2 Kings 20:4

KJV

And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, afore Isaiah {H3470} was gone out {H3318} into the middle {H8484} court {H2691}{H5892}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to him, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Before Yesha'yahu had left the city's middle courtyard, the word of ADONAI came to him:

Berean Standard Bible

Before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, before Isaiah was gone out into the middle part of the city, that the word of Jehovah came to him, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 20:4 captures a profound moment of divine immediacy and compassion, illustrating God's swift and direct response to King Hezekiah's fervent prayer. Before the prophet Isaiah had even departed the palace's middle court, the Lord's word came to him again, reversing the dire pronouncement of death and signaling a miraculous extension of Hezekiah's life and the deliverance of Jerusalem. This verse serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of earnest supplication and the dynamic nature of God's interaction with His faithful servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal turning point in the narrative of King Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery, immediately following the prophet Isaiah's initial, grim pronouncement of death in [2 Kings 20:1](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1 - Isaiah's Prophecy to Hezekiah"). Hezekiah's heartfelt and tearful prayer for mercy, recounted in [2 Kings 20:2-3](/2_kings/20-2 "2 Kings 20:2-3 - Hezekiah's Prayer"), sets the stage for God's astonishingly swift response. Verse 4 acts as the divine pivot, demonstrating the instantaneous nature of God's attentiveness to His servant's plea, before the subsequent verses detail the specific content of God's renewed promise of healing and deliverance for Jerusalem ([2 Kings 20:5-6](/2_kings/20-5 "2 Kings 20:5-6 - God's Promise to Hezekiah")). The narrative emphasizes the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Hezekiah's prayer and God's immediate change of decree, highlighting the power of intercession within the unfolding divine plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715-686 BC, a period marked by significant political and spiritual challenges, including the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. The account of his illness and recovery takes place amidst these pressures, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the affairs of His people and their leaders. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, illness was often perceived as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment, and healing as a clear act of divine favor. Prophets like Isaiah served as direct conduits for the divine will, delivering messages that could determine the fate of individuals and nations. The "middle court" (חָצֵר הַתִּיכֹנָה, _ḥaṣer hattîḵōnâ_) likely refers to an inner or central area within the royal palace complex, signifying that Isaiah had barely begun his departure from Hezekiah's presence, underscoring the astonishing speed of God's intervention. This immediate reversal of a prophetic word was highly unusual and underscored the extraordinary nature of God's compassion for Hezekiah.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme illuminated by [2 Kings 20:4](/2_kings/20-4 "2 Kings 20:4 - God's Immediate Response to Hezekiah") is God's **immediate responsiveness to earnest prayer**. The phrase "afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court" powerfully underscores God's attentiveness and swift action, demonstrating that His ear is inclined towards the cries of His faithful. This verse also highlights the **power of prayer** itself, showing that heartfelt supplication can move the heart of God and lead to a divine change of decree, as seen in Hezekiah's extended life. Furthermore, it speaks to **divine compassion and sovereignty**, revealing that while God's ultimate character is unchanging ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Immutability")), His interactions with humanity often involve conditional responses based on faith, repentance, and intercession ([Jeremiah 18:7-8](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-8 - God's Conditional Decrees")). Finally, the verse reinforces **the indispensable role of the prophet** as the authoritative messenger of God's word, both in delivering judgment and conveying mercy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"afore" (Hebrew, טֶרֶם _ṭerem_):** This adverb signifies "before," "not yet," or "ere." Its use here is crucial, emphasizing the astonishing immediacy of God's response. It conveys that the divine reversal occurred with such speed that the prophet had not even completed a short journey from the king's chamber to a specific point within the palace. This highlights God's instantaneous attentiveness to Hezekiah's prayer.
* **"middle court" (Hebrew, חָצֵר הַתִּיכֹנָה _ḥaṣer hattîḵōnâ_):** This precise geographical marker within the palace complex further underscores the immediacy. It was not a distant location outside the palace gates, but an inner area, signifying that only a very short time and distance had elapsed. This detail serves to magnify the divine swiftness and directness of communication.
* **"word of the LORD" (Hebrew, דְּבַר יְהוָה _dəḇar YHWH_):** This is a standard and highly significant prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament. It indicates that the message Isaiah received was not his own thought or interpretation, but a direct, authoritative, and undeniable revelation originating from God Himself. It underscores the divine authority behind the message and Isaiah's role as a mere conduit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court":** This opening clause immediately establishes the astonishing speed of God's intervention. The temporal marker "afore" (before) combined with the relatively short distance to the "middle court" emphasizes that God's response to Hezekiah's fervent prayer was virtually instantaneous. It highlights divine attentiveness and readiness to act on behalf of His people.
* **"that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,":** This second clause identifies the nature of the immediate intervention: a direct, authoritative message from God Himself. It confirms that Isaiah was not merely reconsidering his previous prophecy but was receiving a fresh, divine revelation. The phrase "the word of the LORD came to him" is a powerful declaration of divine communication, underscoring God's sovereignty and His active engagement in human affairs, particularly in response to prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [2 Kings 20:4](/2_kings/20-4 "2 Kings 20:4 - God's Immediate Response") is **Emphasis** through the use of a precise temporal marker. The phrase "afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court" serves to dramatically highlight the extraordinary speed and immediacy of God's response to Hezekiah's prayer. This detail is not incidental; it is deliberately included to magnify God's attentiveness and the power of intercession. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Intervention**, where the narrative explicitly states that "the word of the LORD came to him," directly attributing the change in circumstances to God's active will. This verse also functions as a moment of **Dramatic Irony** or **Foreshadowing**, as the reader knows a reversal is coming, but the characters within the narrative are still in suspense, making God's swift action all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 20:4 profoundly illustrates the dynamic and relational nature of God's sovereignty. While God is immutable in His character and ultimate purposes, His specific decrees and interactions with humanity can be influenced by human prayer and repentance. This verse reveals a God who is not distant or unresponsive but intimately involved in the lives of His people, listening intently to their cries and demonstrating profound compassion. It underscores the biblical truth that prayer is not merely a psychological exercise but a powerful means of engaging with the divine will, capable of altering circumstances that might otherwise seem fixed. God's immediate reversal of His initial decree concerning Hezekiah's death showcases His merciful willingness to relent from judgment when met with humble, heartfelt supplication, affirming His desire for life and restoration.

* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Prayer")
* [Psalm 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - God is Near to Those Who Call on Him")
* [Isaiah 65:24](/isaiah/65-24 "Isaiah 65:24 - God Answers Before They Call")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The astonishing immediacy of God's response in 2 Kings 20:4 offers immense encouragement and profound lessons for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that our God is not a distant, unfeeling deity, but one who is intimately attentive to the cries of His children. Hezekiah's desperate prayer, born of a heart in anguish, was met with a swift and merciful divine intervention, demonstrating that no situation is too dire or too final for God to act. This narrative compels us to cultivate a vibrant, persistent prayer life, trusting that God hears, God cares, and God is capable of intervening in ways that defy human expectation and logic. While not every prayer receives an immediate or desired answer, this passage serves as a potent reminder of God's capacity for rapid and miraculous intervention, fostering a spirit of hopeful dependence and unwavering faith even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does God's immediate response to Hezekiah's prayer reveal about His character and His relationship with His people?**
* **How does the swiftness of God's answer in this passage encourage or challenge your own prayer life?**
* **Considering that not all prayers are answered immediately, how can we reconcile this passage with times when God seems silent or delayed?**
* **In what "hopeless" situations in your life are you called to pray with the same fervor and faith as Hezekiah?**

### FAQ
**Does God change His mind, given that He reversed His decree about Hezekiah's death?**

Answer: This passage, along with others like [Jeremiah 18:7-8](/jeremiah/18-7 "Jeremiah 18:7-8 - God's Conditional Decrees"), illustrates God's dynamic interaction with humanity rather than a change in His immutable character or ultimate purposes. Theologically, God's essential attributes (His holiness, justice, love, faithfulness) are unchanging ([Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Immutability")). However, His declared intentions or "decrees" regarding specific outcomes for individuals or nations are often conditional upon human response, particularly repentance, faith, and prayer. In Hezekiah's case, God's initial pronouncement of death was a statement of what would occur given the circumstances. Hezekiah's fervent, humble prayer, born of faith and a righteous walk, introduced a new condition. God, in His compassion and mercy, responded to this new input, demonstrating His willingness to relent from judgment or extend favor based on a sincere turning to Him. This is not a change in God's nature, but a demonstration of His relational sovereignty and His responsiveness to His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine immediacy and compassionate responsiveness witnessed in 2 Kings 20:4 find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the "word of the LORD" came to Isaiah, so too was Jesus the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate and perfect revelation of God's character and will. Hezekiah's prayer for extended life, answered by divine mercy, foreshadows the spiritual life and eternal deliverance offered through Christ. When we, like Hezekiah, cry out to God in our distress, we do so through the perfect intercession of our [Great High Priest, Jesus Christ](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The swiftness of God's response to Hezekiah points to the immediate access and unwavering advocacy we have through Christ's atoning sacrifice, which has opened a [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way") into God's presence. Our prayers are heard not because of our inherent righteousness, but because they are offered in the name of the One who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and bore our infirmities, ensuring that God's compassion, so evident to Hezekiah, is eternally extended to all who believe in His Son ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")).

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 22:14

So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her.

1 Kings 7:8

And his house where he dwelt [had] another court within the porch, [which] was of the like work. Solomon made also an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had taken [to wife], like unto this porch.