2 Kings 20:5

KJV

Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn again {H7725}, and tell {H559} Hezekiah {H2396} the captain {H5057} of my people {H5971}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of David {H1732} thy father {H1}, I have heard {H8085} thy prayer {H8605}, I have seen {H7200} thy tears {H1832}: behold, I will heal {H7495} thee: on the third {H7992} day {H3117} thou shalt go up {H5927} unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go back, and tell Hizkiyahu the prince of my people, that this is what ADONAI, the God of David your ancestor, says: 'I have heard your prayer and seen your tears, and I will heal you. On the third day, you are to go up to the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go back and tell Hezekiah the leader of My people that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will surely heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee; on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 20:5 captures a profound moment of divine intervention and compassion, where the prophet Isaiah, having just delivered a death sentence to King Hezekiah, is commanded by the LORD to return with a message of life. God declares that He has heard Hezekiah's fervent prayer and seen his tears, promising not only miraculous healing from his mortal illness but also a clear sign of full restoration: Hezekiah will be able to go up to the house of the LORD on the third day. This verse powerfully illustrates God's responsiveness to sincere prayer, His sovereign power over life and death, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the pivotal turning point in the narrative of King Hezekiah's illness and miraculous recovery, immediately following the grim pronouncement of death by the prophet Isaiah in [2 Kings 20:1](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Death to Hezekiah"). Hezekiah's desperate, tearful prayer to the LORD, recounted in [2 Kings 20:2-3](/2_kings/20-2 "2 Kings 20:2-3 - Hezekiah's Prayer"), precedes God's swift and dramatic reversal of the decree. The narrative emphasizes the immediacy of God's response, as Isaiah had not even left the middle court of the palace when the word of the LORD came to him, commanding him to return to the king with the message of healing. This sequence highlights the direct correlation between Hezekiah's earnest plea and God's compassionate intervention, setting the stage for the promised healing and additional sign in [2 Kings 20:6-7](/2_kings/20-6 "2 Kings 20:6-7 - God's Promise of Extended Life and Healing").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Hezekiah reigned over Judah during a tumultuous period (c. 715-686 BC), marked by the formidable threat of the Assyrian Empire. His reign is largely characterized by religious reforms, including the removal of idolatry and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, as detailed in [2 Kings 18](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign and Reforms"). The illness described in this chapter likely occurred around the time of Sennacherib's invasion of Judah (c. 701 BC), as indicated by the fifteen years added to his life (2 Kings 20:6), placing this event prior to the Assyrian siege recounted in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and God's Deliverance"). For a king, a terminal illness carried not only personal dread but also significant political and dynastic implications, especially if he had no heir. The "house of the LORD" refers to the Jerusalem Temple, the central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The ability to "go up" to the Temple signified not only physical health but also ritual purity and full restoration to community and covenant fellowship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Kings and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **divine compassion and mercy** of God, who is not distant but intimately attentive to the suffering and pleas of His people, as evidenced by His immediate response to Hezekiah's tears and prayer. Secondly, it highlights the **power and efficacy of prayer**, demonstrating that fervent, humble prayer can indeed influence divine decrees, a theme echoed in other biblical accounts like Moses' intercession in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf and Moses' Intercession"). Thirdly, the promise "I will heal thee" emphasizes God's **sovereign power over life and death**, sickness and health, affirming His ability to intervene miraculously beyond human capabilities. Fourthly, God's self-identification as "the God of David thy father" reaffirms His **covenant faithfulness** to the Davidic line, a foundational promise established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), ensuring the continuity of the royal lineage and the security of His people. Finally, the promise of going "up unto the house of the LORD" signifies **restoration to worship and fellowship**, underscoring the importance of communal worship and the temple as a place of thanksgiving and renewed relationship with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (Hebrew, _shamati'_):** The verb שָׁמַעְתִּי (*shamati*), meaning "I have heard," is in the Qal perfect first common singular, indicating a completed action by God. This is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but signifies an attentive, responsive, and empathetic listening. It implies that Hezekiah's prayer did not just reach God's ears but penetrated His heart, eliciting a direct and immediate response. The use of the perfect tense emphasizes the certainty and finality of God's hearing.
