Proverbs 25

• Hezekiah was interested in the Bible (v 1)
• Protocol and decorum before kings (v 6-7)
• Don’t eat too much (v 16, 27)
• Don’t stay too long (v 17)
• Be kind, even to your enemies (v 21-22; Mt 5; Romans 12)
• Everyone likes good news (v 13, 25)
• If you can’t control yourself, then you will fall apart (v 28

Proverbs 26

• Physical discipline is ok (v3)
• Should I, or shouldn’t I? (Proverbs 26:4,5)
• How are fools and dogs alike? (v 11)
• Wait! No, don’t wait! Warnings to the slothful. (v1 3-16)
• Practical jokes come from mad men (v18-19)
• Stop talking and the arguments will stop (v 20-25)

The Lord blessed Hezekiah (v 18:7)

Assyria invaded Israel

The spiritual adultery of the nation warranted the captivity

Assyria had a resettlement program (17:24-27)

The king of Assyria ordered that foreigners settled in Israel should learn about the LORD (17:27).

But the LORD was not worshiped exclusively. Instead he became one, among many, gods (17:33).

A National Bible Conference in Jerusalem

Hezekiah invited all Jews, even the northern tribesmen

Hezekiah prayed for those who did not prepare themselves for worship.

Bible teaching and singing did abound

The people wanted more (v 23)

Never since the days of Solomon had there been such spiritual zeal. (2 Chronicles 30:26)

After the Bible conference, the people went out to practice what they had learned (2 Chronicles 31:1).

The revived people cheerfully and abundantly gave to support the temple workers (31:4-6)

2 Kings 17:1 sets the time.

Revival in Hezekiah’s day

• His first month in office, Hezekiah ordered a spiritual house-cleaning (v 3-11). Everyone watch the newly inaugurated to see what will be.
• Over two weeks were spent cleaning up the temple (v 17)
• Worship and music were integral parts of the revival (v 23-30)
• The spiritual leaders were not prepared for such wide-spread revival (v 34)