Unit 15, Session 3: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King ... · Unit 15, Session 3: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King ... who led the people of Judah to worship God like they were supposed

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th Grade Kids Bible Study Guide

Unit 15, Session 3: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King

© 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources

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TEACHER BIBLE STUDY He’s a chip off the old block. Like father, like son. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. These

idioms exist because sons tend to look and behave like their fathers. When it comes to Hezekiah and his

father, Ahaz, however, the two were far from similar.

When Ahaz was king of Judah, he did not respect God, God’s law, or God’s prophets. He worshiped

idols. Ahaz “did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God” (2 Kings 16:2). He led the

people away from God, evoking God’s wrath and anger.

Hezekiah, on the other hand, “did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done.”

Hezekiah destroyed the places of idol worship and cleansed the temple. (See 2 Chronicles 29.) The Lord

was with Hezekiah, and Hezekiah prospered.

Hezekiah was a faithful king who led the people of Judah to worship God like they were supposed to, but

even good kings are sinners. His wealth and success led to pride. How did Hezekiah react when God

said everything in his palace would be carried off to Babylon? “Who cares? I’ll be dead by then.”

Jesus is our faithful King who never sinned. Check out some of these definitions for the word faithful:

strict or thorough in the performance of duty; true to one’s word, promises, or vows; steady in allegiance

or affection; loyal; constant; reliable, trusted, or believed; adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an

original; accurate.

Jesus completed His work—the redemption of sinners. He said on the cross, “It is finished!” (John

19:30). Jesus is faithful over God’s house as a Son. (Hebrews 3:6) His obedience is steadfast. (Isaiah

50:4-10) “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). One day Jesus will return to

make all things the way they are supposed to be. (Revelation 1:1-6)

LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King

Bible Passage: 2 Kings 18–20

Big Picture Question: How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

Key Passage: Isaiah 53:6

Unit Christ Connection: God’s promised Messiah comes out of David’s family and is described in

Isaiah’s prophecy.

Transition Time

Welcome time

Activity Sheet/Table Centers

Session starter (10 minutes)

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Lesson

Countdown

Sing (4 minutes)

Introduce the session (2 minutes)

Timeline map (1 minute)

Big picture question (1 minute)

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes)

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional)

Key passage (5 minutes)

Discussion starter video (5 minutes)

Prayer (2 minutes)

Table Time

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes)

Key passage activity (5 minutes)

Activity choice (10 minutes)

Prayer (5 minutes)

THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King

2 Kings 18–20

Hezekiah was a young man when he became Judah’s king. He did what was right before God, just

like King David did. Hezekiah changed the way people in Judah worshiped. He destroyed the bronze

snake Moses made because the people had started to worship it.

Hezekiah trusted God and obeyed His commands. God was with Hezekiah and made Hezekiah

successful; his army conquered the Philistines and he stood up to the enemy king of Assyria.

One day, Assyria attacked Israel and its capital city, Samaria. The Assyrian army made all the

people leave their homes and go to Assyria.

A few years later, the king of Assyria and his army came to Judah. Hezekiah was afraid. He

didn’t trust God to protect His people. Instead, Hezekiah sent a message to the king of Assyria.

Hezekiah said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have stood up to you. Please go away; I’ll give you as much

money as you want.”

The king of Assyria demanded eleven tons of silver and one ton of gold. Hezekiah didn’t have

that much money! Hezekiah took the silver stored in God’s temple and in the palace. He took the

gold off the doors and doorposts in the temple and gave it to the king of Assyria.

Still, the king of Assyria was not happy. He sent his huge army and three leaders to talk to

Hezekiah. They brought Hezekiah a message from the Assyrian king. The leader spoke loudly so the

people of Judah could hear. “Whom are you trusting to protect you?” The king of Assyria had

armies that were much better than Judah’s armies. If Judah and Assyria fought each other,

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Assyria would easily win. “You might as well just give up now,” the leaders of Assyria said.

The people of Judah stayed quiet. They didn’t say anything to the leaders of Assyria. Hezekiah sent

a message to the prophet Isaiah. “Pray for us!” Hezekiah said. “Ask God to protect us!”