* **Seen (Hebrew, _raiti'_):** The verb רָאִיתִי (*raiti*), meaning "I have seen," also in the Qal perfect first common singular, parallels "heard" and further intensifies the sense of God's personal engagement. It conveys that God's gaze was fixed upon Hezekiah's suffering, particularly his tears, which are a visible manifestation of deep anguish and earnestness. This seeing is not detached observation but compassionate awareness, prompting divine intervention. Together, "heard" and "seen" paint a picture of a God who is intimately aware of His people's internal and external distress.
* **Third day (Hebrew, _bayyom hashshelishi'_):** The phrase בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי (*bayyom hashshelishi*), "on the third day," is significant. In biblical thought, the "third day" often denotes a period of completion, divine intervention, or a turning point, frequently associated with deliverance or resurrection. It suggests a swift and decisive act of God, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of Hezekiah's healing and restoration to full functionality, specifically to participate in temple worship. This timeframe underscores the miraculous nature of the recovery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people,"**: This opening command to Isaiah highlights the immediate reversal of the previous divine decree. "Turn again" emphasizes the sudden change in God's plan, interrupting Isaiah's departure. Calling Hezekiah "the captain of my people" (נָגִיד עַמִּי - *nagid ammi*) is a title of honor and leadership, affirming Hezekiah's legitimate kingship and God's continued recognition of him as the divinely appointed leader of Israel, despite his illness.
* **"Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father,"**: This formula introduces a direct divine oracle, lending it absolute authority. Identifying Himself as "the God of David thy father" powerfully invokes the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, reminding Hezekiah and the reader of God's enduring faithfulness to His promises. It implies that Hezekiah's restoration is not just a personal favor but also a continuation of God's covenantal commitment to the Davidic dynasty.
* **"I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears:"**: This is the heart of God's compassionate response. It directly addresses Hezekiah's earnest plea (2 Kings 20:2-3), confirming that his anguish and supplication were not in vain. The parallelism of "heard thy prayer" and "seen thy tears" emphasizes God's comprehensive and empathetic awareness of Hezekiah's distress, both his verbal petition and his non-verbal expression of sorrow.
* **"behold, I will heal thee:"**: This is the core promise of the oracle. "Behold" (הִנֵּה - *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the forthcoming miracle. The declaration "I will heal thee" is a direct, sovereign act of God, demonstrating His absolute power over life and death. It is a promise of complete physical restoration from a terminal illness, a clear sign of divine favor.
* **"on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD."**: This final clause specifies the timing and the outcome of the healing. The "third day" signifies a rapid and complete recovery, a divine timetable. "Go up unto the house of the LORD" indicates Hezekiah's full restoration to health, ritual purity, and ability to participate in public worship and thanksgiving. It is a powerful symbol of renewed fellowship with God and a return to his duties as king and worshiper.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Anthropomorphism** is evident in God's declaration, "I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears." While God is spirit, these phrases attribute human senses (hearing, seeing) to Him, making His compassion and attentiveness relatable and immediate to the human experience. This device emphasizes God's personal engagement with human suffering. **Repetition** is subtly used through the narrative structure, where Isaiah delivers a message, then immediately returns with a reversed message, reinforcing the immediacy and dramatic nature of God's intervention. The "third day" also functions as **Symbolism**, carrying connotations of divine completion, deliverance, and new beginnings, foreshadowing a swift and definitive restoration. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Dramatic Irony** in the narrative, as Isaiah is commanded to return with a message of life *before* he has even fully departed from the palace, highlighting God's pre-emptive and overwhelming response to Hezekiah's prayer, surpassing human expectations of time and process.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly shapes our understanding of God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is not immutable in the face of sincere human supplication but is deeply moved by the cries and tears of His people. While God's ultimate plan is sovereign, this narrative demonstrates that His compassion and mercy are boundless, allowing for divine "changes of mind" (anthropomorphically speaking) in response to heartfelt repentance and fervent prayer. It underscores the profound theological truth that prayer is not merely a psychological exercise but a powerful means by which humans can genuinely engage with and influence the divine will, demonstrating God's desire for relationship over rigid decree. This passage thus becomes a foundational text for understanding the efficacy of intercessory prayer and the dynamic nature of God's covenantal faithfulness.

