Day 276.
Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord , according to all that David his father had done. (2CH 29:1-2 ESV)
Hezekiah was a good king, possibly the most faithful in walking with God since King David. This is remarkable considering who his father was. His father’s name was Ahaz and was one of the most wicked kings Judah ever had. How does such a wicked king have a son who becomes a righteous king? Certainly God can do anything, but it is significant to note that he often uses means. One of the principle functions of the family is to raise up children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. While Ahaz did NOT do that with Hezekiah, it is likely that his mother did. His mother’s name is Abijah, who we are told is the daughter of Zechariah. It is likely that this Zechariah is the same godly counselor for Uzziah who “set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God ” (2CH 26:5). Hezekiah has a godly lineage on his mother’s side.
So, moms be encouraged! God often works through the means of a mother’s love and care for her sons. And dads, cherish the mother of your children and strengthen her in the Lord as she pours life into them.
