Hezekiah’s Heart Exposed: The Pride That Followed the Miracle-He Passed the Test of Tears but Failed the Test of Glory.

Hezekiah, king of Judah, was a righteous leader who sought to restore true worship in a spiritually bankrupt nation. His calling was marked by bold reforms—he removed idols, reopened the temple, and trusted God when surrounded by enemies (2 Kings 18:3–7). But his greatest test didn’t come on the battlefield—it came on his deathbed. In 2 Kings 20:1–6 and Isaiah 38, Hezekiah became deathly ill.

God sent the prophet Isaiah to tell him to set his house in order, because he would die.

"In those days Hezekiah became terminally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’”

In response, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, wept bitterly, and cried out to the Lord—not demanding, but remembering how he had walked faithfully.

“Please, Lord, remember how I have walked before you faithfully and wholeheartedly and have done what pleases you.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Please read my previous article, Why Does 'REMEMBER O LORD' Speak Louder Than a Thousand Prayers? https://www.kingdomrevelations.com/post/why-does-remember-o-lord-speak-louder-than-a-thousand-prayers

God answered swiftly and tenderly:

“I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Look, I am adding fifteen years to your life” (Isaiah 38:5, CSB).

As a sign, God turned back time—the shadow on the sundial moved backward ten steps, a miracle that confirmed heaven’s intervention (Isaiah 38:8).

But healing wasn’t the end of Hezekiah’s story—it was the beginning of a deeper test. Soon after his recovery, envoys from Babylon arrived with letters and gifts to congratulate him (2 Kings 20:12–13). Flattered by their attention, Hezekiah made a critical error: he proudly showed them all the treasures of his house and kingdom—silver, gold, spices, weapons—without giving glory to God or seeking His wisdom.

2 Kings 20:12–13 (CSB):

At that time Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah because he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Hezekiah listened to the letters and showed the envoys his whole treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil—and his armory, and everything that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his palace and in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.

This passage reveals a pivotal moment in Hezekiah’s story. Though he had just experienced God's miraculous healing and deliverance, he let his guard down when flattered by foreign envoys. Instead of giving glory to God, he boasted in his own wealth and resources. This act of pride and lack of discernment opened the door for future judgment, as Isaiah would soon prophesy (see verses 14–18). It serves as a sobering reminder that even after spiritual victory, we must remain humble and vigilant.

This wasn’t merely hospitality—it was a prideful display of military and economic power. He exposed both his wealth and his vulnerability. According to 2 Chronicles 32:25:

“But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah didn’t respond according to the benefit that had come to him. So there was wrath on him, Judah, and Jerusalem.”

Isaiah confronted him with a sobering word from the Lord:

“The time will certainly come when everything in your palace… will be carried off to Babylon… Some of your descendants… will be taken away” (Isaiah 39:6–7, CSB).

While God delayed the consequence until after Hezekiah’s lifetime, the spiritual principle remains: the test after the miracle is often greater than the trial before it.

Hezekiah's story teaches us that prayer

can move heaven,

humility can extend life,

but pride can forfeit legacy.

God is merciful to the repentant, but He also examines the heart after mercy has been shown. As 2 Chronicles 32:31 explains,

“God left him to test him and discover what was in his heart.” 

Please read, "God Tests to Refine You. The Devil Tempts to Destroy You. Know the Difference." https://www.kingdomrevelations.com/post/god-tests-to-refine-you-the-devil-tempts-to-destroy-you-know-the-difference

The act of faith was not only Hezekiah’s tearful plea—it was his recognition that God alone held the keys to life and death. But the lesson lingers: will we steward God’s mercy with humility, or squander it with pride?

Hezekiah’s story proves that:

• Pride follows restoration if we are not vigilant. (See also Proverbs 16:18: “Pride comes before destruction…”)

• Boasting in blessing without glorifying God invites judgment. (Compare with Acts 12:21–23 — Herod is struck down for receiving praise and not giving glory to God.)

• Even great men of faith can fall into foolish decisions without discernment. Hezekiah prayed fervently for healing (2 Kings 20:2–3), but didn’t seek God’s counsel when Babylon showed up with compliments.

This story is a warning: miracles don't exempt us from the need for humility. In fact, they demand it.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this timely word and the mercy You so freely give. I come before You with humility, recognizing that Your blessings are not to be boasted in, but stewarded with reverence. Thank You for prompting me to examine my heart, that I might be purified through confession and repentence—not just of my sins, but of my pride, my need for approval, and the times I’ve taken glory that belongs only to You.

Lord, I acknowledge that pride often follows restoration if I’m not watchful. Keep me alert. Guard my heart from the subtle deception that creeps in after a breakthrough. Let me never assume that answered prayers exempt me from accountability.

Forgive me for boasting in blessings without giving You the glory. Let me never become like Herod, who received the praise of men but failed to honor the God who gave him breath. I repent of every moment I’ve hoarded recognition or failed to redirect the spotlight back to You.

I also confess that even with faith, I’ve made foolish decisions when I failed to seek Your counsel. Help me never to lean on my own understanding. Holy Spirit, increase my discernment so I may walk in wisdom, not impulse.

Thank You for Your promise—that You remove my sins as far as the east is from the west, and remember them no more. I exalt Your holy Word and Your holy Name. Thank You for revealing truth to me and correcting me in love.

May I walk humbly in every season, steward Your mercy with awe, and glorify You in all things.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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