Ahaz was one of Judah’s worst kings. Ahaz offered sacrifices to heathen gods, made one of his sons pass through fire as a sacrifice (2 Kings 16:3), and did much damage to the Temple (2 Chr. 29).

Hezekiah reversed the atrocities his father caused. He purged Judah of his father’s idolatry. He restored the Temple and reintroduced true worship. Furthermore, he reestablished the Passover as a national celebration. Hezekiah was a man of godly character and resolve. It seems this account of Hezekiah’s reign is centered around the Temple, the Levites, and the sacrifices. Though there is conflict with Sennacherib, king of Assyria, God gives Judah victory. Which solidifies the thought that if we place God at the center of our lives we will have victory in the other parts.

It’s remarkable to see the contrast between one generation and another. Ahaz was vile and forsook the God of his fathers. Hezekiah did the exact opposite of Ahaz and clung to God. There is nothing that says you have to fall into the same vices and sins of your parents. You can decide to live for God despite faulty upbringing.