The Kings  of Israel 

מלכי ישראל

The verses relate that when Hizkiyahu king of Judah was very ill, the prophet Isaiah came to inform him that he would soon die. The Sages elaborate on this narrative, and describe the exchange between Hizkiyahu and Isaiah and the resolute faith of the king, who continued to pray to God despite the decree. Ultimately, his prayer was accepted.  

“In those days, Hizkiyahu became deathly ill, and Isaiah son of Amotz the prophet came to him. He said to him: So said the Lord: Instruct your household, as you are dying and will not survive” (Isaiah 38:1). What is the meaning of “you are dying and will not survive”? [Why the redundancy?] You are dying in this world, and you will not survive in the World to Come. Hizkiyahu said to him: What is all this? [What did I do to deserve this punishment?] Isaiah said to him: It is because you did not engage in procreation. Hizkiyahu explained: I did not engage in procreation because I envisaged through divine inspiration that the children who emerge from me will not be virtuous. Isaiah said to him: Why do you involve yourself with the secrets of the Holy One, blessed be He? What you have been commanded, to beget children, you are required to perform, and what is acceptable to the Holy One, blessed be He, He will perform. 

Hizkiyahu said to him: Now give me your daughter as a wife; perhaps my merit and your merit will cause virtuous children to emerge from me. Isaiah said to him: The decree that you will die has already been issued against you. Hizkiyahu said to him: Son of Amotz, cease your prophecy and leave. I have a tradition from the house of my father’s father [King David]: Even if a sharp sword is placed against a person’s neck, he should not desist from praying for mercy. Immediately: “Hizkiyahu turned his face to the wall and he prayed to the Lord” (Isaiah 38:2).<footnote data-num="6"/> <source>(<i>Berakhot</i> 10a) </source>

The verses relate that when Hizkiyahu king of Judah was very ill, the prophet Isaiah came to inform him that he would soon die. The Sages elaborate on this narrative, and describe the exchange between Hizkiyahu and Isaiah and the resolute faith of the king, who continued to pray to God despite the d