2 Chronicles 30:20
And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
H8085
וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיִּרְפָּ֖א
and healed
H7495
וַיִּרְפָּ֖א
and healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
Cross References
Exodus 15:26And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.Psalms 103:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Historical Context
This grace-filled response (c. 715 BCE) encouraged broader participation in covenant renewal. God's healing demonstrated that worship's goal is God-honoring heart-devotion, not mere ritual precision - a lesson the prophets repeatedly taught (Isaiah 1:11-17, Hosea 6:6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ intercedes for you give confidence to approach God despite your imperfections?
- What 'healing' do you need from God's favorable response to sincere but imperfect worship?
Analysis & Commentary
God's response to Hezekiah's intercession: 'And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.' The verb 'hearkened' (shama) means God listened and responded favorably. God healed (rafa) the people - likely referring to not judging their ritual violation. This demonstrates that God values heart-orientation over mechanical correctness. The intercession of a righteous leader (Hezekiah) averted judgment on those who sought God with sincere but imperfect approach. This points to Christ's intercession (Hebrews 7:25) that secures God's favorable response toward imperfect worshipers who come through Him.