Definition: And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What [shall be] the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage from the Book of 2 Kings, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Hezekiah was feeling incredibly worried and desperate. He believed he was afflicted by a serious illness that wasn’t responding to any usual treatments. He was asking God – specifically Isaiah (a prophet), to show him how Hezekiah would be healed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah..." : This tells us who is speaking. It’s Hezekiah, the King of Judah, and he's talking to his prophet, Isaiah. "...What [shall be] the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?" : This is where it gets really interesting. "Shall be" is a future tense – meaning Hezekiah expects something to happen. “The sign” refers to a specific event or manifestation of God's healing. "The third day" means he was hoping for a significant period of time. So, what does it mean ? It’s a plea for divine intervention! Hezekiah wasn’t asking for a quick fix; he wanted to see undeniable proof that God cared about him and would actively heal him. He believed that if God showed His presence in a way that was noticeable, it would be a sign of His healing. Important Context - It's Symbolic: It’s important to remember this verse is symbolic . The “sign” wasn’t necessarily a literal miracle. It meant Hezekiah wanted a demonstration of God’s care and power. It was about seeking reassurance and confirmation that God was working for him. In short, it's a heartfelt prayer for divine intervention to confirm that Hezekiah would receive healing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what this verse might symbolize in general biblical themes?