Hezekiah and Heroes

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. (2
Chronicles 31:20)

Many of us learned the Old Testament as a collection of stories about famous people we should be like instead of a single story about what God is like.  That error is called moralism.  Thus, we learned: be nice to your siblings like Joseph, be courageous like Daniel, and face your giants like David.  These are well-meaning applications but don’t get at the heart of the story.

But some Christians go too far in the other direction and sneer at drawing examples from biblical narratives.  Yet, the New Testament says we are to imitate our leaders (Heb. 13:7) and use the Old Testament for our example (1 Cor. 10:6).
Hezekiah is one example worth imitating.  Along with Josiah, he was the best king Judah ever had.

First, he was an inspiring and effective leader, a rare combination of organizer, administrator, and motivator. Second, Hezekiah worshiped God in spirit and truth, cleansing the temple and reinstating the Passover. Third, Hezekiah believed Yahweh to be the King over the whole world, even the Assyrians. Fourth, he sought God in his time of need.

And for all Hezekiah’s accomplishments, the most remarkable may have been his last: he repented of his pride and asked for forgiveness.