2 Chronicles 32:24

¶ 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.

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}.

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

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

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

2 Chronicles 32:24 recounts a pivotal moment in the life of King Hezekiah of Judah, detailing his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness following his fervent prayer to the Lord.

Context

This verse provides a personal interlude within a chapter primarily focused on King Hezekiah's successful defense of Jerusalem against the formidable Assyrian King Sennacherib. While the earlier verses highlight God's deliverance of Judah from external enemies, verse 24 shifts to a severe internal, personal crisis for the king. This event is recorded in greater detail in the parallel accounts found in 2 Kings 20:1-11 and Isaiah 38:1-8, where the prophet Isaiah is instrumental in conveying God's message to Hezekiah. Chronologically, this illness and recovery likely occurred after the Assyrian siege but before Hezekiah's subsequent display of pride, which is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 32:25.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's desperate situation—"sick to the death"—drives him to pray unto the Lord. His earnest plea demonstrates the biblical principle that fervent prayer can move the heart of God, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. This highlights the accessibility of God to those who seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
  • Divine Intervention and Healing: Despite the terminal nature of his illness, God directly intervenes and speaks to Hezekiah, demonstrating His sovereignty over life and death. The subsequent healing is a clear testament to God's miraculous power and His ability to restore health.
  • God's Faithfulness and Signs: The Lord not only answered Hezekiah's prayer but also provided a "sign." In the parallel accounts (2 Kings 20:9-11; Isaiah 38:8), this sign was the shadow on the sundial moving backward ten degrees, a supernatural confirmation of God's promise to extend his life by fifteen years. This underscores God's willingness to confirm His word to His servants.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sick to the death" (KJV) vividly portrays the severity of Hezekiah's condition, indicating a terminal or mortal illness. The Hebrew phrase translated "he spake unto him" implies a direct and personal communication from the Lord, not merely an internal impression, signifying God's active involvement in Hezekiah's life.

Practical Application

King Hezekiah's experience offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Prayer in Despair: Hezekiah's example encourages us to turn to God in our darkest moments, even when facing what seems like an insurmountable challenge or a terminal diagnosis. No situation is beyond God's reach or His ability to respond.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: This account reminds us that God is intimately involved in the affairs of His people. He has the power to heal, to deliver, and to communicate His will, even when circumstances seem hopeless.
  • Seeking and Receiving Assurance: While we may not always receive a dramatic "sign" like Hezekiah, God often provides assurance and confirmation of His presence and promises through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the circumstances of our lives, for those who diligently seek Him.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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?
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