2 Kings 17-20
The LORD Hears Our Prayers

Hezekiah had foolishly given into the demands of the oppressing Assyrian forces in 2 Kings 18:13-16. And much to his surprise, v. 17 tells us they did not go away. His compromise did not solve the problem. In chapter 19, the LORD delivers Judah from the enemy. The events of chapter 20 perhaps fall within this time period ("In those days…). We do not know the ailment, but as the Assyrians camped at Jerusalem's throat, the king laid in his bed sick, and the aged prophet Isaiah before him. The words spoken by Isaiah must have settled heavily in King Hezekiah's ears: "Thus says the Lord, Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover" (2 Kings 20:1).

Why was God doing this to him? He had been a good king. He had tried to follow the LORD and lead the people in the way of righteousness. In desperation, he turned his case to God. "Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 'Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.' And Hezekiah wept bitterly" (20:3-6). Notice, even in his confusion, Hezekiah remained true to the LORD. He didn't curse Him or cast Him aside. He knew he had no other reality than God's reality.

And, what was the result? "And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David's sake" (20:3-6). If this took place between the events of chapters 18 & 19, then we see God's fulfillment of this promise in 19:35-37.

Several things stand out in the passage in regards to prayer. First, Hezekiah's faith was so great and certain that he immediately turned to God. Second, "before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him…"— God's concern and compassionate ear was so quick to hear that He answered immediately.

These are lessons we need to practice and have confidence in. Things happen to us that are unexpected and overwhelming. Often, like Hezekiah, we are trying to do what is right, when wham! Something hits us from out of the blue. Where do we go? We go to God! That is the time to quickly and confidently turn to God in prayer, "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). Scripture assures us—even when we feel otherwise—that "the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16). He is the first we turn to because He cares, and because He ultimately alone has the power to do something about it. Then, we can draw comfort from the speed at which God can answer our prayers. He longs to bless us, and bless us when it is best for us. We can't take from this that God answers all prayers in the affirmative, or immediately. But, let us have confidence that He can answer all prayers in the affirmative and immediately—no matter how dire they appear at the moment, if it is His will.