For the writer of Kings, the greatest of all the kings of Judah is Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:5). He towers over all others in his unswerving devotion to God. The writer of Chronicles presents Hezekiah as the reformer of worship and gives far more detail on these reforms than does the writer of Kings. There was an obvious reason for the Chronicler’s interest in this aspect of Hezekiah’s rule. The book of Chronicles was written after the exile when the main issue for the people was prioritising the building of the temple. The returned exiles were struggling to establish themselves in the land. They had plenty to concern themselves with, but the Chronicler wants to show them from history that prioritising worship makes everything fall into place and brings great blessing. When Hezekiah began to rule in Judah, the northern kingdom of Israel was in her final years; their fall to the Assyrians was imminent. Judah would face the same threat, but instead of being crushed she was enabled, not only to survive but to prosper during this period. The difference? According to the Chronicler it is simply worship. By reforming the worship practices Hezekiah reoriented his people toward God. As a result, when the time of trial came, they were able to stand in faith. It is a powerful lesson. Storms will come into your life, and you need to be ready to stand firm in God. Regularly worshipping God is the best way to deepen your roots in God. Worship is commitment and surrender. Worship God and you will be ready for anything.
Worship God.
Read 2 Chronicles 29
