There are several women in Scripture for whom my heart absolutely aches. Leah, because her husband Jacob openly loved his other wife, Rachel, more. Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose joy of birth and early motherhood gave way to letting go of the unpredictable and divine Son she watched die on the Cross.
And then there is Hephzibah. She was wife of Hezekiah, the most righteous king of Judah and mother of Manasseh, the most wicked king of Judah. Oh, how her heart must have broken, watching her son destroy every righteous reform Hezekiah had made during his reign—after his father (King Ahaz) had nearly destroyed Judah with idolatry.
Truth, Fact, and Fiction
As with every story I write, there are certain Jewish traditions I rely on to fill in details of stories that aren’t included in our biblical text. Many of the stories come from Jewish Midrash, oral histories passed down for centuries, which are fascinating reading but not inerrant as is the cannon of Scripture. Hephzibah’s identity is mentioned in the Bible only once:
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah.” 2 Kings 21:1–2
The name Hephzibah is used a second time in Isaiah’s prophecy to describe the restored Jerusalem. As a young believer, I remember thinking this odd. So I looked up what the name “Hephzibah” meant. I was both intrigued and amazed to discover it meant, delight of the Lord. What kind of woman would merit such a name? What qualities did she possess? Was she someone special to Isaiah? Someone special to God? In that moment, I decided I wanted to be a Hephzibah—a delight to my God.
Many years later I discovered, in the centuries-old Jewish stories, that the prophet Isaiah was Hephzibah’s father. How precious that he had spoken of his daughter with the same tenderness and joy that Yahweh felt for Jerusalem after its perfect and complete restoration.
A Father & His Daughter
My dad always adored my sister and me. My sister was his firstborn and the apple of his eye. I was his baby girl, and even until his last breath, I lit up his face when I walked into the room. Dad loved my brother dearly, of course, but it was different with us girls. He was our provider and protector until he gave us to our husbands—exactly as Isaiah speaks of his daughter and as God spoke of Jerusalem in the prophecy . . .
“No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.” Isaiah 62:4
When I read and pondered this passage, I felt that Hephzibah’s early years in the story needed to be more than just a troubled teen in a prophet’s home. Deserted and Desolate imply some pretty hard circumstances, which is why the fiction portion of my story includes Isaiah’s adoption of the orphan girl named Ishma (which in Hebrew means, Desolation).
Who Gives This Woman?
Did Isaiah believe Hezekiah was the Messiah of his prophecies? Here’s an even more interesting thought: Did he think he was offering his daughter to marry the Messiah? It becomes evident, later in Isaiah’s prophecies, that he realizes Hezekiah is not the Messiah of his prophecies. What then?
Has something similar ever happened to you with a family member or friend? What happens when the person you once thought so noble or righteous falls off the pedestal you placed them on? Who gets hurt—you or them? Both?
Questions for Eternity
Hephzibah was a real woman, and I certainly have lots of questions I’d like to ask when I finally meet her in eternity. My guess is I’ll forget every question for Hephzibah when I stand in awe of the One who delights in her. May our prayers be that He delights in us. May His grace be sufficient to cover all we don’t know, all we think we know, and all we wish we knew.
Tweet-A-Licious!
- Stories from Jewish Midrash, oral histories passed down for centuries, are fascinating but not inerrant as is the Bible.
- Isaiah spoke of his daughter with the same tenderness and joy Yahweh felt for Jerusalem after its restoration.
- May God’s grace be sufficient to cover all we don’t know, all we think we know, and all we wish we knew.
Today’s Question:
- If you could ask Hephzibah, Hezekiah, or Isaiah any question at all, what would it be?
Comments 53
I would ask Hephzibah about Manasseh. I wouldn’t do it to dredge up bad memories, but rather in a Titus 2 way…a younger woman seeking advice from an older, wiser woman. Growing up, I was the rule-following, chruch-going, good kid. I got straight As. I played soccer. I didn’t drink. I didn’t do drugs. I tried never to cause trouble. But, I watched my three brothers almost destroy themselves. I always wondered how four people from one mom and dad could be so different. We all got the same raising and Bible study and church time. How does one person live like Hezekiah while one lives like Manasseh? You know with a dad like Hezekiah, Manasseh was receiving proper, Biblical instruction. So I would talk to Hephzibah about this. Would she have advice for me so my 5 year old, who’s being raised in a very God-centered home, stays God-centered? Whew! Sorry for the long comment. I guess I know what I need to bring to God today in my prayers! God bless, Mesu!
Author
No apology needed for that post, gal! I think in working out your thoughts, you’ve expressed many of our (those of us reading) thoughts as well. Haven’t we all seen the very same thing happen to families we know or our own family? A great question–and a great reason to stay on our knees for our own children and grandchildren.
I thought the exact same thing about how Manessah turned out (at least initially) so evil and rebellious with such God fearing, righteous parents.
You understand it wrong Hephzibah it’s a woman that would be queen for god people, the mother of all god people. Eve did us bad Hephzibah Make it right
Hephzibah was not in charge of bringing him up. She was simply in a different role than the child.
excellent thoughts…thankyou for finding a way to share them…I wonder the same things.
Author
Isn’t it fun to think about all those questions? That’s why I love research…because it leads to even more questions that I get to answer with either more research or a little creative fiction. The Bible could never give us every detail of every life of every person mentioned, so common sense and historical context gives us at least an idea of how to fill in those unknowns. I LOVE MY JOB! And I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Blessings!
I would also ask Hephzibah about her time with Isaiah.
Author
YES!! I want to know if the legend is true! 😉 And I want to know if she was natural-born or adopted. And I want to know why she was “once called desolate” as his prophecy says of Zion–or if that was strictly referring to Zion. Oooops…sorry. I just shifted into “what-if” overdrive. LOL! 😉
I am Hephzibah the Holy Spirit bestowed the name on me when I was 16 through a now missionary in Indonesia. Her name is Karen Hoobyar. Google her through assemblies of God missionaries. My testimony can be fact checked… and btw Isaiah is my son 🥰 the prophecies are real! & The signs are all here! It is true that even by my right hand I can confess that the prophecy of Isaiah 62 is true of course with some twist. Lol & what if Zion is just my little cousin? And I have 1 sister who is older and just found out I had a brother who shares the same birthday as me different year lol. Messiah Ben David? Oh What if I told you that he just my husband you know a son of David. Literally lol the prophecies are true and I really wanna meet you! Please get in contact with me if you can. Let me show you just how on point your article is. My father calls me “baby girl” 🥺 why have you written my life?
With how women were viewed in that time period, I would ask Hezekiah if his mother was a good influence and did he really love his wife.
Author
Abijah and Hephzibah are mysterious. Scripture doesn’t tell us anything about either woman’s spiritual condition. In Lynn Austin’s CHRONICLES OF THE KINGS Series (which I LOVE, BTW), she portrayed the two women exactly opposite of how I’ve portrayed them in my novel. That’s what I love about biblical fiction. When Scripture is silent, we can imagine a different scenario that could have brought about the TRUTH we read in the Bible. We don’t know what influence these important women had in Hezekiah’s life, but we see the fruit of God’s Spirit working through him!
Hezekiah and Hephzibah were inseparable.
As a grandparent, it makes me wonder what influence Hezekiah’s grandfather may have had on him. It also shows us, as parents, that ultimately our children choose their own paths and we can only pray that our attempt at ‘godly parenting’, and teaching them to see their world through the lens of scripture, does indeed have an impact on the outcome of their adulthood.
Author
So true, Gay. As parents and grandparents, we DO influence our kids and grandkids, but ultimately, they have to make their own choices and cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.
Was so curious to understand about Hephzibah I couldn’t understand the fact that Hezekiah was so righteousness but his son did very bad so I thought probably Hephzibah spoil him
She held no power over him.
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Hi Mrs.Andrews, I just wanted to thank you so much for writing your books they have helped me to have a better love for God and Jesus each day,Because I used to be a Jehovah’s Witness and was so confused about my life and the Bible, But thanks to Jesus I’m free and known I enjoy reading my Bible and your Biblical fiction books,words can not say enough of how thankful I am to be able to read your books, May God continue to bless you as you continue to be a blessing in my life and others too.
