This puzzle is almost too easy!
On one level we are led to believe that Hezekiah is crying because he is about to die. But, when we follow the clues and dig a little deeper, we discover something more serious than his own life is at stake.
In 2 Kings 20 we find Hezekiah stricken by a terminal illness which, according to the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 32 had something to do with an ungrateful and proud disposition (see 32:25)
In 2 Kings 20:1-3, the writer tells us that;
Hezekiah was stricken with a terminal illness and the prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, visited him and told him,
This is what the LORD has said, “Give your household instructions, for you are about to die; you will not get well.”
He turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,
“Please, LORD. Remember how I have served you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion, and how I have carried out your will.”
Then Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Why did Hezekiah turn his face to the wall and cry like a baby?
Granted, Hezekiah may have wept bitterly because he was about to die but the real reason is far more substantial than his own death.
Clue 1. Consider God’s promise to David; a Messianic Promise.
Your house and your kingdom will stand before me forever; your throne will be established forever.
(2 Samuel 7:16)
Clue 2. God hears Hezekiah’s prayer and extends his life.
I will add fifteen years to your life and rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will shield this city for the sake of my reputation and because of my promise to David my servant.
(2 Kings 20:6)
Clue 3. Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son, reigned for fifty-five years.
Hezekiah died and his son, Manasseh, reigned in his stead.
(2 Kings 20:21)
What was at stake that caused Hezekiah to cry like a baby and why did fifteen years made all the difference?
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