Isaiah responded, “God says: Do not be afraid of Assyria. I’ll take care of the king; he will go

back to his country and he will be killed there.”

Later, Hezekiah got a letter from Assyria that said, “Do you really think that God will protect

you? The Assyrian army has taken over all these other lands; what makes you think we won’t take over

Jerusalem too?”

Hezekiah read the letter. He took it to the temple and prayed. “God, You made everything,”

Hezekiah prayed. “Please hear me. Save us from Assyria so that everyone on earth will know that You

are the one true God.”

Then Isaiah came to Hezekiah with a message from God. God had heard Hezekiah’s prayer.

God was not going to let Assyria attack Jerusalem. The rest of God’s message was for the king of

Assyria and his leaders. “Don’t you know who I am? I am in charge! Anytime you win a battle, it’s

because I let you win the battle.” God also said, “I will defend this city and rescue it for My sake and to

keep the promise I made to My servant David—that his kingdom would not be destroyed.”

That night, the angel of the Lord went into the camp of the Assyrian army and killed thousands

of them. The next morning, the king of Assyria went home and was killed, just as God had said.

One day, King Hezekiah got very sick. Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “You are going to die. You are

not going to get better.” Then Hezekiah turned away, and he prayed to God. “Lord, please remember

my faithfulness. I did what is right.” Then Hezekiah cried.

Isaiah started to leave, but he stopped when God gave him another message. “I have heard

Hezekiah’s prayer and have seen him crying. I am going to heal him.”

The king of Babylon sent a gift to Hezekiah, and Hezekiah showed the king’s messengers

everything he owned. Isaiah came to Hezekiah and asked him about the messengers. “They are

from Babylon,” Hezekiah said. “I showed them everything in my house.”

“A day is coming,” warned Isaiah, “when everything you have will be taken away. Even your

sons will be taken, and they will work in the palace of the king of Babylon.” Hezekiah wasn’t upset at

Isaiah’s prophecy because he knew he would die before this happened.

Christ Connection: Hezekiah was a faithful king who led the people of Judah to worship God like they

were supposed to. But even good kings sin. Jesus is our faithful King who never sinned. One day He will

return to make all things the way they are supposed to be. Jesus is our King forever.

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TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King






Welcome time paper

markers

Greet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help

new kids connect to your group. Direct kids to work together to create a list of things they know about prayer.

Invite kids to create a separate list of questions they have about prayer.

Activity page Table Centers (Miscellaneous Activities)

“Prayer Verse Match” / “Turn the Shapes” activity page, 1 per kid

Bibles

pencils

markers

Assist girls and boys in locating each verse in the Bible and matching it to the correct description on the

activity page “Prayer Verse Match.” Help kids understand that more than one verse may match a description.

Say • Name a time you prayed for something and God said yes.

• Name a time when you prayed for something and God said no.

• Why doesn’t God always give us what we pray for?

As time allows, lead kids to complete the activity page “Turn the Shapes.” Kids must rearrange the

letters inside the shapes to solve the puzzle.

Session starter (10 minutes)

Option 1: Back and Forth ball

Form two teams. Instruct both teams to line up single file, facing one another, about 6 feet apart. Hand

the ball to one player. The player must call out the first book of the Bible and toss the ball to a player on

the opposite team. The next player will catch the ball, announce the second book of the Bible, and toss

the ball to a player on the opposite team. Teams should continue calling the next book of the Bible and

tossing the ball back and forth. If a team makes a mistake by calling the wrong book, the opposite team

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earns a point. Play should continue from the last book announced.

Say • Today we are going to study a king who was faithful to God. How do we know how to be faithful

to God?

• While knowing the books of the Bible is good, we need to know what God says in the books of the

Bible. His words are a gift to us. We can read them, study them, and memorize them to help us

understand how to be faithful to God.

Option 2: Cup of Soup stickers

scissors

glue

powdered soup packets, 1 per kid

church prayer list

heavy weight paper

card or invitation envelopes

markers

Allow boys and girls to create get-well cards for people on your church’s prayer list. Kids may choose to

cut their cards in the shape of a bowl or mug. Place a package of powdered soup inside each card.

Suggest that kids write the church’s name and address in the top left corner of the envelope and the

recipient’s name and address in the lower right center area. Help kids place cards inside envelopes.

