Lord God, in whom the whole world finds its truth and its destiny; lead us who live now to honour everything You have done in the past and all you will do in the future by working for the Gospel of Salvation today.  May we demonstrate the Gospel in our lives, and therefore show others its eternal truth: AMEN

Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.

1. Share any experiences you may have of healing from illness, and the consequences of this healing.
2. What does this story mean to you and what can people gain from its inclusion in scripture?
3. Discuss in your group what you think of the suggestion made in this study about the meaning of the sun going back ‘ten steps’.

Topis covered by this text

• God’s plan to work through Hezekiah
• Hezekiah’s repentance and its consequences
• God’s promise to defend Jerusalem

Personal comments by author:

Hezekiah was quite a character.  The records in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles show that he was a King who put his all into trying to ‘do the right thing’ for his people, the Lord and the city of Jerusalem.  I have often wondered why the Lord responded to Hezekiah’s tears and apparently changed his mind, but  I reckon this was a sign of God’s genuine compassion.  It was also part of His plan for the continuance of Judah and Jerusalem for many more years before they would endure the punishment for their accumulated sins.

Ideas for exploring discipleship

• If you are aware of people who are suffering greatly or dying, make them a special subject of your prayers.  Consider people who are in your church or those who live near you
• Read the passage in 2 Kings 20 which is similar to this passage (verses 1-10) and compare the two carefully.

Please refer to the general advice on the page  ‘discipleship challenges’

The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!