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2 Kings 20:2

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Kings 20:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah, saying,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah, saying,
2 Kings 20:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Kings 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Set thy house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.
2Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto Jehovah, saying,
3Remember now, O Jehovah, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
4And it came to pass, before Isaiah was gone out into the middle part of the city, that the word of Jehovah came to him, saying,
5Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee; on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of Jehovah.
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he turned his face to the wall--not like Ahab (Kg1 21:4), in fretful discontent, but in order to secure a better opportunity for prayer.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“He turned his face to the wall - Contrast 1 Kings 21:4. Ahab turned in sullenness, because he was too angry to converse; Hezekiah in devotion, because he wished to pray undisturbed. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Turned his face - As he lay in his bed. He could not retire to his closet, but he retired as well as he could, turned from the company, to converse with God. 4 Kings (2 Kings) 20:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:2-3 Unlike Ahab, who went to bed in a royal pout (1 Kgs 21:4), Hezekiah . . . turned his face to the wall and prayed.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he turned: Kg1 8:30; Psa 50:15; Isa 38:2, Isa 38:3; Mat 6:6 4 Kings (2 Kings) 20:3”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification