Read: 2
Kings 18-19
Scripture has now mourned the exile of Israel.
Judah stands alone. The remaining chapters of 2 Kings focus on the former
Southern, and now only, kingdom. Hezekiah is king. In contrast to the sin and
rebellion of former kings, Hezekiah is a long-awaited righteous ruler! He
removes idol worship and holds fast to the Lord! With God’s blessing, Hezekiah
successfully rebels against the Assyrians and defeats the Philistines as far as
Gaza (18:7-8).
Years later, after the exile of Israel, Assyria
attacks Judah again. In exchange for Assyrian withdrawal, Hezekiah pays a large
tribute to the Assyrian king. This, however, only appeases the Assyrian king
temporarily. He sends his supreme commander, chief officer, and field commander
with a large army to Hezekiah. They taunt Hezekiah, Judah and Yahweh. The
taunts are so distasteful that Eliakim asks the Assyrian delegation to speak
Aramaic instead of Hebrew. Eliakim does not want the residents of Jerusalem to
understand the Assyrians’ message. The delegation continues – in Hebrew.
However, Hezekiah had wisely warned the residents of Jerusalem not to respond
to anything the Assyrians say.
When word of the Assyrian threats reaches Hezekiah,
the king tears his clothes and mourns. Assyria could easily defeat Judah in a
military struggle. Isaiah (the same prophet who authored the Biblical book,
Isaiah), responds to Hezekiah’s mourning with a hopeful prophecy. God will move
miraculously to deliver Jerusalem. Assyria’s field commander withdraws.
Shortly thereafter, the Assyrian king receives word
that Egypt is about to attack his nation. In an attempt to gain power over the
region and prevent an Egyptian attack, the Assyrian king sends another message
to Hezekiah. This message also consists of threats and mockery. Again,
Hezekiah’s response to danger is to call on the name of the Lord. In response
to Hezekiah’s prayer, God gives a message to Isaiah. Judah will surely face
deliverance. The very night Isaiah prophesies, God moves. He strikes down one
hundred eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. The rest of the Assyrian
army retreats and Judah is safe again.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Hezekiah brought his burdens to the Lord. Spend
time crying out to God for the situations you face today.
2. Hezekiah was a godly king in the middle of a
bleak history. Our society is similarly bleak today. Ask God to show you some
righteous leaders who stand for truth today (these may be leaders in the
marketplace, government, church, family, etc.). Spend time in thanksgiving for
these people. Ask God how you can pray specific blessings over these leaders.
3. God gave messages to Isaiah in response to
Hezekiah’s prayers. Ask God if He wants to give you a message for anyone today.
Bearing in mind our church’s guidelines for prophecy (no mates, dates, births,
deaths, direction or correction), share this message with the person God
brought to mind.
