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Outline 065 of 100 · 2 Kings

Hezekiah's Tears

2 Kings 20:1-6 — God hears prayer and sees tears even after a sentence seems final

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Isaiah told Hezekiah to set his house in order, for he would die. Rather than accepting this as unchangeable fate, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed, reminding God of his walk before Him in truth. Before Isaiah had even left the middle court, God sent him back with fifteen more years granted. This passage teaches that prayer is not fatalistic resignation but bold, tearful appeal to a God who delights in mercy. It does not promise every prayer for extended life will be answered as Hezekiah's was, but it reveals the character of a God who is moved by sincere prayer and who can alter the apparent course of events in response to it. Ultimately every extension of life is undeserved grace, purchased at Calvary, where our sentence of death was answered by Christ's resurrection life.

  1. I. A sentence that seemed final

    • Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die
    • No appeal seemed possible
    • The word of the prophet carried divine authority

  2. II. A king who turned to prayer, not despair

    • Face to the wall, alone with God
    • Pleading his walk in truth and a perfect heart
    • Bitter weeping, no pretense of calm resignation

  3. III. A God who hears before the prayer is finished

    • Isaiah recalled before leaving the court
    • I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears
    • Fifteen years added, and deliverance from Assyria besides

  4. IV. The greater healing beyond added years

    • Every added day is borrowed grace
    • Christ's resurrection guarantees final deliverance from death
    • Prayer changes what seems fixed because God is personal, not mechanical
The appeal

Perhaps you feel a sentence has been passed over your life that cannot be reversed. Hezekiah's God still hears prayer and sees tears. Do not resign yourself to despair; turn your face to Him today, for He delights to show mercy to those who call upon Him in truth.

Key points

  • Prayer is not fatalism; God responds to sincere, tearful appeal.
  • God said, 'I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears,' revealing His attentiveness.
  • All extended life and mercy point to the greater deliverance secured in Christ.

Key passages

  • 2 Kings 20:1-3
  • 2 Kings 20:5-6
  • Isaiah 38:1-5
  • James 5:16