In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed to the LORD: and he spoke to him, and he gave him a sign.
Hezekiah
2 Kings 20:1-3 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live…
Isaiah 38:1-3 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live…
gave him a sign.
2 Chronicles 32:3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
2 Kings 20:4-11 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, …
So he prayed to the LORD,
Hezekiah's response to his illness was to turn to God in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention. This act of prayer is consistent with his character as a king who sought the Lord's guidance and help, as seen in his previous actions against idolatry and his reforms. Prayer was a central aspect of Hebrew worship and communication with God, reflecting a deep personal relationship and trust in God's power to heal and deliver.
who spoke to him
God's response to Hezekiah's prayer was direct and personal, indicating a close relationship between the king and the divine. This communication likely came through the prophet Isaiah, as detailed in the parallel accounts. The idea of God speaking to individuals is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing His willingness to engage with His people and provide guidance, comfort, and instruction.
and gave him a sign.
The sign given to Hezekiah was the miraculous turning back of the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz, as described in 2 Kings 20:8-11 and Isaiah 38:7-8. This sign served as a confirmation of God's promise to heal Hezekiah and extend his life by fifteen years. Signs and wonders in the Bible often serve to authenticate God's message and His messengers, reinforcing faith and trust in His promises. This event also prefigures the miraculous signs associated with Jesus Christ, who performed miracles to validate His divine authority and mission.
“In those days” roots the event firmly in Hezekiah’s historical reign, near the time when Assyria threatened Judah (2 Chronicles 32:1; 2 Kings 18:13).
• Scripture presents these chronicles as factual history, reminding us that God’s interventions happen in real time, not in myth or legend.
• By placing the illness after the great deliverance from Sennacherib, the text shows that trials can follow triumphs (1 Kings 19:1-4; 1 Corinthians 10:12).
“Hezekiah became mortally ill” underscores his utter helplessness (2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1).
• The king who had just seen national salvation now faces personal extinction, proving that no one is beyond the reach of human weakness (Psalm 90:10).
• Scripture often links sickness to opportunities for dependence on God (Psalm 41:3; John 11:4).
Confronted with death, “he prayed to the LORD” (2 Kings 20:2-3).
• Hezekiah turns his face to the wall, shutting out distraction—a picture of focused, heartfelt petition (Matthew 6:6).
• His prayer appeals to God’s covenant faithfulness: “Remember how I have walked before You faithfully” (Isaiah 38:3).
• The narrative teaches that prayer is the believer’s first resort, not the last (James 5:13-16; Philippians 4:6-7).
The LORD answers swiftly through Isaiah the prophet (2 Kings 20:4-5).
• God’s word arrives “before Isaiah had gone out of the middle courtyard,” illustrating divine readiness to respond (Isaiah 65:24).
• Every genuine prayer sets in motion God’s communicative action—He speaks through Scripture, prophecy, and providence (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 10:27).
The LORD offers tangible assurance: the shadow on Ahaz’s stairway moves backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:8-11; Isaiah 38:7-8).
• Signs in Scripture confirm God’s promises, not replace faith (Judges 6:36-40; John 20:29).
• This astronomical miracle proclaims divine sovereignty over creation (Psalm 74:16-17) and over time itself (Joshua 10:12-14).
• Later, envoys from Babylon inquire about the sign, and Hezekiah’s response exposes lingering pride (2 Chronicles 32:31), reminding us that every blessing tests the heart (Deuteronomy 8:2).
2 Chronicles 32:24 presents a real king facing real death, turning to the only real Savior. Hezekiah’s desperate prayer, God’s immediate word, and the dramatic sign teach that the Lord hears, speaks, and acts with absolute authority. In every crisis, our hope rests not in human strength but in the God who controls illness, history, and even the movement of the sun.
HEZEKIAH'S SICKNESS--HIS PRIDE AND WEALTH--THE BABYLONIAN EMBASSY--CONCLUSION (2Chronicles 32:24-33).(24) In those days Hezekiah was sick.--This single verse epitomises 2Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38
To the death.--Unto dying.
He spake unto him.--By the mouth of Isaiah.
And he gave him a sign.--The recession of the shadow on the dial of Ahaz. Literally, and a sign He gave him; the emphatic word first.
Verse 24. - The extreme brevity again of our compiler, in the account of Hezekiah's illness, and his passing so lightly over whatever in it cast shades upon his character and career, cannot escape our notice. Much fuller is the narrative of 2 Kings 20:1-21. Gave him a sign (see 2 Kings 20:8-11, and our ver. 31, middle clause. See also at length of the sickness of Hezekiah, Isaiah 38.).