II Kings 18 reports Hezekiah became king of Judah at the age of 25 and reigned 29 years. “He did what was pleasing to the Lord, just as his father David had done.” (II Kings 18:3, Tanakh) King David was described by God as a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). That is a pretty high standard, although we now know David also made mistakes. Scripture details the acts of Hezekiah that demonstrate his loyalty and love for God.
“He [Hezekiah] abolished the shrines and smashed the pillars and cut down the sacred post. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until that time the Israelites had been offering sacrifices to it; it was called Nehushtan. He trusted only in the Lord the God of Israel; there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those before him. He clung to the Lord; he did not turn away from following Him, but kept the commandments that the Lord had given to Moses. And the Lord was always with him; he was successful wherever he turned…” (II Kings 18:4-7, Tanakh)
Somewhere around 14 years into his reign, “Hezekiah fell dangerously ill” (II Kings 20: 1, Tanakh). Hezekiah prayed for healing. God answered his prayer and agreed to add 15 years to his life, giving Hezekiah a sign by having the shadow move back ten steps on the sun dial (II Kings 20:8-10). The king of Babylon heard about Hezekiah’s recovery and sent an envoy with a letter and gift for him. This pleased Hezekiah, and he in turn “showed them all his treasurehouse – the silver, the gold, the spices, and the fragrant oil – and his armory, and everything that was to be found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.” (II Kings 20:13, Tanakh)
When the prophet Isaiah heard about this he went to Hezekiah with a message from God: “Hear the word of the Lord: A time is coming when everything in your palace which your ancestors have stored up to this day will be carried off to Babylon; nothing will remain behind, said the Lord. And some of your sons, your own issue, whom you will have fathered, will be taken to serve as eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” (II Kings 20:16-18, Tanakh)
Severe consequences. Hezekiah was okay with the news because he reasoned that it meant safety was assured in his lifetime (II Kings 20:19). He was not rejected by God.