This verse, 2 Kings 20:3, captures Hezekiah's desperate plea to God. Let's break it down:
"Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you...": This is a heartfelt and earnest appeal to God. Hezekiah is imploring God to recall his past actions. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.
"...how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart...": Hezekiah is reminding God that he lived his life honestly and sincerely ("in truth") and with a devoted and undivided heart ("with a perfect heart"). The "perfect heart" doesn't mean he was without sin, but rather that his devotion and intention were wholeheartedly directed towards God.
"...and have done that which is good in your sight.": He is emphasizing that his actions aligned with God's will. He believes he has lived a righteous life according to God's standards.
"And Hezekiah wept bitterly.": This shows the depth of his emotion. He's not just casually mentioning his good deeds; he's deeply distraught and terrified by the prospect of death. The bitterness of his weeping reveals the depth of his desire to live and continue serving God.
In essence, the verse means:
Hezekiah is reminding God of his faithful service and righteous life, pleading with God to consider his past devotion as a reason to spare his life. He is deeply distressed and weeping uncontrollably because he doesn't want to die. He believes he has more to offer and is essentially arguing that he deserves more time based on his past faithfulness.
Context and Significance:
This verse is part of the story where the prophet Isaiah tells Hezekiah that he will die. Hezekiah, in response, turns to the wall and prays this prayer. The verse is significant because it reveals:
Hezekiah's faith: He believed that God could hear and respond to his prayer.
Hezekiah's understanding of righteousness: He believed that his actions mattered to God and that God would consider them.
God's grace: God ultimately hears Hezekiah's prayer and adds 15 years to his life. This demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to respond to sincere repentance and supplication.
Human nature: The passage highlights the human desire to live, even in the face of inevitable death.
The verse is often cited as an example of the power of prayer and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. It also serves as a reminder that even those who are considered righteous can struggle with fear and vulnerability in the face of death.
This verse, 2 Kings 20:3, captures Hezekiah's desperate plea to God. Let's break it down:
"Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you...": This is a heartfelt and earnest appeal to God. Hezekiah is imploring God to recall his past actions. "Yahweh" is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.
"...how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart...": Hezekiah is reminding God that he lived his life honestly and sincerely ("in truth") and with a devoted and undivided heart ("with a perfect heart"). The "perfect heart" doesn't mean he was without sin, but rather that his devotion and intention were wholeheartedly directed towards God.
"...and have done that which is good in your sight.": He is emphasizing that his actions aligned with God's will. He believes he has lived a righteous life according to God's standards.
"And Hezekiah wept bitterly.": This shows the depth of his emotion. He's not just casually mentioning his good deeds; he's deeply distraught and terrified by the prospect of death. The bitterness of his weeping reveals the depth of his desire to live and continue serving God.
In essence, the verse means:
Hezekiah is reminding God of his faithful service and righteous life, pleading with God to consider his past devotion as a reason to spare his life. He is deeply distressed and weeping uncontrollably because he doesn't want to die. He believes he has more to offer and is essentially arguing that he deserves more time based on his past faithfulness.
Context and Significance:
This verse is part of the story where the prophet Isaiah tells Hezekiah that he will die. Hezekiah, in response, turns to the wall and prays this prayer. The verse is significant because it reveals:
Hezekiah's faith: He believed that God could hear and respond to his prayer.
Hezekiah's understanding of righteousness: He believed that his actions mattered to God and that God would consider them.
God's grace: God ultimately hears Hezekiah's prayer and adds 15 years to his life. This demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to respond to sincere repentance and supplication.
Human nature: The passage highlights the human desire to live, even in the face of inevitable death.
The verse is often cited as an example of the power of prayer and the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God. It also serves as a reminder that even those who are considered righteous can struggle with fear and vulnerability in the face of death.