2 Chronicles 32:24

KJV

¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign.

KJV (with Strong's)

In those days {H3117} Hezekiah {H3169} was sick {H2470} to the death {H4191}, and prayed {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068}: and he spake {H559} unto him, and he gave {H5414} him a sign {H4159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Around this time, Hizkiyahu became ill to the point of death. But he prayed to ADONAI, who answered him, even giving him a sign.

Berean Standard Bible

In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. So he prayed to the LORD, who spoke to him and gave him a sign.

American Standard Version

In those days Hezekiah was sick even unto death: and he prayed unto Jehovah; and he spake unto him, and gave him a sign.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 32:24 encapsulates a pivotal moment in King Hezekiah's reign, detailing his grave, life-threatening illness, his earnest and desperate prayer to the Lord, and God's immediate, personal, and miraculous response, which included the provision of a tangible sign. This concise account profoundly underscores divine sovereignty over human life and death, the transformative power of fervent prayer, and God's unwavering faithfulness to His devoted servants, even amidst personal crisis following national triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial personal interlude within a chapter primarily dedicated to King Hezekiah's remarkable success in defending Jerusalem against the formidable Assyrian King Sennacherib. The preceding verses [2 Chronicles 32:1-23](/2_chronicles/32-1-23 "2 Chronicles 32:1-23 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance") recount God's miraculous deliverance of Judah from an overwhelming external threat, highlighting His power and faithfulness on a national scale. Verse 24 then pivots sharply to a severe, internal, and deeply personal crisis for the king himself, demonstrating that even a righteous king, divinely protected in public, is subject to human frailty and mortality. The Chronicler's account here is notably concise, focusing on the core interaction between Hezekiah and God, while parallel narratives in [2 Kings 20:1-11](/2_kings/20-1-11 "2 Kings 20:1-11 - Hezekiah's Illness and Recovery") and [Isaiah 38:1-8](/isaiah/38-1-8 "Isaiah 38:1-8 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Hezekiah") provide richer details, including the prophet Isaiah's role, the specific nature of the sign (the sundial), and the promise of fifteen additional years of life. Chronologically, this illness and recovery likely occurred after the Assyrian siege but before Hezekiah's subsequent display of pride to the Babylonian envoys, an event briefly alluded to in [2 Chronicles 32:25](/2_chronicles/32-25 "2 Chronicles 32:25 - Hezekiah's Pride and Prosperity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah during a tumultuous period in the late 8th century BCE, marked by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. His reign (c. 715-686 BCE) was characterized by significant religious reforms aimed at centralizing worship in Jerusalem and eradicating idolatry, aligning with the Deuteronomic covenant. Illness in ancient Israel was often viewed through a theological lens, sometimes as divine judgment for sin, other times as a test of faith, or simply a part of the human condition. The response to severe illness invariably involved prayer and seeking divine intervention, often through prophets. Kings, though powerful, were not exempt from these realities. The concept of a "sign" (Hebrew: _’ôṯ_) was a well-established biblical motif, serving as a miraculous confirmation of a divine promise or message, designed to bolster faith and demonstrate God's active involvement in human affairs. The specific sign of the sundial moving backward, as detailed in the parallel accounts, would have been an extraordinary and undeniable supernatural event, deeply impacting the king and his court.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **sovereignty of God** over all aspects of life, including health and death. He alone has the power to determine the span of human life and to intervene miraculously. Secondly, it highlights the **efficacy and power of fervent prayer**, demonstrating that a desperate, sincere plea to God can indeed elicit a direct and transformative response, even in seemingly terminal situations. Hezekiah's prayer is a testament to God's accessibility and responsiveness to His people. Thirdly, the provision of a "sign" underscores God's **faithfulness and willingness to confirm His word**. It serves not only as an assurance to Hezekiah but also as a public demonstration of divine truth, reinforcing the theme of God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people, as seen throughout [2 Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles - God's Faithfulness to His People"). Finally, the narrative subtly explores the **fragility of human life and the importance of humility**, as Hezekiah's subsequent pride (mentioned in [2 Chronicles 32:25](/2_chronicles/32-25 "2 Chronicles 32:25 - Hezekiah's Pride and Prosperity")) serves as a cautionary counterpoint to his initial humble prayer and God's gracious response.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sick (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** This verb describes Hezekiah's physical state, indicating a condition of being "weak, sick, diseased." When combined with "to the death," it conveys the terminal nature of his illness. The root implies a wearing down or affliction, emphasizing the dire circumstances that prompted his desperate prayer and the miraculous nature of his recovery, which was humanly impossible.