Say • Who remembers the last time you were sick? Did your parents or guardians do something that

made you feel better? (made chicken soup, took you to the doctor, gave you medicine, gave you an

ice pop to eat)

• In our Bible story today, a king became very ill. He was told that he would die. The king prayed

to God. Listen closely to discover what he prayed and how God responded to the king’s prayer.

Transition to large group

LESSON Session Title: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King






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Countdown countdown video (insert provided DVD with lesson videos and worship)

Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for lesson and set it to

end as large group time begins.

Sing (4 minutes) Worship Song: “Your Love Never Fails” (on provided DVD)

Leader • Hello! Stand with me and sing our theme song.

Lead girls and boys to sing “Your Love Never Fails.”

Leader • Who can tell me a time in your life that you know God’s love didn’t fail you?

Select a few kids to share their thoughts.

Introduce the session (2 minutes) leader attire

potted plant

trowel or other garden tool

[Large Group Leader enters wearing overalls over a T-shirt, boots or tennis shoes, and a baseball hat.

Tuck a handkerchief in a pocket of the overalls. Carry a potted plant and a trowel or other garden tool.]

Leader • Well, it sure is nice to see you back at Grow and Go Farm. Great-Great-Grandpa Isaiah sure

would have enjoyed studying the life of Isaiah with you. Today we are going to look at the story about

Isaiah and King Ahaz’s son. What type of king was Ahaz?

Call on a couple of kids to respond.

Leader • Great answers! Ahaz was a bad king. He worshiped false idols. He didn’t trust God. But his

son was very different. Ahaz’s son Hezekiah became the king of Judah, the Southern Kingdom, when

he was 25 years old. Let’s locate Hezekiah on our timeline map.

Timeline map (1 minute) Timeline Map – small group visual pack (Additional copies provided for Table Time Review)

Indicate each king on the timeline map as you discuss him.

Leader • Last week we learned about King Ahaz, and next to him is King Hezekiah. Our picture shows

Hezekiah with a piece of paper. I wonder where Hezekiah is? I wonder what this paper is? I can’t wait

to explore our story and find an answer.

Can anyone name another king who was faithful to God? Good answers. I always think about King

David when I think about faithful kings. David loved God. He wasn’t perfect, but he worshiped only

God. Our Bible story today reveals that King Hezekiah was a lot like King David.

Big picture question (1 minute) 11x17 poster provided

Bibles

Leader • Our Bible story today will help us answer our big picture question. Our big picture question is,

How should we pray? Open your Bible and find 2 Kings 18. If you aren’t sure where to find a book of

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the Bible, you can always turn to the beginning of your Bible and find the table of contents. The table

of contents lists each book of the Bible and the page number you can find the beginning of the book on.

Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) “Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King” video

Bibles, 1 per kid

Bible Story Picture – 11x17 poster provided

Big Picture Question: “How should we pray?” – 11x17 poster provided

Open your Bible to 2 Kings 18 and tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video

“Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King.”

Leader • What an interesting story! Hezekiah understood that praying to God was important. He

understood the answer to our big picture question. The question was, How should we pray? The

answer to our big picture question is, We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers. Read

the question and the answer with me. How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God

hears our prayers.

Was Hezekiah a perfect king? No. He messed up a couple of times. He sent gold and silver to the

king of Assyria. Some of the gold and silver was even taken from God’s temple. Hezekiah forgot to

trust God. Hezekiah also showed the messengers from Babylon everything he owned. He did not make

a wise decision. He showed the Babylonian messengers all of the things that the people of Babylon

would one day come and take away from Hezekiah.

Although Hezekiah wasn’t perfect, he was faithful to worship God and only God. He led the people

in Judah to worship God alone. He destroyed the bronze snake Moses made because the people of

Judah had turned it into an idol. Hezekiah obeyed God’s commands. And most of the time, he trusted

God.

He prayed to God to protect the Southern Kingdom from Assyria. He prayed to God when he was

sick and dying. God heard Hezekiah’s prayers.

How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional)

Using Scripture and the guide provided, explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Tell kids

how they can respond, and provide teachers to speak with each kid individually. Guide teachers to use

open-ended questions to allow kids to determine the direction of the conversation.

