Other Events in Hezekiah’s Life^(A)

²⁴ In those days Hezekiah became sick and was about to die. He prayed to the Lord, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.

Hezekiah’s Illness^(A)

38 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was about to die. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, came to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Give final instructions to your household, because you’re about to die. You won’t get well.”

² Hezekiah turned to the wall and prayed to the Lord. ³ “Please, Lord, remember how I’ve lived faithfully and sincerely in your presence. I’ve done what you consider right.” And he cried bitterly.

⁴ Then the Lord spoke his word to Isaiah, ⁵ “Go and say to Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord God of your ancestor David says: I’ve heard your prayer. I’ve seen your tears. I’m going to give you 15 more years to live. ⁶ I’ll rescue you and defend this city from the control of the king of Assyria.’ ”

⁷ ⌞Isaiah said,⌟ “This is your sign from the Lord that he will do what he promises. ⁸ The sun made a shadow that went down the stairway of Ahaz’s upper palace. I’m going to make the shadow go back ten steps.” So the sun on the stairway went back up the ten steps it had gone down.

²¹ Then Isaiah said, “Take a fig cake, and place it over the boil so that the king will get well.”^[a]

²² Hezekiah asked, “What is the sign that I’ll go to the Lord’s temple?”