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Hezequiah’s repentance

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Announcements Forums Christian Science — June 26th, 2022 Hezequiah’s repentance

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  • #14992
    Cristina
    Participant

    Hi, everybody. I have some questions and comments about II Kings 20: 1-7:

    1In 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.
    What is the meaning of “set thine house in order”?

    2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,

    3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now 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.

    4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,

    5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
    Did Isaiah already know that Hezekiah wasn’t going to die? Did Isaiah told him that he was going to die in order that Hezequiah repent and pray to the Lord?
    Why on the third day?

    6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.
    It seems that Hezequiah was very blessed and that his prayer blessed all his people.

    7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.
    Does the lump of figs has an special meaning?

    Thank you in advance for anything you can share with me!

    #14994
    JPalmer
    Participant

    Here is my attempt at answering these questions:

    What is the meaning of “set thine house in order”?

    It means prepare to meet your maker, and have everything ready for your family (or kingdom, in this case) to move forward with as little difficulty as possible.

    Did Isaiah already know that Hezekiah wasn’t going to die?

    Isaiah fully trusted in God, and he didn’t need any advanced warning about God’s intentions. He simply listened with his spiritual sense, and acted as he was directed. Also, if Hezekiah’s reaction had been different, the verdict may have remained unchanged.

    Did Isaiah tell him that he was going to die in order that Hezekiah would repent and pray to the Lord? Why on the third day?

    Not too long ago in a Roundtable it was mentioned — in essence — that just because someone (prophet, doctor, anyone) tells you that you are going to die, it does not make it true. Divine Life is our only lawmaker. So I feel that Mrs. Eddy’s words on page 66 of Science and Health speak to why Hezekiah needed to be told he would die: “Trials teach mortals not to lean on a material staff, — a broken reed, which pierces the heart. We do not half remember this in the sunshine of joy and prosperity. Sorrow is salutary. Through great tribulation we enter the kingdom. Trials are proofs of God’s care.” Salutary is defined in part as “contributing to some beneficial purpose.” (1828 Webster’s Dictionary)

    It seems that Hezekiah was very blessed and that his prayer blessed all his people.

    Hezekiah’s blessing was remembering that he serves God alone, and that his complete trust must be in Truth, Life, and Love. And, since “whatever blesses one blesses all” (S&H, p. 206), Hezekiah’s blessing became his kindgom’s blessing.

    Does the lump of figs has an special meaning?

    I take using the lump of figs to simple mean ‘being obedient.’ Isaiah knew, as Mary Baker Eddy has taught us, that matter has no power to heal or do anything. Isaiah also knew that Hezekiah would still “lean on a material staff.” That is why Hezekiah needed spiritual sense to come through Isaiah, and why he needed signs and wonders from God. To truly trust God at times feels like this stanza from Hymn 169:

    “Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
    Lead Thou me on;
    The night is dark, and I am far from home,
    Lead Thou me on.
    Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
    The distant scene; one step enough for me.”

    Thank you!

    #14997
    Cristina
    Participant

    Very grateful for your replies!!

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