Kings of the BibleSample

Good king Hezekiah

Reading some of the history of Israel in Old Testament times, it seems like their rulers were a pretty mixed bunch. Good kings were followed by bad kings before some other good king took over only to be succeeded by yet another bad king. Good kings had to clean up the mess they inherited.

Such a king was Hezekiah. The nation of Judah that he ruled was in disarray. Faithfulness to God had given way to pagan practices. He did a pretty good job of getting rid of all that. In those days, as in our own, so much depends on the quality of our leadership. Rot can set in from the top. If leaders pursue self-centred goals, or if they play fast and loose with widely accepted moral values, those whom they lead suffer. People had suffered under Hezekiah’s predecessor but now could enjoy some peace and security under Hezekiah himself. And yet, towards the end of his reign, the Bible records he did make some unwise decisions that caused suffering for his people.

A reminder to us that no matter how good our leaders are, no matter how better they are than their predecessors or successors, they are only human. The good that Hezekiah did was real and necessary. But even so, it was not the beginning of some golden age for Judah. That kingdom was eventually overthrown. Even the best of kings, the best of our national or church leaders, can make unwise decisions. And if we ask why God chooses such fallible people, the answer is that they are the only people He has.

Written by DAVID REAY