In the crisis, Hezekiah proved to be a man of opportunity. No sooner had he ascended the throne than he began to plan and to execute. He first turned his attention to the restoration of the temple services, so long neglected; and in this work he earnestly solicited the co-operation of a band of priests and Levites who had remained true to their sacred calling. Confident of their loyal support, he spoke with them freely concerning his desire to institute immediate and far-reaching reforms. "Our fathers have trespassed," he confessed, "and done that which was evil in the eyes 332 of the Lord our God, and have forsaken Him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord." "Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us." 2 Chronicles 29:6, 10.

Ezekias var den rette mand i denne krise. Han tog fat på opgaven, lige så snart han var kommet på tronen. Først besluttede han at genindføre tempeltjenesten, som så længe var blevet forsømt. Han rettede en alvorlig henvendelse til en gruppe præster og levitter, som var forblevet tro imod deres hellige kald, og bad dem om at hjælpe sig med dette arbejde. I tillid til deres loyale støtte fortalte han dem uden omsvøb, at han agtede at gennemføre øjeblikkelige og vidtrækkende reformer. "Vore fædre var troløse," sagde han, "og gjorde, hvad der var ondt i vor Guds øjne; de forlod ham, idet de vendte ansigtet bort fra Herrens bolig og vendte den ryggen." "Nu har jeg i sinde at slutte en pagt med Herren, Israels Gud, for at hans glødende vrede må vende sig fra os " 2Krøn. 29,6. 10.