. The time reference given in Scripture regarding when Hezekiah became the king of Judah is the “third year” of the reign of Hoshea the last king of the northern kingdom. This time is estimated to be anywhere from 727 B.C. (Rawlinson) to 716 B.C. (New Scofield Bible). This was a very critical time for all Israelites. The captivity of the northern kingdom by Assyria was nearing (it occurred the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign over Judah), and Assyria was becoming an increasingly