20:1-6
We now read of two interesting incidents in Hezekiah’s life. First he becomes ill and is close to death. Initially Isaiah is rather pessimistic, saying that the Lord says he will not recover. We are often told that prayer is not about trying to change God’s mind. I have a lot of sympathy with that view, but what happens next shows there is more to it. Hezekiah does not like the word and pleads with the Lord, weeping bitterly. In response the Lord speaks again to Isaiah. He is to tell Hezekiah that he has changed his mind and will add fifteen years to Hezekiah's life. He will also deliver the city from Assyria. God was moved by Hezekiah’s prayer and his tears, also by His promise to David. A lot of things are done because of God’s covenant with David. In the same way, God does many things in our lives because of Jesus.
20:7-11
Isaiah gives practical advice “prepare a poultice of figs”, and Hezekiah recovers. Surprisingly Hezekiah wants a sign that he will actually be healed, and God gives him a sign. God is more accommodating than we often think.
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