This Is a Test
27. Hezekiah was very wealthy and highly honored. He built special treasury buildings for his silver, gold, precious stones, and spices, and for his shields and other valuable items.
28. He also constructed many storehouses for his grain, new wine, and olive oil; and he made many stalls for his cattle and pens for his flocks of sheep and goats.
29. He built many towns and acquired vast flocks and herds, for God had given him great wealth.
30. He blocked up the upper spring of Gihon and brought the water down through a tunnel to the west side of the City of David. And so he succeeded in everything he did.
31. However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:27-31
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Mistakes are always a two-edged sword. On the one hand, they hurt; on the other hand, they pack a lesson. If we get the point, it’s something we’ll likely never forget—which, in its own cruel way, is a good thing. There’s no teacher like experience.
Hezekiah, king of Judah, is a prime example of this. He’s a good man, and he enjoys many successes. But that doesn’t mean that Hezekiah is perfect, as he learns from his experience with some visitors from Babylon. Their visit is a test of Hezekiah’s character. See how Hezekiah does on his test, and learn from his experience.
Hezekiah’s life also tells us about restoring old Christian servants; making sacrifices; inviting others to follow Christ; getting rid of idols; and dealing with frightening situations.
Envoys from Babylon came to visit the king of Judah, and he foolishly showed them his supply of gold, treasures, and weapons (see Isaiah 39:1-8). Hezekiah did not perceive Babylon as a threat. When the envoys came, Hezekiah had to decide whether to show off his treasures. He did, thinking that nothing bad would come of it. But the Babylonians would one day carry away all his treasures. His flirtation with pride led to a disaster for all Judah.
God presented the king with a choice to see what his heart was really like. God wanted to show Hezekiah his own shortcomings and the attitude of his heart (2 Chronicles 32:31).
Life brings many choices—each a test of character. Many of the circumstances and opportunities that you experience every day will test you, even if only in small ways. Consistently turn to God and do what pleases him.
