The Carpenter's Kids

Hezekiah

*OBJECTIVES*
Learners Will:
Identify Hezekiah	Hear that Hezekiah was a righteous man.	Be told that we should make the right choices
Hear about God’s protection over us	Hear about God’s temple	Hear that God does not like sin

Bible References
2 Chronicles 28 - 32	2 Kings 20:1 – 11	Isaiah 36 - 39

Hezekiah was the son of Ahaz, the king of Judah. Ahaz was not a Godly man; he “did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord”. The Lord allowed the Arameans to defeat Judah and take many of their people captive. The king of Israel also attacked Judah, in one day killing 120,000 soldiers and taking 200,000 wives and children. Ahaz continued to do wicked deeds and worshipped false gods. He defiled the temple of the Lord and shut its doors so the people would not worship God. When Ahaz died, his son, Hezekiah, became the king of Judah at the age of twenty-five (25).

In the first month of his reign, Hezekiah had the temple cleaned, the priests consecrated, and the doors to the temple reopened. The people were in despair because of their defeats and had not been faithful to God. There were no large religious gatherings or celebrating of the religious holidays. Hezekiah provided animals for burnt offerings to God for the sins of the people. In one day, they offered 600 bulls and 3,000 sheep and goats to the Lord. He encouraged the people to consecrate themselves and to come back to God. He told them God was angry because of their unfaithfulness. Hezekiah himself made a promise to God to serve Him while he was king.

Hezekiah encouraged the people of Israel and Judah to come together, once again, in the temple in Jerusalem to worship and celebrate. The people sang, played instruments, sacrificed, prayed, and worshipped together for fourteen (14) days. They began tithing and giving offerings so abundantly that storehouses were built to hold the gifts. Joy was restored to the people once again.

Later, the king of Assyria (Sennacherib) planned to attack Judah. Hezekiah fortified the city walls, built towers, made many weapons and shields, and built additional walls around the city. He got the people of Jerusalem together and encouraged them, telling them that God was more powerful than the enemy was and He would save them. The people believed Hezekiah and gained confidence. Sennacherib sent word to the people of Judah telling them not to trust in God or the words of Hezekiah. He tried to discourage the people and scare them. He spoke against God and wrote letters insulting the Lord.

King Hezekiah prayed to God asking for help and God heard his prayer. He promised Hezekiah that He would not be defeated. God sent an angel to kill all the soldiers and officers in the Assyrian army. There were 185,000 men in the camp. Sennacherib was then killed by the sword at the hands of two of his own sons.