King Hezekiah humbly accepts a future judgment on his kingdom, grateful that he will enjoy peace during his lifetime.
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Is it not so, if there will be peace and truth in my days?” (2 Kings 20:19)
In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah (715 - 686 BC) responds to the prophet Isaiah’s warning that the treasures of Judah and some of Hezekiah’s descendants will in the future be taken captive to Babylon. By saying, “The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good” (v.19), Hezekiah appears resigned to the reality of future events. The text then explains that he thought, “Is it not so, if there will be peace and truth in my days?” (v.19). This suggests Hezekiah is relieved that such judgment will not arrive until after he dies, leaving him optimistic that there will be stability and continued prosperity during his reign. Historically, Hezekiah was noted for his righteous reforms and devotion to the LORD, but this verse shows a moment where he accepted God’s long-term judgment while remaining grateful for peace in the short term.
Hezekiah’s acceptance must be understood in the broader narrative of 2 Kings 18-20. In these chapters, the king experiences both deliverance from Assyria’s threat (when the LORD miraculously rescues Jerusalem) and a personal healing from life-threatening illness. Following those events, Hezekiah shows envoys from Babylon all of his riches—possibly out of pride—prompting Isaiah’s prophecy that future generations of Judah will be exiled to Babylon. While the southern kingdom would indeed be carried off by Babylon in 586 BC, Hezekiah dies long before these events occur, which is why he reflects that, at least in his own lifetime, God will grant peace.
Geographically, Hezekiah rules from the city of Jerusalem, located in Judah to the south of Israel (the northern kingdom). In this era, powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon lay to the northeast, with far-reaching influence throughout the region. Over the course of Hezekiah’s reign, he enacted many reforms, including removing idol worship and restoring proper worship of the LORD. Although such reforms helped delay divine punishment for Judah, Isaiah’s message foreshadowed the inevitable consequences of Judah’s sins in the generations to come.
Hezekiah’s reaction could be read in two ways. Some see it as an expression of relief and gratitude to God for sparing his own generation, showing humility in receiving the LORD’s Word. Others see a self-focused relief, more concerned with personal comfort than the fate of his successors. Either interpretation highlights an important tension regarding the temporal blessings of righteousness and the long-term consequences of nations turning away from God. In the New Testament, Jesus warns that the state of the heart transcends even immediate peace or safety (Matthew 6:19-21), emphasizing that God’s plan spans generations.
It is a reminder that though judgment might be delayed, it is never averted by mere outward reforms or the merits of a good king. God’s overarching plan for His people continues beyond any individual reign, and He calls every generation to respond to Him in faith.
This verse succinctly illustrates Hezekiah’s personal reflection on receiving a difficult prophecy:
Hezekiah recognizes that the LORD’s word is sovereign, trusts that it is just, and thanks God for peace in his own days.
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2 Kings 20:19 meaning
Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Is it not so, if there will be peace and truth in my days?” (2 Kings 20:19)
In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah (715 - 686 BC) responds to the prophet Isaiah’s warning that the treasures of Judah and some of Hezekiah’s descendants will in the future be taken captive to Babylon. By saying, “The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good” (v.19), Hezekiah appears resigned to the reality of future events. The text then explains that he thought, “Is it not so, if there will be peace and truth in my days?” (v.19). This suggests Hezekiah is relieved that such judgment will not arrive until after he dies, leaving him optimistic that there will be stability and continued prosperity during his reign. Historically, Hezekiah was noted for his righteous reforms and devotion to the LORD, but this verse shows a moment where he accepted God’s long-term judgment while remaining grateful for peace in the short term.
Hezekiah’s acceptance must be understood in the broader narrative of 2 Kings 18-20. In these chapters, the king experiences both deliverance from Assyria’s threat (when the LORD miraculously rescues Jerusalem) and a personal healing from life-threatening illness. Following those events, Hezekiah shows envoys from Babylon all of his riches—possibly out of pride—prompting Isaiah’s prophecy that future generations of Judah will be exiled to Babylon. While the southern kingdom would indeed be carried off by Babylon in 586 BC, Hezekiah dies long before these events occur, which is why he reflects that, at least in his own lifetime, God will grant peace.
Geographically, Hezekiah rules from the city of Jerusalem, located in Judah to the south of Israel (the northern kingdom). In this era, powerful empires like Assyria and Babylon lay to the northeast, with far-reaching influence throughout the region. Over the course of Hezekiah’s reign, he enacted many reforms, including removing idol worship and restoring proper worship of the LORD. Although such reforms helped delay divine punishment for Judah, Isaiah’s message foreshadowed the inevitable consequences of Judah’s sins in the generations to come.
Hezekiah’s reaction could be read in two ways. Some see it as an expression of relief and gratitude to God for sparing his own generation, showing humility in receiving the LORD’s Word. Others see a self-focused relief, more concerned with personal comfort than the fate of his successors. Either interpretation highlights an important tension regarding the temporal blessings of righteousness and the long-term consequences of nations turning away from God. In the New Testament, Jesus warns that the state of the heart transcends even immediate peace or safety (Matthew 6:19-21), emphasizing that God’s plan spans generations.
It is a reminder that though judgment might be delayed, it is never averted by mere outward reforms or the merits of a good king. God’s overarching plan for His people continues beyond any individual reign, and He calls every generation to respond to Him in faith.
This verse succinctly illustrates Hezekiah’s personal reflection on receiving a difficult prophecy:
Hezekiah recognizes that the LORD’s word is sovereign, trusts that it is just, and thanks God for peace in his own days.