Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 12:2 (Summer 1969)
Article: Hezekiah And Josiah
Author: Larry R. Thornton

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CenQ 12:2 (Summer 1969) p. 30

Hezekiah And Josiah

Third Part, Concluding A Series:

Larry R. Thornton

A righteous king obeyed God’s standard, the law and the prophets. Of the eight good kings of Judah. four (Joash, Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jothams) departed from God’s standard during the latter years of their reign. Four kings are characterized by lasting righteousness –Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. The last two must yet be considered

Hezekiah

Assyrian idolatrous practices and Assyrian taxes faced Hezekiah as he took the reins of Judah’s government in 716 15 B.C His father. Ahaz. had given him no spiritual training. In fact, Ahaz sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus. He destroyed the vessels of the house of God and shut up the doors while he made pagan altars in Jerusalem. However, through Micah the prophet, spiritual awakening came to Hezekiah (Jer, 26:18–19). Once aware of the sinful state of the nation and of the way of righteousness, Hezekiah recognized that to have a righteous, prosperous nation Assyria’s domination had to be broken and God’s rule established. Domination by any pagan nation demanded the worship of that nation’s gods. Likewise, freedom from the domination of a pagan nation signified freedom from that nation b idolatrous worship As leader, Hezekiah determined to correct this disgusting situation He did it by obeying God’s Word. Thus the following will be adjudged: ( 1) Hezekiah’s obedience to the Mosaic law. (2) Hezekiah’s obedience to the prophets, and (3) the results of Hezekiah s obedience to God’s standard,

Hezekiah’s Obedience To The Mosaic Law

Recognizing the source of Judah s problems. Hezekiah proceeded to see that the law was administered He said, ‘Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us” (II Chron 29:10).

CenQ 12:2 (Summer 1969) p. 31

Temple Restored. Because of this desire, the good king opened the doors of the temple and had them repaired (II Chron. 29:3). The priests and the Levites were encouraged by him to sanctify themselves and the temple. After the house of God was cleansed, with its altar of burnt-offering, the vessels and the shewbread table, Hezekiah led the people to restore the temple worship. The burnt-offering and the sin-offering was made for Israel at the command of the king (II Chron. 29:24). After the people worshipped and were consecrated before the Lord, they brought their sacrifices and thank-offerings into the house of the Lord. With the...

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