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2 CHRONICLES 32

ASSYRIA WILL NOT INVADE JUDAH

When Hezekiah hears that Assyria is threatening Judah, his response is to fortify the city and turn to God in prayer for protection. Hezekiah encourages the people to find strength and courage by trusting that God is with them.

The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, mocks God and doubts His ability to save Judah. Hezekiah and Isaiah cry out to God, who sends an angel to strike down the Assyrians and provide for Judah! The people of Jerusalem rejoice and bring precious gifts to both God and Hezekiah.

Hezekiah becomes ill and is nearing his death. Hezekiah pleads with God and asks him to postpone His wrath upon Jerusalem until after his death. God honors this prayer, and Jerusalem is not captured by Assyria during Hezekiah’s life. Later, Judah would be captured by Babylon after Hezekiah’s death.

Before his death, the king of Babylon comes to Hezekiah’s home, and God allows him to be tested to see what is in his heart. Hezekiah, although faithful throughout the majority of his life, ends his reign with pride over his possessions. Hezekiah’s story is explored more in-depth in 2 Kings 18-20 and Isaiah 36-39.

STUDY QUESTIONS

After God protected Judah from the Assyrians, the people praised Hezekiah instead of God. How did this praise influence Hezekiah?