Learn from Hezekiah – Pray

Sh'mon Ha-Tzaddik was one of the last of the men of the Great Assembly. He used to say: the world is based upon three things: the Torah, Service [avodah = offerings, and prayer], and the deeds of covenant loving-kindness.
Pirkei Avot 1:2

Introduction

• Hezekiah [“HaShem has made strong”]
• 1 Chron 3:13: Grandson of Jotham; great-grandfather of Josiah.
• Ruled from ~726 BCE to 698 BCE (29 years)
• Began ruling at age 25

Successes                                                            

• 2Kings 18:4: He tore down the high places, the groves, and destroyed the Serpent that came from the wilderness, that was then being worshiped.
• 2Kings 18:5: He trusted in HaShem more than any other king of Judah.
• 2Kings 18:6: He obeyed all of HaShem’s Commandments.
• 2Chron 29:2: He did what was right, like his father David.
• 29:3-19: He repaired the Temple; reinstituted the Temple service (offerings, prayers).
• 29:20-36: Made the Temple avodah very popular. He reestablished the set-order of Temple service.
• 32:1-8: Prepared the city for siege and for battle.
• 31:20-21: Hezekiah was passionate about avodah [Temple service, prayer], and HaShem’s commandments.

Failures                                                            

• 2Chron 32:24-26: After being healed, he was not thankful – but later repented of it.
• 2Kings 20:11-19 ; 2Chron 32:31: Hezekiah showed his wealth and the Temple wealth to the emissaries from Babylon.

Lesson from Hezekiah                                                    

• 2Chron 31:20-21: avodah [service, offerings, prayer], Torah, and Commandments were a part of every thing he did. He sought G-d with all of his heart.
• Hosea 14:1-2: avodah [service] is likened to prayer. Our praises are like bulls.
• Prayer was something common for Hezekiah. Liturgical and spontaneous.
• 2Chron 30:18: prayed for healing for the people over Passover errors.
• 32:20; 2Kings 19:14-15: for deliverance from Assyria.
• 32:24; 2Kings 20:1-3: for healing.

Summary                                                              

• Hezekiah started his rule as king with a return to the Torah and to Temple avodah. Because of that, his faith was strong and he learned to depend upon the Almighty not only when times were bad, but to praise Him when times were good. Prayer was the “glue” that bound Hezekiah to HaShem.