If you cannot provide a response time, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group

leaders, or other adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Key passage (5 minutes) Key Passage Poster: Isaiah 53:6 (11x17 poster, provided)

Worship Song: “All We Like Sheep (Thank You, God)” (on provided DVD)

Leader • Who remembers where our key passage is found in the Bible? Isaiah 53:6 is correct.

Form two groups. Lead the first group to say the key passage and the second group to say the reference.

Lead the second group to say the key passage and the first group to say the reference. You may want the

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kids to stand when they are saying their part of the passage.

Join girls and boys in singing “All We Like Sheep (Thank You, God).”

Discussion Starter Video (5 minutes) Unit 15, Session 3 discussion starter video (on provided DVD)

Leader • What are some of things you pray about? Think about your answer while you watch this video.

Show the “Unit 15 Session 3” video.

Leader • Has anyone ever prayed a prayer like one of those? At some point we probably have all prayed

a prayer like the ones we saw. Sometimes we pray for stuff we don’t need. Sometimes we pray to

praise God. Sometimes we pray to God to ask for help. Remember our big picture question? How

should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

Just because God hears our prayers doesn’t mean we should pray for just anything we want, does it?

Should I pray for a new phone and a new car and a new boat and an airplane and a new TV? Is it OK to

pray for all of those things? Depends on why I am asking for them, right? What should I pray for?

God hears my prayers. Does He always say yes to my prayers? No. Sometimes He says no because

He knows what is best for me. I have to trust Him to answer my prayers the way that He knows is best

for me.

Prayer (2 minutes) Leader • I’ve enjoyed meeting you at Grow and Go Farm to learn more about Isaiah, but our time is up

for today.

In your small group today, you will learn more about King Hezekiah and prayer. How should we

pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers. Do I have a volunteer who would

like to close our group time by praying?

Allow a volunteer to close in prayer.

Leader • Watch your small group leader for your turn to go to small group.

Dismiss to small groups for Table Time

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It

is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the

gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of

everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians

1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God.

(Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates

us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

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God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect

solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners,

could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose

again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is

the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.

We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these

aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done

on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King






Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Bibles, 1 per kid

Timeline – small group visual pack

“King Hezekiah” Crown (located in your Table Time Review bin)

Add the “King Hezekiah” crown to the “Southern Kingdom” chart in your classroom. Review the timeline

in the small group visual pack.

Help boys and girls recap the description of Hezekiah in the Bible story by locating and reading 2

Kings 18:3-6.

Say • Hezekiah prayed for help more than once during a time of trouble. Who heard Hezekiah’s prayers?

Read and discuss 2 Kings 19:20; 20:5.

Say • How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

• Who is our faithful King? (Jesus is our faithful King who never sinned. One day He will return to

make all things the way they are supposed to be. Jesus is our King forever.)

If you choose to review with boys and girls how to become a Christian, explain that kids are welcome to

speak with you or another leader if they have questions.

God rules. God created and is in charge of everything. (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians

1:16-17)

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We sinned. Since Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23; 6:23)

God provided. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. (John 3:16;

Ephesians 2:8-9)

Jesus gives. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again so we can be

welcomed into God’s family. (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18)

We respond. Believe that Jesus alone saves you. Repent. Tell God that your faith is in Jesus.

(Romans 10:9-10,13)

Key passage activity (5 minutes) “Palms Out, Prayer Time” Instructions

Key Passage Poster: Isaiah 53:6 (provided)

dry erase board and markers

key passage cards

Make sure the key passage, Isaiah 53:6, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry

erase board. Read the verse together.

Say • Hezekiah was a perfect example that even good kings sin. God knew that and had a plan ready.

His plan was to send a Savior. God told His chosen people that plan long before Jesus was even

born here on earth.

The key passage has been provided on small cards, one word at a time. Distribute one card to each kid,

and instruct each kid to place the card in her palm. If you have more words than kids, play the game in

parts. Explain that some people hold their palms together when they pray. When a leader gives the

command to go, the kids must hold out their palms and stand in the correct order. If the leader says

“prayer time,” the kids must freeze and put their hands together as if praying, (hiding the card in their

palm). Repeat until the verse is completed.

