The most effective reformers are also good organisers who put in place structures that will ensure that their reforms have lasting effect.

Hezekiah’s grand Passover is over, and idolatrous shrines have been destroyed. But how to ensure the continuing purity of Israel’s worship? How to keep the people faithful to the Lord? Hezekiah once more organises the priests and Levites into different groups, each with appointed tasks, reinstating the arrangments put in place by David (2 Chronicles 31:2; see also 1 Chronicles 23–26). He also supplies, from his own flocks and herds, the animals for the regular burnt offerings (2 Chronicles 31:3).

But if the priests and Levites are to carry out their tasks, they must be properly supported. Hezekiah commands the people to bring in the tithe. They respond so generously that there is a large surplus (vv. 4–10). Store chambers are built, Levites are put in charge of the tithes and gifts, and these are distributed to priests and Levites all over Judah. The Chronicler praises Hezekiah’s commitment to the Lord (vv. 11–21).

But now comes an unexpected threat: Sennacherib king of Assyria invades Judah and lays siege to its cities. Seeing that Jerusalem will soon be besieged, Hezekiah makes preparations both military and spiritual: denying water sources to the Assyrians, building up Jerusalem’s walls, organising and arming his soldiers; and encouraging his men to put their trust in the Lord, who is far greater than Sennacherib’s huge army (32:1–8).

Sennacherib arrives in front of Jerusalem and attempts to undermine resistance with propaganda (vv. 9–18): Why do you imagine that your god can deliver you? We have defeated many nations before reaching you. None of their gods could rescue them; don’t let Hezekiah deceive you into thinking that your god will deliver you!

The Assyrians regard the Lord as just another god worshipped by the nations (v. 19). But when Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah seek the Lord, He ravages the Assyrian army. Sennacherib has to withdraw; his sons later kill him (as he worships his god, ironically). Other nations stand in awe of Hezekiah (vv. 20–23).

What has happened to Jerusalem then plays out on a personal level: Hezekiah falls sick and is close to death, but he prays and recovers (v. 24). Hezekiah and the people become proud—perhaps they imagine themselves to be invincible? God’s anger is about to break out, but king and people repent, and disaster is averted (vv. 25–26).

Hezekiah amasses great wealth and proves himself a capable ruler: new buildings fill the land and the Gihon spring is cleverly diverted to channel water to the city. But when Babylonian envoys arrive, God withdraws His presence to test Hezekiah and lay bare his motives (v. 31). Hezekiah apparently fails this test (see 2 Kings 20:12–19). The Chronicler ends the account by stressing his devotion. Hezekiah has not been flawless, but he is buried with honour (2 Chronicles 32:32–33).

See also 2 Kings 18:9–20:21.