Hezekiah “was exalted in the sight of all nations” because of the miraculous rescue from Assyria’s grasp. As a result his heart became proud, incurring God’s wrath not only on himself but also on Judah and Jerusalem. This is another important lesson from Hezekiah’s life: humankind is vulnerable to their own pride. If God blesses us with good things as He enjoys doing, we are subject to being taken down by the pride which often follows. Knowing this tendency of fallen man, we should be prepared to remain on guard against pride’s encroachment all of our lives, taking every reminder as an opportunity to reevaluate ourselves. Today’s reading is such an opportunity.
“God left Hezekiah to himself in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.” Does that scenario sound familiar to you? That was what God did in the Garden of Eden. Do you suppose He does that to us? If so, how can you prepare yourself for that? The time to think about that is now, before it happens.
Another lesson from Hezekiah’s example is that he humbled himself and so averted God’s wrath. This was important, because it taught Manasseh to do the same. As unsurpassingly wicked as he was, Manasseh repented, and God was moved by his entreaty. He is the same God today.