“And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done.” (2 Kings 18:3 ESV).
After a long succession of mostly wicked kings, Hezekiah emerged as a striking exception. The biblical writer described him in glowing terms, noting that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just like David his father. This was a high compliment. This comparison aligned Hezekiah with David, the ideal king of Israel. It marked Hezekiah’s reign as a time of revival, a return to covenant faithfulness. He removed high places, destroyed idols, and restored proper worship. His obedience stood in sharp contrast to his father Ahaz, who had led Judah into spiritual ruin. Dale Ralph Davis called Hezekiah’s appearance in the text a “breath of fresh air,” a moment of spiritual hope in a long narrative of decline. Some scholars even see in Hezekiah a foreshadowing of the Messiah, the true Son of David who would bring lasting renewal.
Hezekiah’s example gives us hope. In a world marked by moral compromise and spiritual confusion, it is encouraging to see someone who chose faithfulness to God above cultural pressures. Like Hezekiah, we are called to walk in the ways that are right in the eyes of the Lord. We can cry out for revival in our families, churches, and communities. His courage to reform and restore reminds us that one faithful life can make a difference. Let us remember that true revival begins when we return to God with humble hearts and clear obedience.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the example of King Hezekiah, who chose what was right in Your eyes and turned a nation back to You. Help us to be like him in our generation—faithful, courageous, and devoted. May our lives point to the greater King, Jesus, the Son of David, who brings lasting revival and hope. Stir in us a desire to walk in Your ways and to lead others into deeper worship of You. Use us to bring a breath of fresh air wherever You place us. In Jesus’ name, amen.