or חִזְקִיָּהוּ; also יְחִזְקִיָּה; or יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ; from חָזַק and יָהּ; strengthened of Jah; Chizkijah, a king of Judah, also the name of two other Israelites; Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare יְחִזְקִיָּה.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chizqîyâh**, represented by `{{H2396}}`, means **strengthened of Jah**. It appears 87 times across 78 unique verses. The name is most prominently associated with Hezekiah, a king of Judah, but is also the name of two other Israelites. His story is one of profound trust in God amidst national crisis and personal affliction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` is a central figure during the Assyrian invasion. When Sennacherib `{{H5576}}`, king of Assyria `{{H804}}`, threatened Jerusalem, his official Rabshakeh `{{H7262}}` warned the people not to trust `{{H982}}` in Hezekiah's words that "The LORD will deliver us" [[2 Kings 18:30]]. In response, Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` went to the house `{{H1004}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, rent `{{H7167}}` his clothes `{{H899}}`, and prayed `{{H6419}}` for deliverance ([[Isaiah 37:14]], [[2 Kings 19:15]]). Another defining moment was his severe illness, when he was sick `{{H2470}}` unto death `{{H4191}}`. Hezekiah prayed with tears `{{H1832}}`, and God heard his prayer `{{H8605}}`, adding fifteen (`{{H2568}}`, `{{H6240}}`) years `{{H8141}}` to his life [[Isaiah 38:5]]. He is also noted for his reforms, having taken away `{{H5493}}` the high places `{{H1116}}` and altars `{{H4196}}` [[2 Kings 18:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context of Hezekiah's life and reign:
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (pray): This action is central to Hezekiah's character. He prayed `{{H6419}}` when faced with the Assyrian threat [[2 Kings 19:20]] and when he was on his deathbed [[Isaiah 38:2]].
* `{{H5337}}` **nâtsal** (deliver): This is the core issue during the Assyrian siege. The Assyrians mock the idea that God can deliver `{{H5337}}` Jerusalem [[Isaiah 36:14]], but Hezekiah's trust is that the LORD `{{H3068}}` will surely `{{H5337}}` deliver `{{H5337}}` them [[2 Kings 18:30]].
* `{{H804}}` **ʼAshshûwr** (Assyria): The nation of Assyria `{{H804}}`, led by its king `{{H4428}}` Sennacherib `{{H5576}}`, represents the overwhelming military and political threat during Hezekiah's reign [[Isaiah 36:1]].
* `{{H7495}}` **râphâʼ** (heal): God's promise to Hezekiah in his sickness was direct: "behold, I will heal `{{H7495}}` thee" [[2 Kings 20:5]]. This divine healing was accompanied by a sign.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of Hezekiah's story is significant, highlighting several key themes.
* **The Efficacy of Prayer:** When Hezekiah was sick unto death, he prayed, and God responded by extending his life [[2 Kings 20:5]]. Similarly, his prayer against Sennacherib was heard `{{H8085}}` by God, leading to the deliverance of Jerusalem [[2 Kings 19:20]].
* **Righteous Reforms:** Hezekiah is portrayed as a king who did what was good `{{H2896}}` in God's sight [[2 Kings 20:3]]. He took away `{{H5493}}` the high places `{{H1116}}` and altars `{{H4196}}`, a stark contrast to his son Manasseh `{{H4519}}`, who rebuilt them [[2 Kings 21:3]].
* **Trust in God Over Human Power:** Hezekiah's primary conflict with the Assyrians was a test of faith. He encouraged his people to trust `{{H982}}` in the LORD `{{H3068}}` for deliverance `{{H5337}}` rather than submitting to the seemingly invincible Assyrian army [[2 Kings 18:30]].
* **The Danger of Pride:** After his miraculous recovery, Hezekiah showed the messengers from Babylon `{{H894}}` all the house `{{H1004}}` of his precious things `{{H5238}}`, his treasures `{{H214}}`, and his armor `{{H3627}}` [[Isaiah 39:2]]. This act of pride led to a prophecy from Isaiah about Judah's future exile to Babylon.
### Summary
In summary, the name Hezekiah `{{H2396}}` embodies its meaning, "strengthened of Jah." His life demonstrates that genuine prayer `{{H6419}}` and trust `{{H982}}` in the LORD `{{H3068}}` can lead to divine healing and deliverance from insurmountable odds. His reign stands as a powerful example of righteous leadership and reform, while his later actions serve as a somber reminder of human frailty and the dangers of pride. He remains one of the most significant kings of Judah, whose story illustrates a deep, personal relationship with God.
TRV