Author
Thank you so much, Shay, for your encouraging words! All praise to Jesus that you’re reading, understanding, and enjoying God’s Word! Bathe in it, my friend. Blessings!!
I have been going through a very dark time in my life, filled with anxiety and questions. A few weeks ago as I was going through a very fearful anxious moment I just said the word hephzibah and I had no idea what it meant or why I had said it. I began researching the meaning and I’m just in awe and astounded by the meaning. I’ve never had any word from God before and never thought I would. Thank you for this article and the insight into who hephzibah was , a really interesting read
Author
So glad it spoke to you, Candice! I love how the Lord uses these posts in HIS perfect time! Blessings, dear one!
Thank you for this blessed post. The Lord gave me, while practicing to prophesy to myself-asking the Lord to reveal to me his thoughts toward me as I have been struggling lately to remember how loved I am, a message concerning this passage in Isaiah. The picture he gave me began with me climbing up into his arms and laying on his chest like a child would with a father. He held me so lovingly and tenderly, then lifted my chin so that we were eye to eye. He told me that I was strong and that he had put a fierce spirit in me. And also that I had no idea the great plans he had for me. He told me I was HIS. And then my view became panned outward as if I were looking down at the situation I was just in and saw myself in His hand with a huge purple jewel upon my head (signifying royalty) as I stood there looking up at him. I saw a large crown and saw him raise me up and place me in the spot reserved for me on his crown as a jewel upon his head. All of this led me to Isaiah 62:2-4 and which ultimately landed me here on your post. I too wondered about the imagery between the symbolical name of Zion being Hephzibah. It represents the Lord’s favour toward her. You mentioning that Isaiah being her father put the puzzle piece together for me as the Lord had shown me curling up with him as a daughter would her father. Jesus obviously being in her and Hezekiah’s bloodline is significant. It has helped me not only see the father’s heart toward me as a restored daughter but through that helped me understand his word and the love and meaning behind this rather obscure text. So thank you!
Author
Hi Mindi! Very cool imagery and what a wonderful message just for you from our loving Father! Be encouraged, dear one, and thanks so much for sharing it. Hugs to you!
Dear Mrs. Andrews, I recently discovered your books and cannot express the effect the reading of them is having upon me. I was filled with the Holy Ghost at 13 and am now 76, a grandmother and great grandmother. I am in constant prayer for my children, grandchildren, and all the greats, who seem to just keep coming! Your books have brought reality to many of the people of the Bible, though I have studied God’s Word for a lifetime. Isaiah’s Daughter and Of Fire and Lions took me into the heart of God’s people and their sufferings and sacrifices. All of Israel’s history is surely being repeated in America today. How great it would be if more could become aware of God’s plans and purpose for us all and the consequences of disobedience and rebellion, as portrayed through Israel. Thank you for the hard work you have put forth in the writing of these books and may you continue writing what the Lord puts in your spirit. I am a writer too and I know the dedication it takes to create something of eternal value that impacts the lives and spirits of others.
God bless your mind, spirit and body to continue being His instrument.
Author
Patsy, thank you so much for your encouraging note. It comes at a time when I’ve been hit with lots of setbacks and was at one of the lowest points I’ve ever had as a writer. The Holy Spirit definitely used your sweet words to bolster my wounded heart and gave me courage to keep writing at a very dark time. You may not know this side of eternity what a blessing your words have been. So keep writing—whether it’s an encouraging note or a novel or whatever—and I will too. Blessings, dear sister. 💕
Mesu,
I’ve read several of your books and enjoyed them very much. I’m extremely picky about what I read as I’m not interested in lite romance but stories with depth that can speak into my walk.
One of the things that impacts me while reading the books but also the Word is how deeply we hurt the Father with idolatry. It’s depicted so plainly in the books but is just as prevalent in our society now. It’s painful to see how we negatively affect our relationship with YWHY when what He wants is a deep relationship with us so He can give us more responsibility in His Kingdom. In other words He wants us to grow up and be mature sons.
