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.
2 KINGS 20:5KJVWhat does 2 Kings 20:5 mean?
2 Kings 20:5 records God’s message to King Hezekiah that his prayer has been heard and his tears seen, and that God will heal him; within three days, Hezekiah will be able to go up to the temple of the LORD. This verse shows a direct and compassionate response from God, promising both healing and restored worship.
The prophet Isaiah is told by God to return to Hezekiah, who is gravely ill, and deliver this message of hope. The verse highlights a moment when Hezekiah’s sincere prayer and distress move God to act, reversing an earlier message of impending death. The promise that Hezekiah will go up to the house of the LORD in three days points to a full recovery and a return to public worship, which was central for a king of Judah.
The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 20:5
- "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means to listen or pay attention. Here, it emphasizes that God is attentive and responsive to personal prayer, not distant or indifferent.
- "tears" (דִּמְעָה, dim‘ah): The mention of tears underlines the emotional depth of Hezekiah’s plea, showing that God notices not just words but also heartfelt sorrow.
- "heal" (רָפָא, rapha’): This word means to restore to health or make whole. God’s promise to heal is specific and personal, not just a general blessing.
- "go up" (עָלָה, ‘alah): Often used for ascending to a high place, here it refers to returning to the temple, which stood on a hill in Jerusalem. This signals not just physical recovery but also spiritual restoration.
Why 2 Kings 20:5 matters
- This verse clarifies that God’s response to prayer can be immediate and deeply personal, countering any idea that God is unmoved by human suffering.
- The promise of healing within three days sets a concrete sign for Hezekiah, anchoring God’s word in a real, testable outcome rather than vague hope.
- The connection to the house of the LORD shows that restored health is not just for personal comfort but for renewed participation in worship and community life, which was especially important for a king leading God’s people.