King Hezekiah of Judah stands as a significant figure among the kings, ranked just below David and Josiah, yet given more extensive coverage in the scriptures than any other king except David. His life reveals a complex character, marked by both commendable deeds in the sight of God and notable flaws, including pride and self-centeredness stemming from the wealth and success granted by God. Despite his achievements, Hezekiah's pride led to a divine judgment through Isaiah that his sons would serve as eunuchs in Babylon, to which he responded with apparent indifference to their fate, expressing relief that the calamity would not occur in his lifetime. When faced with a terminal illness and the prophecy of dying without an heir, Hezekiah was overcome with distress and wept bitterly. He sought God's mercy, and God responded through Isaiah, declaring that He had heard his prayer and seen his tears, granting him an additional fifteen years of life. However, this extension came at a great cost to the nation, as during these extra years, Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, who became a ruthless king, undoing all of his father's reforms, reestablishing idol worship, and committing numerous atrocities. Hezekiah's reign was marked by tumultuous times that demanded a close relationship with God. At times, he relied on Him promptly, while at other moments, he turned to Him only under duress. The Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and from other enemies, guiding them on every side. Many brought gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem and presents to Hezekiah, exalting him in the sight of all nations. Yet, when Hezekiah fell ill and prayed, God spoke to him and gave him a sign, but Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him, as his heart became lifted up with pride, bringing looming wrath over him and Judah and Jerusalem. He later humbled himself, averting the wrath of the Lord during his days. Hezekiah amassed great riches and honor, for God had given him abundant property. He also engineered significant projects, such as stopping the water outlet of Upper Gihon and bringing water by tunnel to the west side of the City of David, prospering in all his works. However, when ambassadors from Babylon inquired about the wonders in the land, God withdrew from him to test his heart, revealing a mix of faithfulness and humility alongside pride and carelessness in Hezekiah's character.

Among the kings of Israel and Judah, God was generally displeased with most rulers, yet He found some notable exceptions, including Hezekiah. In His assessments, God often focused on whether the kings remained true to Him or encouraged idolatrous practices, frequently referencing the high places as a measure of their faithfulness. Hezekiah, loyal to God, ordered the destruction of these high places, standing out among other kings who either built idolatrous sites or neglected to remove them.

King Hezekiah of Judah was a complex figure spiritually, regarded as one of the best kings of Judah, yet marked by significant errors due to pride and imprudence. Under the threat of the Assyrians, as described in II Kings 18, Hezekiah initially failed to rely on God, despite God's presence with him, and instead attempted to appease the Assyrian king Sennacherib by surrendering the treasures of Jerusalem. Only when surrounded by Sennacherib's armies did Hezekiah turn to God for help. As recorded in II Kings 19, II Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 37, God responded to his plea. However, II Kings 20-21 details severe consequences of Hezekiah's interference in God's plan, which his death from a fatal disease might have prevented, as noted in Isaiah 38:1-5. God's record of Hezekiah's tearful resistance to His will underscores the gravity of his actions. Prophecies foretold that all in Hezekiah's house would be carried to Babylon, with nothing left, and some of his descendants would become eunuchs in the Babylonian palace, as stated in II Kings 20:17-18. Additionally, Manasseh, born after Hezekiah's healing, reigned for fifty-five years and did great evil, rebuilding high places Hezekiah had destroyed, raising altars for Baal, worshiping the host of heaven, and leading Judah into deeper sin than the nations God had previously cast out, as described in II Kings 21:1-9. Manasseh's actions, including shedding innocent blood and practicing witchcraft, brought further judgment, with God declaring He would forsake His inheritance and deliver them to their enemies, as noted in II Kings 21:14-16. Even Manasseh's heir, Amon, continued in evil, following his father's ways, as recorded in II Kings 21:19-20.