Several of the above comments talk about how children take their own path. I think also though as may be in the case of Hezekiah, he was called by the Lord for a special purpose which he certainly worked at and given a special grace to accomplish this.
Author
Tammy, I’m honored you’ve chosen to read my books. I’ve made a similar choice to write only books with a level of depth that teaches as well as entertains. My hubby (who has a PhD in education) calls it edutainment. I believe the Bible called Jesus’ teaching method, parables. LOL!
And, yes, I think you’ve gone to the core of idolatry. It’s not just sin. It’s BETRAYAL of the love-relationship between our Beloved and us. It’s adultery. It’s Hosea feeling Gomer’s unfaithfulness again and again. It’s the Song of Songs’ shepherdess calling for the wayward king who “browses among the lilies.” Every time we stray from our Beloved to follow another “love,” the calling and purpose of our life on the earth is a little less effective. It’s not a surprise to the sovereign God of Creation, but it still hurts His heart–and Manasseh’s story is a powerful reminder of all these things. As well as a reminder of our God’s unimaginable mercy and forgiveness. I’m still amazed months after I wrote it!
Hi Ms. Andrews, thank you for this insight. Although I’m single but writing down names I’d love kids to be called with faith. Zion for my male child and Hephzibah for my female.
I’m really blessed with this clarification, God bless you ma’am
Could you please send me the names of any of your books on marriage.
Thank you Ma’am!
Author
Hi Folake! My books are biblically based novels (fiction) and most have some marriage themes. The best book for you at this stage of life would likely be LOVE’S SACRED SONG (https://amzn.to/3ROhS26 – my Amazon aff link). It’s based on Solomon’s Song of Songs and tells the story of his first true love, but the Shepherd Girl (his true love) makes him wait until they’re officially married to take her as his bride. Waiting for the Lord to prepare our hearts for marriage is a difficult time, but it’s worth the wait!
I stumbled across your website after reading my daily devotion of “Daily with the King” by W. Glyn Evans (June 23rd) and couldn’t remember who Hephzibah was – although I have taught this material through CBS. I have been so touched by the sweetness of these conversations here. Keep writing my sister. You are hearing God clearly. You are continuing to glorify His name!
Author
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Georgia! Blessings on your continued study as well!
I would ask Mother Queen Hephzibah about her thoughts of Ashtoreth-Queen of Tyre. It says that she was removed as queen Mother after she made a naked figure of Ashtoreth-goddess of Love and war..You see, Ashtoreth and her sisters oholibah and Olibah, the harlots of Jerusalem and Samaria, were not always the evil spirit over the cities. They were the spirit of the glorious ships of God’s favor,”Ships of Tarshish.” But they were punished along with the evil cities, including the 1st sword over Jerusalem. For these harlots return during the city of the king of Babylon(Satan’s) return.
Hi Mrs Andrews! Thank you so much for this.
I was reading about some of Judah’s kings this morning and found this site when I started looking up King Hezekiah’s mother (and wife). Just wondering… How did he turn out so God-fearing and noble with a father like King Ahaz and how did his son turn out so bad?
I feel in the lives of these kings, their mothers and wives played a very great role.
Wondering too which Zechariah was the grandfather of Hezekiah…
I’m learning we ladies have the privilege of raising God’s kings in godly ways!!!
Thank you so much for this Ma’am, God bless you!
Author
Hi Tonia!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for digging into God’s Word with great questions! I’ve written two NOVELS (meaning they’re fictional depictions of Hezekiah’s family based on biblical TRUTH and historical facts) that help answer your questions about why Hezekiah might have been faithful and his son so wicked. The books are: ISAIAH’S DAUGHTER (Hezekiah’s story) and ISAIAH’S LEGACY (Manasseh’s story), when read together tell the life-story of Hephzibah, the woman who eventually becomes Hezekiah’s wife and Manasseh’s mother. I think you’ve answered your own questions in some ways–mothers and grandmothers have a huge influence on their children’s lives, especially in the ancient Middle East. However, because of the special circumstances of royalty, these two kings (and Hephzibah) were hugely influenced by their adult tutors as well–at least that’s how I perceived it in my FICTIONAL stories, based on my research. Hope that helps!
