First impressions

Interesting how easy it is to misjudge someone based on your first impressions - particularly when the only evidence you have is textual.

I have been reading through Isaiah, and had liked what I'd seen about Hezekiah. Here is a king who seems to be a man of some compassion, and to whom the Lord has granted a new lease of life (see Isaiah 38).

Today I reached chapter 39, and was very surprised to read Hezekiah's reaction to a prophecy of destruction, both against Jerusalem and against his descendants.

Whereas in Chapter 37 his reaction was to tear his clothes and put on sackcloth, now he rejoices because "There will be peace and security in my lifetime."