2 Chronicles 32:24 - Meaning and Application

Here the story of Hezekiah comes to a close, and we are given three things about him.

First, there was his sickness and recovery. The account of his illness is only briefly mentioned here, because we already had a fuller story in 2 Kings 20. His disease seemed likely to be fatal, but in his distress he prayed, and God answered him. God also gave him a sign that he would recover, the sun going back ten degrees.

Second, there was his sin and his repentance for it. That matter is also told more fully in 2 Kings 20:12 and following, but this chapter adds some details. The occasion was the king of Babylon sending a respectful embassy to Hezekiah to congratulate him on his recovery. Here we are also told that they came to ask about the wonder that had happened in the land, either the destruction of the Assyrian army or the sun going back. The Assyrians had been their enemies, so they came to ask about their downfall, hoping to rejoice in it. The sun was their god, so they came to ask about the favor shown to Hezekiah, hoping to honor the man their god had honored.

These miracles were meant to wake up a sleepy, careless world and turn people from dumb, helpless idols to the living God. People were amazed by them, but they were not truly changed until a greater wonder happened in that land, when Jesus Christ appeared (Matthew 2:1-2).

God also left Hezekiah to himself in this matter, to test him. God could have kept him from falling by the power of his grace, but he allowed it for wise and holy purposes, so that what was in Hezekiah’s heart would be shown, that is, made known. Hezekiah learned that he was not as perfect in grace as he may have thought. Like other people, he had his faults and weaknesses. God left him to himself so he would become proud of his wealth, and thus be kept from becoming proud of his holiness. It is good for us to know ourselves, and to know how weak and sinful we are, so we do not become self-important or overconfident. Instead, we should always depend on God’s grace. We do not know the corruption of our own hearts, or what we would do if God left us to ourselves. Lord, do not lead us into temptation.

His sin was that his heart became proud. He was lifted up by the honor God had given him in so many ways, by the respect of his neighbors who brought him gifts, and now by the king of Babylon sending an embassy to flatter and court him. This made him proud beyond measure. When Hezekiah had put down other idols, he began to idolize himself. Great men, good men, and useful men need to examine their own weaknesses and sins, and remember their complete dependence on free grace, so they never think too highly of themselves. They should earnestly ask God to hide pride from them and keep them humble.

The sin was made worse because Hezekiah gave God such a poor return for all his kindness. He used God’s gifts as fuel for his pride. He did not repay according to the benefit done to him. It is right to expect that those who have received mercy from God should seek to give some fitting return for the mercies they have received. If they do not, their ingratitude will certainly be counted against them. We cannot repay God as though we were paying off a debt, but we must offer thankful acknowledgment for his kindness. What shall I render that may be accepted? (Psalm 116:12).

God’s anger came on Hezekiah for this sin. Even though it was only a sin in the heart, and the outward act seemed harmless, even polite, the showing of his treasures to a friend, still wrath came on him and his kingdom. Pride is a sin God hates very much, especially in his own people. Those who lift themselves up should expect to be brought low and to come under humbling providences. Wrath also came on David for his pride in numbering the people.

Yet Hezekiah repented. He humbled himself because of the pride of his heart. We learn here that, though God may allow his people to fall into sin for wise and holy reasons, he will not let them remain in it. They will not be completely cast down. Heart-sins are still sins and must be repented of, even when they go no farther. Self-humbling is a necessary part of repentance. Pride of heart, by which we have lifted ourselves up, is a sin for which we should especially humble ourselves. People also should mourn for the sins of their rulers. The people of Jerusalem humbled themselves with Hezekiah because they either knew they had shared in the same sin, or at least feared they might share in the punishment. When David’s pride led him to number the people, they all suffered because of his sin.

Then came the mercy of a reprieve. The wrath did not come in Hezekiah’s days. While he lived, the land had peace and truth prevailed. Repentance can do much to hold back, or at least delay, the signs of God’s anger.

Third, there was the honor given to Hezekiah. While he lived, God’s providence greatly favored him. He had very great riches and honor. He filled his storehouses, supplied his troops, fortified his city, and carried out everything he planned, because God had given him much wealth. Among his great works, the turning of the watercourse of Gihon is specially mentioned. This was done when Sennacherib invaded Judah. The water had flowed into what was called the old pool and the upper pool, but Hezekiah gathered it into a new place for the city’s better use, called the lower pool. In general, he prospered in all his work because his works were good works.

He was also honored after his death. The prophet Isaiah wrote the history of his life and reign, including his acts and his goodness, or piety. That record itself is part of his honor, because it preserves his example for others. The people also honored him when he died. They buried him in the chief tombs, made as great a burning for him as they had for Asa, or, which is an even greater honor, made great lamentation for him, as they later did for Josiah.

This shows how the conscience of people honors serious godliness. It is likely that the people as a whole did not fully support the reforming kings while they lived, yet they could not help praising their efforts toward reform. The memory of such kings was blessed among them. It is a duty we owe to those who were greatly useful in their time to honor them at death, when flattery no longer has any place and we can see the end of their lives. Paying that debt will encourage others to do the same.