Hezekiah in Isaiah, Why?

This 1982 series, Hezekiah in Isaiah, Why?, explores the remarkable placement of Hezekiah’s story within the prophecy of Isaiah (chapters 36–39). Though these chapters also appear in 2 Kings, the speaker shows how their repetition in Isaiah is deliberate, serving as a prophetic type of God’s people in crisis, deliverance, and renewal. Across the week of studies, the classes bring out the historical drama of Assyria’s invasion, Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery, and the divine lessons about faith, humility, and God’s purpose with Israel and the nations.

Hezekiah as a Prophecy

The opening lecture explains why Hezekiah’s story sits in the center of Isaiah. Far from being an interlude, these chapters are integral to the prophecy. Hezekiah is presented as a type of God’s people: threatened by Assyria, facing death, yet preserved by divine mercy. The class sets the stage by showing how Hezekiah’s experiences point forward to the greater deliverance in Christ and the future kingdom.

Could Your Faith Stand the Test?

This class focuses on Hezekiah’s 14th year, when Assyria threatened Jerusalem and the king was told he would die. The lesson asks listeners to reflect: could our faith endure under such pressure? By highlighting Hezekiah’s prayer and God’s extension of his life, the class challenges believers to examine their own priorities, readiness, and devotion in anticipation of Christ’s return.

Yahweh My Strength in Times of Trouble

Here the study follows the confrontation with Assyria, when Rabshakeh mocked Jerusalem from outside the walls. The analysis shows how his words were calculated to weaken faith and tempt surrender. Yet Hezekiah turned to Isaiah and to prayer, drawing strength from God. The class emphasizes that when the world’s voices try to undermine trust, true security is found only in the living God.

Facing the Assyrian Threat

This lecture continues the account of Isaiah 37, exploring the arguments of the Assyrian king’s letter and Hezekiah’s response. While Assyria boasted of victories over other nations and their gods, Hezekiah recognized that idols are nothing—and that only Yahweh is the living God. God’s answer through Isaiah assured him of Jerusalem’s deliverance, teaching that faith rests not in human power but in divine strength.

Sick Unto Death

Turning to Isaiah 38, this class considers Hezekiah’s personal crisis when he was told to set his house in order and prepare to die. His prayer and tears revealed deep concern not just for himself, but for God’s people and the promise to David. God’s gift of fifteen more years of life was not a reward for pride but an act of mercy that preserved the line of David. The lesson draws out how Hezekiah’s experience reflects the hope of resurrection and renewal for all God’s people.

Given a Second Chance

The final lecture reflects on Hezekiah’s healing and its prophetic meaning. The “boil” that brought him near death is seen as a figure of sin, while the fig plaster used as a cure symbolizes the hope of Israel, culminating in the fruit that came forth in Christ. Just as Hezekiah was restored and returned to worship, so too God’s people are given new life and the opportunity to glorify Him. The series closes by urging believers to embrace their “second chance” in Christ and prepare for the kingdom to come.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.