2 Kings 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Kings 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Hezekiah's illness is announced by Isaiah, who tells him to set his house in order because he will die and not live (v. 1). Hezekiah then prays to Yahweh, asking Him to remember how he has walked before Him and weeps bitterly (vv.

Key verse

“Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What will be the sign that Yahweh will heal me, and that I will go up to Yahweh’s house the third day?”
2 Kings 20:8 (WEB)

Outline

2 Kings 20:1 Hezekiah's Illness Announced
2 Kings 20:2–3 Hezekiah's Prayer for Healing
2 Kings 20:4–6 Divine Response to Prayer
2 Kings 20:7 The Sign of Healing
2 Kings 20:8–11 Hezekiah Requests a Sign
2 Kings 20:12–15 Visit from Babylonian Envoys
2 Kings 20:16–21 Prophetic Warning from Isaiah

Discussion questions

In v3, what does Hezekiah remind Yahweh about his life and actions?
What specific sign does Isaiah offer Hezekiah in vv. 9-10 regarding the shadow?
Hezekiah's response in v19 regarding Isaiah's prophecy: what does this suggest about his priorities?
In v17, what implications does Isaiah's message about Babylon have for Hezekiah's legacy?
When have you experienced a moment of pride like Hezekiah in v13 after receiving help?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Kings 20: Isaiah 38, 2 Kings 19, 2 Chronicles 32.

Before next time: read 2 Kings 21.