* **prayed (Hebrew, _pâlal'_):** This verb signifies the act of "interceding" or "praying." In its Hithpael stem, as used here, it suggests an intense, self-directed, and earnest act of supplication. Hezekiah's prayer was not a casual request but a profound outpouring of his heart to the Lord, born of desperation and deep faith, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of his communion with God.
* **sign (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** This noun refers to a "miracle," "token," or "omen." In this context, it functions as a miraculous confirmation of a divine promise or message. The "sign" was a tangible, supernatural event designed to bolster Hezekiah's faith and provide undeniable proof of God's active involvement and absolute control over creation, confirming His word to the king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death":** This opening clause establishes the critical state of affairs. "In those days" broadly refers to the period following the Assyrian siege, situating this personal crisis within the larger narrative of Hezekiah's reign. The phrase "sick to the death" conveys the terminal nature of his illness, emphasizing the human impossibility of recovery and setting the stage for divine intervention.
* **"and prayed unto the LORD":** Faced with a life-threatening illness, Hezekiah's immediate and sole recourse was to turn to the Lord in earnest prayer. This highlights his deep piety and his understanding of God's ultimate authority over life and death. His prayer was not a last resort but a primary act of faith and dependence, demonstrating his trust in God's power and compassion.
* **"and he spake unto him":** This clause signifies God's direct and personal response to Hezekiah's prayer. The Lord did not remain silent but actively communicated His will and promise to the king. This direct divine address underscores God's attentiveness to the prayers of His people and His willingness to engage personally with them, affirming His covenant relationship.
* **"and he gave him a sign":** Beyond speaking, God provided a tangible, miraculous sign to confirm His word. This sign, later revealed to be the sundial's shadow moving backward, served as an irrefutable physical manifestation of God's power and faithfulness, designed to remove all doubt from Hezekiah's mind regarding the promise of healing and extended life.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's concise account in [2 Chronicles 32:24](/2_chronicles/32-24 "2 Chronicles 32:24 - Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer") employs several effective literary devices. There is a powerful **juxtaposition** between the preceding verses, which detail God's national deliverance of Judah from the Assyrians, and this verse, which shifts to a deeply personal crisis for the king. This contrast highlights that even divinely protected leaders are subject to human vulnerability, yet God's care extends to both national and individual needs. The narrative also employs **narrative economy**, presenting the core elements of the event (illness, prayer, divine response, sign) with remarkable brevity, leaving the more elaborate details of the miracle to the parallel accounts in Kings and Isaiah. This brevity serves to emphasize the direct and immediate cause-and-effect relationship between Hezekiah's prayer and God's response. Furthermore, the account features **divine dialogue**, as God "spake unto him," underscoring the intimate and responsive nature of God's relationship with His faithful servants. Finally, the mention of a "sign" functions as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the extraordinary supernatural event that confirms God's promise, building anticipation for the reader familiar with the fuller accounts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery in [2 Chronicles 32:24](/2_chronicles/32-24 "2 Chronicles 32:24 - Hezekiah's Illness and Prayer") is a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, His responsiveness to the earnest prayers of His people, and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that divine intervention is not limited to national crises but extends to the deepest personal needs of individuals, even kings. The provision of a supernatural sign underscores God's desire to confirm His word and strengthen the faith of those who trust in Him. This narrative reinforces the biblical principle that genuine humility and desperate prayer can unlock God's miraculous power, reminding believers that no situation is beyond the reach of His divine will and compassion.

