The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

HEZEKIAH

Hezeki'ah was the twelfth, and one of the best of the kings of Judah. He succeeded Ahaz about 717 BC and died about 698 BC. He repressed idolatry, fought successfully against the Philistines, and hoped to become entirely independent of Assyria, but had his fenced cities captured, and was mulcted in a large tribute. About this time Hezekiah had a serious illness from which he miraculously recovered, and celebrated his fresh lease of life in a thanksgiving, preserved in Isaiah xxxviii. Among the ambassadors who came with letters and gifts to congratulate him on his recovery was the viceroy of Babylon, to whom he displayed the royal treasures. For this he received a terrible rebuke, and he was told by Isaiah that from Babylon would come the ruin and captivity of Judah. The greater part of the Scripture records bearing on the reign of Hezekiah is occupied by the two invasions of Sennacherib, and the sudden destruction of the Assyrian army. Hezekiah did not long survive this deliverance.
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