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2 Kings 20:5 meaning

God hears the sincere pleas of those who trust and turn to Him.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah receives a direct command from God: “Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.”’” (v.5). Here, the LORD speaks to King Hezekiah, assuring him that his cry for deliverance has been heard. Hezekiah was the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC, and he governed the southern kingdom of Judah with a notable commitment to restoring worship of the one true God. By referring to “the God of your father David,” the message connects Hezekiah directly to the covenant lineage of King David, who reigned around 1010-970 BC, thereby tying Hezekiah’s plea for healing into God’s enduring covenant promises.

God promises to “heal” Hezekiah and confirms that “On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD” (v.5), ensuring him a complete restoration, not only of health but also of proper fellowship and worship. The “house of the LORD” was the temple in Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Judah. Jerusalem—situated in the Judean hills—was the center of worship under the Davidic kings, and returning to worship there signified renewed hope and life for the nation. This moment recalls God’s faithfulness in hearing the cries of His people throughout scripture, analogous to the many healings and acts of compassion that Jesus Himself later performed (Matthew 8:16).

The verse also highlights the tender nature of God’s compassion: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears” (v.5). Hezekiah did not simply speak words, but earnestly pleaded with heartfelt sincerity, and the LORD’s response was swift and decisive. Hezekiah’s story underscores how even in moments of desperation, God remains accessible to the repentant and faithful—foreshadowing the profound truth that Jesus teaches about prayer and God’s awareness of our needs (Matthew 6:8).

2 Kings 20:5