* [Psalm 6:2-4](/psalm/6-2-4 "Psalm 6:2-4 - A Prayer for Healing")
* [James 5:14-16](/james/5-14-16 "James 5:14-16 - Prayer for the Sick")
* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - Nothing is Too Hard for God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Hezekiah's experience offers timeless and powerful lessons for believers navigating the challenges of life, particularly in moments of despair or terminal diagnosis. His immediate and fervent turning to the Lord, even when facing what seemed to be certain death, provides a profound example of faith and spiritual resilience. It reminds us that our first and most effective recourse in any crisis should be earnest prayer to God, who holds all life in His hands. While we may not always receive a dramatic "sign" or a miraculous physical healing in the way Hezekiah did, this account assures us of God's attentiveness to our cries, His profound compassion, and His ultimate sovereignty. Our responsibility is to pray with sincerity, trust in His perfect will, and remain open to His diverse ways of answering, whether through supernatural intervention, the wisdom of medical professionals, or the peace that transcends understanding in the face of suffering. Hezekiah's story encourages us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, knowing that He is intimately involved in our lives and capable of working beyond human limitations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you facing a "sick to the death" situation that requires desperate prayer?**
* **How does Hezekiah's immediate turn to the Lord challenge your own initial responses to crisis?**
* **What does God's direct "speaking" to Hezekiah teach us about His desire for personal communion with us?**
* **While we may not receive a physical "sign" like Hezekiah, how does God confirm His promises and presence in your life today?**
* **How can Hezekiah's story strengthen your faith to pray for seemingly impossible situations, trusting in God's sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific illness Hezekiah suffered from, and how was he healed?**

Answer: While [2 Chronicles 32:24](/2_chronicles/32-24 "2 Chronicles 32:24 - Hezekiah's Illness") states Hezekiah was "sick to the death," the parallel account in [2 Kings 20:7](/2_kings/20-7 "2 Kings 20:7 - Isaiah's Remedy") specifies that the prophet Isaiah instructed Hezekiah's servants to "take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover." This suggests Hezekiah suffered from a severe boil or tumor, possibly gangrenous, which was considered fatal. The healing, however, was not merely a result of the poultice, but a direct miraculous act of God in response to Hezekiah's prayer, with the figs serving as a divinely appointed means or a test of obedience.

**What was the "sign" God gave Hezekiah, and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "sign" mentioned in [2 Chronicles 32:24](/2_chronicles/32-24 "2 Chronicles 32:24 - Hezekiah's Illness and Sign") is elaborated in [2 Kings 20:9-11](/2_kings/20-9-11 "2 Kings 20:9-11 - The Sign of the Sundial") and [Isaiah 38:7-8](/isaiah/38-7-8 "Isaiah 38:7-8 - The Sign of Ahaz's Sundial"). It was the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moving backward ten degrees. This was an extraordinary, supernatural event that defied the natural order, serving as an irrefutable confirmation of God's promise to heal Hezekiah and add fifteen years to his life. Its significance lay in providing tangible, undeniable proof of God's power and faithfulness, bolstering Hezekiah's faith and demonstrating God's absolute control over creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of King Hezekiah's miraculous healing and the extension of his life, confirmed by a divine sign, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's "sick to the death" condition and God's intervention foreshadow the greater reality that humanity is spiritually "sick to the death" due to sin, facing eternal separation from God. Just as Hezekiah's fervent prayer brought physical healing, Christ's intercessory work for us, as our great High Priest, brings spiritual healing and eternal life. The temporary extension of Hezekiah's life points to the eternal life that is freely offered to all who believe in Jesus, who conquered death through His resurrection [John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"). Furthermore, the "sign" given to Hezekiah, a reversal of natural order, prefigures the ultimate sign given by God: the resurrection of Jesus from the dead [Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39-40 "Matthew 12:39-40 - The Sign of Jonah"). Christ is the ultimate Healer, not just of physical ailments but of the soul, offering complete restoration and reconciliation with God [1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - By His Wounds You Were Healed"). Hezekiah's experience, therefore, serves as a powerful Old Testament echo of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and grants abundant, everlasting life [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 20:1

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Kings 20:11

And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.

Isaiah 38:1

¶ In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

Isaiah 38:8

Behold, I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which degrees it was gone down.

Isaiah 38:21

For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay [it] for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover.

Isaiah 38:22

Hezekiah also had said, What [is] the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?