Isn't it fascinating how sometimes, even after experiencing incredible miracles, we can still miss the point? Take Hezekiah, for example. Here was a king who witnessed firsthand the power of God, deliverance from seemingly impossible odds… and he didn't sing a single song of praise.

It's almost unbelievable, right?

The story goes that after all the wonders God had performed for him, Hezekiah, well, he just didn't feel the urge to express his gratitude through song. The prophet Isaiah himself urged him to sing praises. But Hezekiah refused!

Why?

He believed that his intense study of the Torah – the first five books of Moses, the very foundation of Jewish law and teaching – was enough. It was a substitute, in his mind, for direct expressions of thanks. He was so devoted, so zealous in his studies, that he felt that was his act of gratitude. (Ginzberg, Legends of the Jews)

But there's more to it. Hezekiah also believed that God's miracles would become known to the world regardless of his personal actions. He had a plan, of sorts.

According to tradition, after the Assyrian army was destroyed, the Jews ventured into the abandoned camps. What did they find? Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and Tirhakah, the Ethiopian king! These rulers, you see, had rushed to Hezekiah's aid, only to be captured and imprisoned by the Assyrians.

Imagine the scene. Shackled, languishing in irons. And then, rescued by Hezekiah! Upon their liberation, these kings returned to their kingdoms, spreading tales of God's greatness far and wide.

And that's not all.

The vassal troops in Sennacherib's army, also freed by Hezekiah, accepted the Jewish faith. As they journeyed home, they proclaimed the kingdom of God in Egypt and many other lands.

So, Hezekiah thought, "See? God's miracles will be known anyway!" He believed his actions, his release of these captives, would be enough to spread the word. He didn't need to sing a song; he just needed to facilitate the story being told by others.

What does this tell us? Perhaps that even the most righteous among us can sometimes misunderstand the true nature of gratitude. Is it enough to simply study and facilitate, or is there a deeper need to express our appreciation directly? Is our service enough, or does God desire our song, too?

It’s something to ponder, isn’t it?