parallel account. We are told in Kings that Isaiah had not yet reached the palace’s gate when God asked him to turn back with news of a reprieve. From this detail, we learn that the amount of time spent in penance is not what really sways God; rather, the sincerity of the repentance is what matters most. We also notice no hesitation on Isaiah’s part to fulfill this sudden turnabout. In fact, Hezekiah alone seems surprised by it; so much so that he, as had others worthier than him (Exod 4:1–9; Judg