King Hezekiah was one of the most faithful kings in the Old Testament. His story is found in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah trusted God, led reforms in Judah, and experienced God's miracles firsthand. His life teaches us about faith, courage, and the power of prayer.
Below are 10 interesting facts about King Hezekiah, with Bible verses to help you explore his story further.
1. Hezekiah Became King at 25
Hezekiah was only 25 years old when he became king of Judah. He reigned for 29 years in Jerusalem.
“He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years.”
— 2 Kings 18:2
2. Hezekiah Trusted God Like Few Others
Among all the kings of Judah, Hezekiah stood out. The Bible says no king trusted God like he did, either before or after.
“He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.”
— 2 Kings 18:5
3. He Removed Idols from the Land
Hezekiah took down altars to other gods, smashed sacred stones, and even destroyed the bronze serpent Moses had made because people were worshiping it.
“He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles.”
— 2 Kings 18:4
| Reform | Action Taken by Hezekiah |
|---|---|
| Idolatry | Removed high places and idols |
| False worship | Broke the bronze serpent |
| Temple worship | Restored the Temple of the Lord |
4. He Restored Temple Worship
The Temple in Jerusalem had been neglected. Hezekiah reopened it, gathered the priests and Levites, and called the people back to God.
“Then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them.”
— 2 Chronicles 29:3
5. He Led a National Passover Celebration
Hezekiah invited all of Judah and even Israel to come celebrate the Passover again. This hadn't happened in a long time.
“They had not celebrated it in large numbers according to what was written.”
— 2 Chronicles 30:5
6. He Prayed for His People’s Healing
When some people celebrated Passover without being fully cleansed, Hezekiah prayed to God to forgive and heal them. And God listened.
“And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.”
— 2 Chronicles 30:20
7. Hezekiah Was Threatened by Assyria
The Assyrian army came to attack Jerusalem. Their king mocked God and threatened the people. Hezekiah didn’t panic—he prayed and trusted God.
“Hezekiah received the letter... went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord.”
— Isaiah 37:14
8. God Saved Jerusalem Supernaturally
After Hezekiah prayed, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night.
“That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp.”
— 2 Kings 19:35
| Event | God's Response |
|---|---|
| Assyrian threat | Sent an angel |
| Prayer by Hezekiah | Delivered Jerusalem |
| Enemy army | Defeated overnight |
9. Hezekiah Was Healed and Given 15 More Years
Hezekiah became deathly sick. He prayed and wept, and God healed him. Isaiah told him he would live 15 more years.
“I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.”
— Isaiah 38:5
10. He Showed His Wealth to Babylon
Hezekiah made a mistake by showing off his treasures to messengers from Babylon. Isaiah warned that one day Babylon would take it all away.
“There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.”
— Isaiah 39:4
Hezekiah’s story is full of faith, bold choices, and a deep relationship with God. He was not perfect, but he showed what can happen when a leader puts God first.
