summoning courage. “My lord, I’m so afraid you’ll have to divorce me because I’m barren. I beg you, please, go to one of your concubines tonight instead of me. Just until she gives you a child—just until you have an heir. The child could become ours. Please, my lord?” Hezekiah’s faith in Yahweh’s promises blew away in a gust of doubt: Hephzibah was barren. She would never give him an heir. For a moment he considered doing what she asked. Then anger exploded inside him—anger at himself for doubting so soon after his vow of faith, anger at the impossible decisions he faced, anger at his own
...more