Option: Time the kids to see how long it takes to line up in order. Repeat the game, shuffle the cards

and redistribute. Challenge the kids to beat their original time.

Say • Why have we gone astray? (We sin.)

• Who came to rescue us from our sin? Jesus!

Activity choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Faithful or Not Small Group Visual Pack - Timeline

Guide boys and girls to take turns describing someone in the Bible without saying his or her name. The

remaining kids will attempt to guess who is being described. After kids guess correctly, ask them to

determine whether or not the person was faithful to God. Encourage kids to explain their answers.

Continue until everyone has had at least one turn or time runs out.

If kids have trouble thinking of a person, urge them to look at the timeline in the small group visual

pack. To make the game more challenging, allow kids to describe people that you have not learned about

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together as a class.

Say • Hezekiah is known as being a faithful king of Judah. Was Hezekiah always wise in the choices he

made? Why or why not?

• Did Hezekiah believe God heard his prayers?

• How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

Option 2: Sticky Toss Game sticky velcro table tennis balls

laminated sheet with hook/loop circles

masking tape

A “toss board” has been created with two circles, divided into two sections each. Each section is labeled

with one of the following types of prayer: Praise, Thanksgiving, Others, and Personal Requests. Table

tennis balls with Velcro are provided for the kids to toss.

Tape the board to the wall or white board. Challenge kids to toss the ball onto the board. Kids should

voice one thing they could pray that fits in the category the ball landed in. (Example: Praise category – I

can praise God for creating the world.)

Say • Name one thing Hezekiah prayed to God about. (protection from Assyria and healing from his

illness)

• How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

Prayer (5 minutes)

Say • How should we pray? We should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

• How easy or difficult is it for you to believe that God hears you?

• What kinds of things do you talk with God about?

• What are some of the prayers you have prayed that God has answered.

Encourage boys and girls to share any prayer requests, praises, or thanksgiving they have for God.

Ask for a volunteer to close the group in prayer.

Clean-Up Room

Isaiah, Prophet to JudahUnit 15 • Session 3 • Older Kids Activity Pages

Instructions: Match each sentence about prayer to a Scripture reference.

More than one Scripture reference may apply.

© 2013 LifeWay

Isaiah, Prophet to JudahUnit 15 • Session 3 • Older Kids Activity Pages

Instructions: Unscramble the

letters to complete the sentences

about today’s Bible story.

We should with .

God hears our prayers. Jesus is our

who never .

Instructions: Draw a picture of someone

you can pray for this week.

pr

co

fasi

ki

idhf

ed

ay

nfit

nnng

en

ul

ce

© 2013 LifeWay

Family Journal Page

UNIT 15 • Session 3OK TO PRINT

List things you would like for people to say about you when you

are not there to hear. Read 2 Kings 18:5-7. The Bible says King

Hezekiah obeyed God and God was with him. Hezekiah made

mistakes, but we remember him as a good king.

Isaiah, Prophet to JudahHezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King2 Kings 18–20

Preschool Key Passage: Isaiah 53:6

Big Picture Question: What can you do when you are

scared? I can pray to God for help.

Christ Connection: Hezekiah was a good king. He

led the people of Judah to love and worship God. But

even good kings sin. Jesus is our faithful King. Jesus

never sinned. Jesus will come back to earth to make

everything right. He is our King forever.

KidsKey Passage: Isaiah 53:6

Big Picture Question: How should we pray? We

should pray with confidence. God hears our prayers.

Christ Connection: Hezekiah was a faithful king

who led the people of Judah to worship God like they

were supposed to. But even good kings sin. Jesus is

our faithful King who never sinned. One day He will

return to make all things the way they are supposed

to be. Jesus is our King forever.

© 2013 Lifeway

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have

turned — every one — to his own way; and the LORD has

laid on him theiniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6

UNIT 15 • Key Passage Poster (ESV)OK TO PRINT Isaiah, Prophet to Judah

© 2013 Lifeway

Documents

Unit 15, Session 3: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King ... · Unit 15, Session 3: Hezekiah, Judah’s Faithful King ... who led the people of Judah to worship God like they were supposed