminds us that God responds not just to formal words, but to genuine emotion and faith .

Crisis #3: Pride and Misplaced Trust

Despite his earlier faith, Hezekiah later stumbled. After his recovery, envoys from Babylon came to visit him. Instead of giving glory to God, he proudly showed them all his wealth and treasures.

Isaiah confronted him, prophesying that everything he had shown would one day be carried off to Babylon. Though Hezekiah accepted the word of the Lord, this episode reveals a critical weakness:

“But Hezekiah’s heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him.” —2 Chronicles 32:25

Lesson #4: Even faithful believers must guard against pride.
Hezekiah was a godly man, but he was still human. His moment of pride warns us that success can breed complacency if we don’t stay spiritually vigilant.

What We Learn from Hezekiah’s Prayer Life

1. Pray First, Not Last

Hezekiah turned to God as a first response—not a last resort. In crisis, we often exhaust our options before praying. Hezekiah teaches us to begin with God , not come back to Him in defeat.

2. Be Honest in Prayer

Hezekiah’s prayers were honest, unpolished, and heartfelt. He wasn’t afraid to weep or plead. God invites us to bring our full selves to Him.

3. Seek God’s Glory, Not Just Relief

In praying for deliverance from Assyria, Hezekiah’s focus was that God would be known . When our prayers are aligned with God's purpose, they carry eternal weight.

4. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness

In his illness, Hezekiah reminded God of his faithfulness. While we don’t manipulate God with our deeds, remembering past moments of grace can fuel our faith in crisis .

5. Remain Humble in Victory

Hezekiah’s story ends on a bittersweet note. His prayer life teaches us that continued humility is vital, even after our prayers are answered.

Hezekiah’s Legacy of Faith

Despite his flaws, Hezekiah is remembered as one of Judah’s most faithful kings:

“He trusted in the Lord… there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah.” —2 Kings 18:5

Hezekiah's leadership was marked not by perfect decisions, but by consistent reliance on God . In political pressure, in sickness, and even in pride, he turned back to the One who holds all power.

His life invites us to examine our own posture in crisis. Do we react with fear or faith? Do we trust our plans or God’s promises?

Conclusion: Turning to Prayer Today

In our world of uncertainty—whether global conflicts, personal health struggles, financial instability, or spiritual dryness—we can take heart from Hezekiah’s example. His life shows us that:

• Prayer is powerful.

• God is attentive.

• Faith in crisis leads to peace and victory.

We don’t need to be kings to pray like Hezekiah. All we need is a humble heart and a willing spirit. When the pressure mounts, may we also turn our faces toward God—just as Hezekiah turned to the wall—and seek His mercy, power, and peace.

Prayer

Lord God,
Thank You for the example of King Hezekiah. Teach me to turn to You in every crisis, large or small. Help me to trust You before I trust myself, to seek Your glory above my comfort, and to stay humble in both trial and triumph. When I am overwhelmed, remind me that You are near. Let my prayers rise like incense before You, and may my heart always be open to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.