My dearest sister,my earthly name is Jenni’eve and I mourn like days of old,as a child I went through many trails, some I cause on my own and many that was placed upon me by others. My mother told ed me that I had a calling on my life because of things I would say come true, she made it clear to keep them and don’t expressed them to other people, but our Lord on high had other higher things for me ,like I said I mourn to mourn like the prophets of old is one of the greatest thing that ever happened to me. Yet it has cause me to get lashes, but I count it all Joy. My life is sweet and bitter as a Teacher that God made me and to hear his voice has placed me in a category of what people can’t understand of how the Father in heaven chose th I Se to be special,to do things that can be pleasant and not to good yet to do the righteous things of the Lord is what he God is pleased with. I know because he told me that my name was Hephzibah,to be the apple of God’s eye is great, meaning you have truly pleased him ,by not swaying from him. Staying on the straight and narrow road and not allowing anyone to change your core. It’s very hard but I was looking for Jesup and when I found the true and living God there is no turning back. It’s so sweet to be saved by the Lord. In these dark days we are in there is hope trust eternal life to come and I can know for sure how it is to be an Hephzibah. Amen
Mesu, there are so many mystery of the Lord that we don’t know, but he said in his word (Bible) when you draw close to God ,He draws closer to you. There were many questions I had as a child asking the ministers but no one could give me sound proof, many asked me who was brain washing me. I never stop searching for the truth of why Yes hua came to show us the way to the Father yet people only stopped here and was scared to go further to know him. I said I wanted to be like David the King. He was a chaser after God’s on heart, he Loved him. And when he did wrong he rent his cloths prayed for forgiveness, the prophet had to tell him ,yet he repented,it takes a mirror in front of us to watched daily to see ones sins admit to them daily and try hard not to do them again. I believe that this happened for G I d’s reason to show the people how ,having a seed from your womb can be different yet to be God’s Loved it want change, I am sure as a child of God Manna see mother tried to tell him of his ways, because she also was raised by Isiah the prophet. Been there saw it,those who had a mother who was in Christ Jesus yet had children that did evil and bad things, I never looked at the mother but I looked at the evil that has power in the world. Watching it evolved around themselves. In this place today, same as it was yesterday. I am not boosting about what I am I am letting us know we don’t have to be like the evil in the world but fine some good in our life which is God because he is Love and once we fine it the change comes over you that you become a warrior for him not for yourself. Things that are pleasing to the Father and you will see his rewards unto you.LOVE instead of Hate.
I would ask Hephzibah the things that made her happy and kept her spirit high to delight the Lord, despite the situation she had to put up with her son, Manasseh. By narrating all that keeps her happy and delightful, it would heal any wounded part of her heart & keep good memories afresh.
Author
Oby, I LOVE this very practical and helpful comment! Whatever we set our minds on is generally where our hearts and actions go. “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Ro 8:5).
Hi, I woke up in the middle of the night and a “voice” said Hezibah is coming, Hezibah is coming. I looked it up and came across this. Now I’m wondering what that means for me?? Thanks for listening
Author
Hi Leonie!
I don’t know what it means either, but I would encourage you to speak with a pastor or women’s ministry leader that you trust and ask them to pray with you about what the Lord is about to do in your life. This is an exciting time! I pray that His great you, as His great delight, will begin to experience His presence in a new and powerful way.
On Sept 25, 2021 as I sat praying for 5 young, wounded of heart, young adults Our Heavenly Father spoke “Hephzibah” to me. I liked it because I already have heard and looked up the name, but sought Him on who this was for. As I sought Him he said “you’. I was/am Thankful I was pleasing Him!
I would ask her;
Please tell me your life’s story.
Author
I would LOVE to hear her life story straight from her lips too, Marty. I hope someday to hear it in person. ❤️
Hi there.My name is hepzibah.And i am 15 years old
Hi Hepzibah!
