Commentary on 2 Kings 20:3

verse: “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.”

Introduction

This verse encapsulates a moment of deep personal anguish and earnest prayer from King Hezekiah, reflecting his relationship with God. It is a poignant plea that serves as a model for supplication and intercession. This commentary synthesizes insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, bringing theological depth to this significant moment in biblical history.

Contextual Background

Hezekiah, the King of Judah, is known for his reforms and commitment to the Lord. This prayer occurs when he is stricken with illness and given a prophetic warning of his impending death. It showcases his reliance on God's mercy and highlights the themes of faith and divine intervention.

Exegesis of 2 Kings 20:3

1. Hezekiah's Appeal to God's Faithfulness

Hezekiah begins his heartfelt prayer with a compelling appeal to God’s memory. This reflects a fundamental aspect of prayer: the invocation of God's covenant faithfulness. As Matthew Henry notes, Hezekiah seeks to remind God of his own integrity and faithfulness to divine commands, showing a deep understanding that his relationship with God is based on a covenant.

2. Walking in Truth

The phrase “how I have walked before thee in truth” emphasizes the sincerity and genuineness of Hezekiah’s faith. Albert Barnes underscores the importance of integrity in one’s spiritual journey. Here, "walking in truth" signifies a lifestyle characterized by adherence to God's word and moral excellence.

3. A Perfect Heart

Hezekiah’s reference to a “perfect heart” (literally, whole heart) speaks to the completeness of his devotion. Adam Clarke explains that this does not imply perfection in the absolute sense, but rather a heart fully devoted to God, devoid of any divided loyalties. This notion raises an important question for contemporary believers regarding the conditions of their own hearts before God.

Theological Themes

• The Nature of Prayer: The verse illustrates the profound nature of prayer as the communication of a soul in distress. Hezekiah’s weeping reflects the intensity of his supplication and the emotional state that often accompanies genuine prayer.
• The Interaction of Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: This prayer highlights the theological tension between God's sovereign will and human response. Henry points out that while God is sovereign over life and death, human prayers are used as a means through which God's will is working.
• The Assurance of God's Mercy: Hezekiah appeals to God not merely on the grounds of his past faithfulness, but also on the understanding of God's merciful nature. Barnes reminds readers that God's grace often manifests through our heartfelt prayers and appeals for mercy.

Application for Today’s Believer

This verse calls today's believer to examine their own lives and relationships with God. Following Hezekiah’s model, believers are encouraged to approach God in earnestness, recalling the ways they have sought to live righteously.

Lessons for Pastors and Theologians

• Integrity in Leadership: Pastors must model integrity and authenticity to inspire their congregations, reflecting the essence of a “perfect heart.”
• Encouragement in Prayer: Pastoral care should emphasize the importance of fervent, sincere prayer in times of crisis, following Hezekiah's example.
• Understanding God's Character: Theological education should stress the balance between God's sovereignty and the believer's responsibility in praying.

Reflections for Students of the Bible

• Personal Reflection: Students are encouraged to meditate on the state of their own hearts and their relationship with God.
• Exploration of Prayer: Engaging with this verse prompts an exploration of the depth and sincerity of personal prayer life.
• Intercession: Understanding the power of intercessory prayer through the lens of Hezekiah’s experience can deepen one's commitment to pray for others.

Conclusion

2 Kings 20:3 serves not only as a narrative of a king’s plea but also as a rich source of theological and practical applications for believers today. The insights collected from public domain commentaries affirm that genuine prayer, characterized by truthfulness and a whole heart, moves the heart of God. Just as Hezekiah's crisis led to divine intervention, so our own trials can lead to profound encounters with God's grace and mercy.