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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Good and Bad (05/07/09)
Would I have wept for self, if I had known
The evil seed that would henceforth be sown
By my own heir upon this promised land?
The murderous hatred spread by his vile hand?
Would I have wept for self?

Would I have prayed for health if I had seen
Just what my added years would come to mean?
My lifetime's cleansing work would be undone
By him on whom I smiled, my precious son.
Would I have prayed for health?

Would I have bowed my will before the seer
Who spoke that word, so chilling to my ear,
“You will arise no more from where you lie.
You must prepare yourself, O King, to die.”
Would I have bowed my will?

Did Yahweh turn His glorious face away
And weep? E'en as the prophet came to say,
“Go tell my faithful servant I will spare
Him fifteen years in answer to his prayer.”
Did Yahweh turn and weep?

Oh! Was my service to the Lord for nought —
Restoring worship in the Temple court,
Demolishing vile idols, turning then
The wayward to the Living God again?
Oh! Was it all for nought?

What wickedness lay hidden in that man?
What twisted spirit foul? That he began
To fill the land from end to end with blood
That crept incessant as a crimson flood?
What wickedness lay there?

Did God Eternal know the path he'd take?
Bowing to gods that human hands would make?
Unleashing heaven's fury on the land
Until the nation could no longer stand?
Did God Eternal know?

Jehovah Rophe chose to veil my eyes
To future things. And had I been more wise
I might have trusted in His perfect love
And let Him take me to His home above.
Jehovah veiled my eyes.



Footnote: A summary of the story of Hezekiah.

Hezekiah was one of the most upright kings ever to reign in Judah. He abolished idol worship, repaired and re-consecrated the Temple and restored the annual celebration of the Passover. The story of his reign is recounted in 2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32, and Isaiah 36-39. Each of these accounts tells of how he became ill and God sent the prophet Isaiah to tell him he was going to die. However, in answer to Hezekiah's fervent prayer and tears, God healed him and granted him a further fifteen years of life.

During those added years Hezekiah fathered a son, Manasseh, who ascended the throne at the age of twelve. He ruled for 55 years and was outstandingly the most wicked of Judah's kings. Under his rule the nation sank to untold depths of depravity. God's wrath was aroused to such an extent that only destruction of the nation and a fresh start after the exile could atone for the wickedness committed.
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This article has been read 1622 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Verna Cole Mitchell 
05/14/09
I liked the question at the end of each verse, and thought the words and thoughts of the poem were very, very good.
Leah Nichols 
05/15/09
I love the story of Hezekiah, and I think this poem characterizes him very well. You even added a Hebrew flavor to your style of poetry!

The footnote is helpful for those who do not know the story, but its size does draw attention from the poem. A simple Scripture reference would be enough - someone could look up the story if they're curious.
Mona Purvis
05/19/09
I like this very much. The voice of the MC is so real. It tells the story behind the story. Good and bad kings. This took a great deal of effort, and understanding of God's word.
Mona
Sheri Gordon
05/20/09
Very good poem--the format is very creative. I agree, the footnote was a good idea for those who do not know the story. Nice job with the topic.
Catrina Bradley
05/21/09
A heartfelt lament indeed. I like the format and the wording, and the emotional impact is staggering. I appreciated the footnote; tho I've read the kings' stories more than a few times, and even taught them to my kids in Sunday School, I still have a hard time keeping them all straight. VERY nice.
Patricia Herchenroether
05/21/09
This was very well-written; I liked the way it flowed and the ending questions emphasized each verse. The way it was presented would certainly promote a re-reading of Kings. Great job!
Sheri Gordon
05/21/09
Congratulations on your EC. So glad to see this one place.
Colin Swann
05/22/09
I think this is absolutely fantastic. Such a precious gift. Thank you for such an inspiring writing piece and for sharing your Holy Spirit led writing gift with us.

Colin
Jim McWhinnie 
05/22/09
Well-conceived and well-crafted. Remarkable that you did a piece on Hezekiah ... not all that common of Biblical characters, yet you gleaned such a significant theological reflection from his recorded moments with God.

Well done, good and faithful servant.