HE GAVE HIM A SIGN --- 2 Chronicles 32:24, 25.
And he gave him a sign, but Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up." --- 2 Chronicles 32:24, 25.
Ahaz, trusting in the Assyrians for help, had refused a sign graciously offered by God as a token of deliverance. He did not choose to put his whole trust in God, though his pretence was he would not tempt the Lord. This might lead his son Hezekiah to ask for a sign; and it proved a snare to him. The king of Babylon, on finding Hezekiah so highly honoured by the sun, thought it incumbent upon him to send ambassadors with letters and a present to such a favourite of the god of the Babylonians.
Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and sought craftily to avail himself of this false notion of the king of Babylon, and, by not affronting their god, he hoped to gain a safe protection against the king of Assyria, Isaiah was ordered to acquaint him that, as he preferred an arm of flesh to his Almighty deliverer, he should experience the sad effect of his folly in not honouring God; and all that he had so vainly showed should be carried to Babylon.
Hezekiah ought to have testified to the ambassadors that the Lord God of Israel, stopped the sun in its progress. He had here a fair opportunity of showing them and their king the vanity of idolatry in worshipping the sun, evidently under the direction of a superior Being. He ought also to have given God all the glory in this matter, and have rested in him, and him alone, for safety, who had just then given him such a striking proof of his power and favour.
Worldly wisdom is arrant folly; and, when set in opposition to the will of God, will be sure to disappoint us. Even the noblest instance of wisdom and love God ever showed in the salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ, if not accepted with humility and simplicity in God's own way by faith, will not have its blessed effect. Worldly wisdom ensnared Hezekiah; and carnal wisdom, ever attended with loftiness of heart, is daily destroying its thousands.
From worldly wisdom save me, Lord,
Though men may prudence call it
My heart be anchor'd on thy word
Whatever storms befall it.