This week we read more about good king Hezekiah and learn what happens when an enemy mocks The One True God. As I read the challenge Sennacherib gave to the Lord, I couldn’t help rubbing my hands together and chuckling, “Oh, this is gonna be good...”
As you may remember, Hezekiah was the greatest king Judah ever had. He restored the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. He also reinstituted the Passover ceremony. The Bible goes so far as to say that life was better than it had been since the days of Solomon.
In these days, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came to invade Jerusalem and demanding treasure of silver and gold; Sennacherib also sends a messenger, Rabshekah, to say that the Lord had told him to go up against Jerusalem and destroy it. Rabshekah also says, “None of the other gods have delivered their people from Sennacherib’s hand, why should your Lord be any different?” Outsiders don’t usually use the covenant name of God, so the fact that Rabshekah does is significant. This is also the challenge that he offers: basically, God must prove that He is real.
Like I said, this is gonna be good...
Sennacherib also sent Hezekiah a nasty letter; Hezekiah shows it to the Lord. This reminds me of the verse in which we are told to cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us--even nasty letters from military enemies. Hezekiah prays to the Lord, reminding Him that all the false gods have been destroyed, and asking for deliverance “that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.” (2 Kings 19:19).
God answers Hezekiah, telling him that He will protect the remnant and that Sennacherib will not move against them. “I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake” (2 Kings 19:34). That night the Angel of the Lord moves through Sennacherib’s camp, killing 185,000 soldiers. The next morning he wakes up to find his army dead, so he goes home. I’d say God proves He exists.
Soon after, Hezekiah becomes deathly ill, and Isaiah tells him he will die. Hezekiah weeps and prays, and God heals him and grants him 15 more years of life. Unfortunately, during those years his pride gets the better of him and God brings judgment on him. In the end, Hezekiah humbles his heart and God preserves the land.
Hezekiah was a good king--he was faithful, honored the Lord, and followed His word. He wasn’t perfect, but he can definitely be added to the Bible’s Hall of Heroes.
Oh, not to forget, Micah and Isaiah prophesied during the last days of Hezekiah’s reign. See you soon!
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