* [Psalm 56:8](/psalm/56-8 "Psalm 56:8 - God Collects Our Tears")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Righteous Prayer")
* [Exodus 32:9-14](/exodus/32-9 "Exodus 32:9-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Hezekiah's healing in 2 Kings 20:5 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers facing desperate circumstances. It reminds us that our God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering; rather, He is intimately acquainted with our grief and attentive to our prayers, even those expressed through tears and silent anguish. In moments of seemingly insurmountable challenges, whether illness, loss, or despair, Hezekiah's example calls us to turn wholeheartedly to the LORD, pouring out our hearts with raw honesty and unwavering faith. This passage assures us that God's compassion is infinite, and His power is limitless, capable of intervening in ways that defy human expectation. It fosters a vibrant hope that even when a situation appears terminal or irreversible, God can reverse decrees, extend life, and restore what was lost, inviting us to trust in His sovereign ability to bring healing and renewal, both physically and spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hezekiah's prayer and God's immediate response challenge your understanding of divine sovereignty and human free will in prayer?**
* **In what ways do you express your deepest anguish and earnest desires to God, and how might Hezekiah's "tears" encourage a more vulnerable approach to prayer?**
* **What does the promise "on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD" signify for your own journey of healing and restoration, both personally and communally?**

### FAQ

**Why did God change His mind about Hezekiah's death?**

Answer: The biblical narrative does not present God as changing His mind in the sense of being indecisive or fallible, but rather as responding dynamically to human prayer within the framework of His sovereign will and covenant promises. God's initial pronouncement through Isaiah in [2 Kings 20:1](/2_kings/20-1 "2 Kings 20:1 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Death") was a declaration of Hezekiah's terminal condition and the natural course of events. However, Hezekiah's fervent, humble, and tearful prayer in [2 Kings 20:2-3](/2_kings/20-2 "2 Kings 20:2-3 - Hezekiah's Prayer") appealed to God's covenant faithfulness and mercy. This demonstrates that God, in His infinite compassion, is open to the pleas of His people. His "change of mind" is an act of grace, revealing His responsiveness to genuine repentance and earnest supplication, proving that prayer is a powerful means by which humans can engage with and influence the divine will. It highlights God's desire for relationship and His willingness to extend mercy beyond what might be initially declared.

**What is the significance of "on the third day" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "on the third day" (or "after three days") carries significant theological weight throughout the Bible, often symbolizing a decisive turning point, divine intervention, or resurrection. In this context, it signifies the swiftness and certainty of God's miraculous healing. Hezekiah would not endure a prolonged recovery; rather, within a short, divinely appointed period, he would be fully restored. This rapid recovery would serve as an undeniable sign of God's direct hand in his healing. Furthermore, the ability to "go up unto the house of the LORD" on the third day implies not just physical healing but also ritual purity and full restoration to communal worship and fellowship, underscoring the completeness of God's work in his life. This motif of the "third day" foreshadows even greater acts of divine deliverance and resurrection in later biblical narratives, most notably the resurrection of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous healing of Hezekiah, marked by God's compassionate response to his tears and the promise of restoration on the "third day," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's physical healing from a terminal illness points to Christ as the Great Physician, who not only healed countless physical ailments during His earthly ministry (e.g., [Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many")) but also offers ultimate spiritual healing from the terminal illness of sin. Just as Hezekiah's life was extended, Christ came to give eternal life to those who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "third day" motif, so prominent in Hezekiah's restoration to the temple, is gloriously fulfilled in Christ's resurrection from the dead on the third day ([Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - Christ's Resurrection Prophesied")), signifying His victory over sin and death, and His ultimate restoration to glory, opening the way for all believers to enter into God's presence. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, we are not just healed of physical infirmities but are reconciled to God, gaining access to the true "house of the LORD"—God's presence—through the new and living way He inaugurated ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, Hezekiah's story is a powerful Old Testament echo of the greater healing, life, and access to God found supremely in Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 66:19

[But] verily God hath heard [me]; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.

Psalms 66:20

Blessed [be] God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

1 Samuel 9:16

To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him [to be] captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.

Isaiah 38:5

Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.

Psalms 39:12

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

2 Kings 19:20

¶ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, [That] which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard.

Psalms 126:5

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.