2 Rois - Caput 20

2 Rois 20.1 in diebus illis aegrotavit Ezechias usque ad mortem et venit ad eum Esaias filius Amos prophetes dixitque ei haec dicit Dominus Deus praecipe domui tuae morieris enim et non vives 2 Rois 20.2 qui convertit faciem suam ad parietem et oravit Dominum dicens 2 Rois 20.3 obsecro Domine memento quomodo ambulaverim coram te in veritate et in corde perfecto et quod placitum est coram te fecerim flevit itaque Ezechias fletu magno 2 Rois 20.4 et antequam egrederetur Esaias mediam partem atrii factus est sermo Domini ad eum dicens 2 Rois 20.5 revertere et dic Ezechiae duci populi mei haec dicit Dominus Deus David patris tui audivi orationem tuam vidi lacrimam tuam et ecce sanavi te die tertio ascendes templum Domini 2 Rois 20.6 et addam diebus tuis quindecim annos sed et de manu regis Assyriorum liberabo te et civitatem hanc et protegam urbem istam propter me et propter David servum meum 2 Rois 20.7 dixitque Esaias adferte massam ficorum quam cum adtulissent et posuissent super ulcus eius curatus est 2 Rois 20.8 dixerat autem Ezechias ad Esaiam quod erit signum quia Dominus me sanabit et quia ascensurus sum die tertio templum Domini 2 Rois 20.9 cui ait Esaias hoc erit signum a Domino quod facturus sit Dominus sermonem quem locutus est vis ut accedat umbra decem lineis an ut revertatur totidem gradibus 2 Rois 20.10 et ait Ezechias facile est umbram crescere decem lineis nec hoc volo ut fiat sed ut revertatur retrorsum decem gradibus 2 Rois 20.11 invocavit itaque Esaias propheta Dominum et reduxit umbram per lineas quibus iam descenderat in horologio Ahaz retrorsum decem gradibus 2 Rois 20.12 in tempore illo misit Berodach Baladan filius Baladan rex Babyloniorum litteras et munera ad Ezechiam audierat enim quod aegrotasset Ezechias 2 Rois 20.13 laetatus est autem in adventum eorum Ezechias et ostendit eis domum aromatum et aurum et argentum et pigmenta varia unguenta quoque et domum vasorum suorum et omnia quae habere potuerat in thesauris suis non fuit quod non monstraret eis Ezechias in domo sua et in omni potestate sua 2 Rois 20.14 venit autem Esaias propheta ad regem Ezechiam dixitque ei quid dixerunt viri isti aut unde venerunt ad te cui ait Ezechias de terra longinqua venerunt de Babylone 2 Rois 20.15 at ille respondit quid viderunt in domo tua ait Ezechias omnia quae sunt in domo mea viderunt nihil est quod non monstraverim eis in thesauris meis 2 Rois 20.16 dixit itaque Esaias Ezechiae audi sermonem Domini 2 Rois 20.17 ecce dies venient et auferentur omnia quae sunt in domo tua et quae condiderunt patres tui usque in diem hanc in Babylone non remanebit quicquam ait Dominus 2 Rois 20.18 sed et de filiis tuis qui egredientur ex te quos generabis tollentur et erunt eunuchi in palatio regis Babylonis 2 Rois 20.19 dixit Ezechias ad Esaiam bonus sermo Domini quem locutus est sit pax et veritas in diebus meis 2 Rois 20.20 reliqua autem sermonum Ezechiae et omnis fortitudo eius et quomodo fecerit piscinam et aquaeductum et introduxerit aquas in civitatem nonne haec scripta sunt in libro sermonum dierum regum Iuda 2 Rois 20.21 dormivitque Ezechias cum patribus suis et regnavit Manasses filius eius pro eo

2 Rois : Caput 20

Reflections on Chapter 20 of 2 Kings

Chapter 20 of 2 Kings marks the conclusion of the reign of Hezekiah, a king who combined faith and power. This text, rich in lessons, invites us to meditate on fundamental themes such as life, death, and divine intervention. Through Hezekiah's illness, his fervent prayer for healing, the sign of the setting sun, and the visit of the Babylonian ambassadors, we discover manifestations of God's mercy, but also the dangers of pride and the consequences of imprudent choices.

The Context of Hezekiah's Illness

Hezekiah, faced with a fatal illness, turns to God with sincere faith. His prayer, filled with devotion, testifies to his desire to put his spiritual house in order. In Isaiah 38:1-5, we read: "Set your house in order, for you shall surely die." This exhortation reminds us of the importance of living each day as a precious gift, preparing for eternity.

The Divine Response

God's response to Hezekiah's prayer is an act of grace and healing. "I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you," declares the Lord. This passage teaches us that God listens to our pleas and responds graciously when we turn to Him with a repentant heart.

Pride and Repentance

The chapter also highlights the dangers of pride. In 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, we see that after his healing, Hezekiah's heart became proud, provoking the Lord's anger. However, his repentance helped to appease this anger, reminding us of the power of repentance and humility before God.

The Consequences of Our Actions

The visit of the Babylonian ambassadors, mentioned in Isaiah 39:1-2, illustrates the consequences of our actions. In his joy, Hezekiah displayed his treasures, which led to subsequent events of great significance for the people of Judah. This teaches us that our choices, even if they seem trivial, can have profound repercussions on our future and that of others.

Hezekiah in Biblical History

Hezekiah is also mentioned in Jeremiah 26:18-19 as a king who feared God. His fear of the Lord and repentance are emphasized, contrasting with later leaders who failed in this responsibility. This underscores the importance of leadership based on faith and the fear of God.

Conclusion

Finally, in the New Testament, Hezekiah is included in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:9-10, affirming his crucial role in messianic history. Through this lineage, we understand that every life, every prayer, and every act of faith has an impact on the divine plan.

May these reflections on 2 Kings chapter 20 encourage us to live with faith, remain humble, and seek God's mercy in every aspect of our lives.