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Monday, July 28, 2008

2 Kings 19 - Hezekiah prayed, God answered

Click to read 2 Kings 19

Synopsis


The Assyrians had captured all the fortified cities of Judah. Sennacharib marched towards Jerusalem to demand Hezekiah's surrender. The first thing that Hezekiah did when he heard the taunting and threat of Sennacharib was to go before the Lord and pray for help. He went to God boldly and yet with respect, to tell Him of what was in his heart.

God answered through Isaiah and pronounced punishment upon Sennacharib. God also sent a heavenly army to destroy the Assyrian army; 180,000 died in one night. That action forced Sennacharib to retreat. God is good all the time and takes care of those who love Him.

Major verses

V1-7
- Hezekiah loved and followed after God. As such, his first reaction to the threat was to seek help from God and Isaiah. He laid bare his concerns to God and declared his dependency on Him. God assured him, through Isaiah, that He would take control.

What I learn

Our first response when we are in any crisis must be to look to God for help. Prayer must be our constant connection to our Abba Father and our trust in God must be our habit. Jesus has said, "Ask and you shall receive." Let's take Him at his Word.


V14-19 - Sennacharib further threatened Hezekiah with destruction and taunted God yet again. Hezekiah laid the threat before God and declared his trust in the One and only true God.

What I learn

The world may threaten us and taunt our God. Let us remember that He is indeed the only true God. Let us completely trust Him to defend His own name. There is nothing better for us to do than to simply trust Him when we face any crisis, because crisis are opportunities for God to demonstrate His Sovereignty and love for us.


V21-34 - Sennacharib's pride and arrogance caused his downfall. He thought that his kingdom had grown due to his might. He did not know that it was God who allowed that to happen as part of His punishment to Israel. As such, the Lord declared judgment upon Sennacharib. He was murdered by his own sons!

What I learn

If we think that we are successful because of our own strength, we are arrogant. Many times, we are tempted to think arrogantly. Let us always remember to acknowledge our Father for His work in our lives. We are successful because He caused us to be. Praise the Lord.


Summary

Hezekiah loved and followed after God. He did right to completely trust God when he was threatened by Sennacharib. God honored his prayers for help and delivered Judah. Sennacharib's arrogance eventually led him to his death.

Up next ... Hezekiah became proud of his success, he also became selfish; let's check this out together on 4th Aug.

Help others with your learning on this chapter ... click "Comments"


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