Isaiah 36- 37
Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't know what to do or who to turn to? King Hezekiah found himself in that same situation in Isaiah 36, he was faced with an enemy who was more powerful, stronger, fiercer and more influential than he could ever imagine. The King of Assyria had attacked the fortified cities of Judah and ordered his chief official to Jerusalem with a large military force to demand that King Hezekiah surrender. The Assyrian official wanted to know why Hezekiah was so confident, he boasted that God would not be able to save the people from Sennacherib, the Assyrian king.
Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, the LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hands of the King of Assyria.
Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand? Isaiah 36: 18; 20 (KJV)
Sennacherib was a fierce warrior and had defeated previous cities and overthrown kings before Hezekiah so he believed in his own capabilities and ability to take down Jerusalem. Hezekiah on the other hand, turned to God for help, he went to the Temple and sent word to the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah sent a message to Hezekiah telling him what the Lord had said, and that was he should not let the Assyrians righten him by their claims that God could not save him, the Lord will cause the Assyrian King to hear a rumour that will make him go back to his own country, and the Lord will have him killed there (Isaiah 37: 1-7).
According to God's word, the Assyrians learnt that the Egyptian army, led by King Tirhakah of Ethiopia was coming to attack them. This did not deter the enemy as the Assyrians sent another threat. He sent a letter threatening Hezekiah,
Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered? Isaiah 37: 10-11 (KJV)
Again Hezekiah went to the Lord, he took the letter to the Temple and placed the letter in the presence of God and prayed. Hezekiah prayed to God to deliver them from the Assyrian king.
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God
Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earthmay know that thou art LORD, even thou only." Isaiah 37: 17;20 (KJV)
The Lord sent Isaiah again to Hezekiah with another message of signs of what will happen in the next couple of years before addressing Sennacherib's threats once more.
By the way that he came, by the same he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.
For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. Isaiah 37: 34-35 (KJV).
After that, an angel of the LORD went to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 soldiers. At dawn the next day, they were all dead. Then the Assyrian army withdrew and went to Nineveh. One day while he was worshipping his idol in his temple, two of his sons killed him with their swords and escaped to the land of Ararat, while another of his sons succeeded him as King.
God is our deliverer and defender just as we see in the case of Hezekiah and Sennacherib. When we are faced with oppositions and difficulties we should always turn to him. No matter how bleak the circumstance looks, God can turn it around.
Here are three notable things that struck me in Hezekiah's story.
Always turn to God in prayer: When the first threat arrive, Hezekiah turned to God and even when things seemed worse with the second threat, he still went to God and prayed. When things seem to be getting worse, don't quit, turn to God in prayer and believe. He was in the Temple of God seeking God's help by calling on Him in prayer.
Search for the Word of God: God's word has never failed and his promises surely come to pass. When life's storms and trails comes our way, look to his word. What does God say about that situation? Find God's word from the bible about what God is declaring over that issue. Like Hezekiah, he held unto God's word.
Seek Godly Counsel: Hezekiah sent for the scribes and elders of the priest to go to the prophet Isaiah. He sought for Godly counsel from God's servant. Listen to the message of God from his anointed servants; your pastors and church leaders.
Like Hezekiah, if we call on the name of the LORD, we will be saved, Proverbs 18:10 tells us that the name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. He is our defense against the storms of life. Hezekiah also was a king who did that which was right in the sight of God (2 Chronicles 29: 2), he served God and did not worship idols or sin against God. What is your relationship with God? Are you living in obedience to his word? Do you read your bible or spend time in prayer? To enjoy this access to God, we must surrender our lives to him, living in obedience to his word and accepting Jesus as our Lord and saviour. Accept Jesus into your life today and He will come and defend you from every storm.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for all that you have done for me, I come before you and ask for your mercy and grace. I ask for your loving kindness and your protection always be upon my life and on anyone who calls on your name in Jesus name. Amen,
References
The Holy Bible, King James Version, Isaiah 36-37
The Holy Bible, Good News Translation, Isaiah 36-37
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