You have a beautiful name that means, “God’s delight is in her.” I pray you grow in the knowledge and understanding of His delight in you, and it carries you through whatever you face in this life. ❤️
I will be much obliged, if you send the hard copy through post; my address
Johnson p george
94B, sanganer colony
Bhilwara – 311001(Rajasthan) India
Thnk you in advance
Author
Hi Johnson!
I’m not sure what it is you’d like me to send, but I don’t send international mail. If you’d like to purchase the book, https://www.bookdepository.com is a very affordable international website to use. I hope that’s helpful. Blessings!
I too was thinking how a righteous king would give birth to the most evil king in Judah. I guess thats why God wanted to take him early but he pleaded with God who added him 15more years. But everything is about the lineage, remember Mannaser grand father was an idol worship. I think Hezekiah and wife whereas they were good, they didnt pray to break long established convenants of demonic worship already in the linneage. Unless we as parents understand our linneage and go before God to repent and uproot demonic linneage. They will not go away
Author
King Ahab’s influence DEFINITELY had a lasting affect on Manasseh and the whole nation of Israel.
i have tried so hard to read what you write about Hephzibah from the midrash, but all my attempts to ‘log in’ have failed. I don’t have a ‘twitter account’ nor do I want one. I am 79 years old and not really computer literate. Could you direct me to some information about this woman?
Author
Hi Jettie!
Sorry for the delay! Here’s a website that you should be able to click on (https://armstronginstitute.org/631-seals-of-isaiah-and-king-hezekiah-discovered) and find a knowledgeable and reliable explanation for my theory (remember, I write NOVELS) that formed the story of Isaiah’s Daughter. My process is always to read the Bible’s TRUTH over and over and over, to make sure it’s the foundation. Then I do lots of research that becomes the building blocks of facts and Jewish legend. Creative fiction is the mortar with which I try to smooth together the biblical Truth and historical facts/legend in hopes that I’ll create a believable world for readers. My goal is never to leave a reader satisfied with my story but rather to bridge the ancient, Middle-Eastern world with today’s reader and make them curious about the real people in the Bible. I hope folks MUST pick up a Bible to know what REALLY happened to King Hezekiah, Isaiah, and Queen Hephzibah (whether she was actually Isaiah’s daughter or not). I hope that makes sense! 😉
Mesu, I really love this post and the wonderfilled comments! I see Hephzibah as Shekinah made manifest upon the earth; and Hezekiah as Metatron, the highest angel (according to the ‘Apocolypse of Abraham’). In Kabbalah it is written that upon the day of judgment Metatron and Shekinah are entwined/conjoined as one for eternity. It speaks of the highest possible love under The beloved Lord of creation. She is the shepherdess in the Song of Songs. She is the highest Queen and he, the highest King who dance together eternal. We all eventually dance in this joyous reunion!
I also believe that Hephzibah was adopted by Isaiah. She had to become ‘desolate’ in order to be (re)birthed by the fathers path; and completely emptied in order for her to be filled with the delight of The Lord Most High.
Mannesah certainly seems to have taken after his Grandfathers ancestral ghost. I also believe it has something to do with the reverberations of the fall of Adam, and perhaps see Mannesah as symbolic of Cain, where Hezekiah is representative of Abel. I received a prophecy on the mountain that the ‘decendants of Abel shall inherit the earth’. Perhaps Abel may or may not have had physical children, yet believe it to mean those made in his likeness. He is the highest angel who sits on the throne in the highest heaven, under God.
The beginning of time was started, according to Kabbalistic lore, when the precious sapphire stone of Shekinah was given to the care of King David. The end of time simply refers to King David returning the stone back to its proper place in creation. The fall of Adam and Eve threw the balance of the universe into disarray, and as a result many unfortunate repercussions have manifested. After the fall, Shekinah is tasked to go with Adam to assist him, until he is absolved from his disobedience to The Lord. It is time, or rather the end of time:), in order for true love to reign again eternal!
Bless your hearts 🙏