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2 Kings 20:1

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

2 Kings 20:1 · King James Version

Meaning

During the time of King Hezekiah, he fell dangerously ill and was on the brink of death. The famous prophet Isaiah was sent by the LORD to deliver a message to the king. Isaiah instructed Hezekiah to prepare for his impending death, as God had decreed that his time on earth was coming to an end. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for death and the afterlife. It emphasizes the unpredictability of life and the need to have our affairs in order before it is too late. Hezekiah's response to this message and the events that followed serves as a powerful testament to the impact of faith and prayer in the face of adversity. It also highlights the mercy and power of God, who ultimately granted Hezekiah a miraculous recovery and extended his life. This verse offers a poignant lesson on mortality, faith, and the sovereignty of God over life and death.

Theological Overview

Hezekiah's sickness in this verse is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative as it marked a turning point in his life. The prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the Lord to Hezekiah, warning him of his impending death. This verse showcases the seriousness and urgency of the prophet's message, emphasizing the need for Hezekiah to prepare for his passing. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the themes of mortality, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. Hezekiah's response to this divine message, seen later in the biblical account, provides insight into his faith and humility before the Lord. Word studies on phrases like "Set thine house in order" give additional depth to the verse, emphasizing the need for Hezekiah to put his affairs in order before his death. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared spiritually for the end of our earthly journey.

2 Kings 20:1 in other translations

American Standard Version

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Set thy house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.

World English Bible

In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live.’”

Douay-Rheims

In those days Ezechias was sick unto death: and Isaias, the son of Amos, the prophet, came and said to him: Thus saith the Lord God: Give charge concerning thy house, for thou shalt die, and not llve.

Geneva Bible (1599)

About that time was Hezekiah sicke vnto death: and the Prophet Isaiah the sonne of Amoz came to him, and said vnto him, Thus saith the Lord, Put thine house in an order: for thou shalt die, and not liue.