The Bible Courseනියැදිය

Hezekiah, Isaiah and the siege – God delivers his people

Reflect:

Losing a job, the loss of a loved one, or stress and anxiety can all cause us to feel overwhelmed. Perhaps you’ve had to deal with news, even this week, that was so hard to stomach you felt you could go no further. If you’re in this space, you’re not alone.

What was Hezekiah's desperate situation?

When the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom, they also besieged Jerusalem in the South. The king of Judah at the time was Hezekiah. He was understandably afraid and considered early surrender. Assyria was a world power, and its people thought the God of Israel was just like the gods of other nations they had defeated – a work of human hands (2 Chronicles 32.19). They’d soon find he wasn’t.

When surrounded by enemies, Hezekiah experienced God’s protection surrounding him.

What do the responses of Hezekiah and God teach us today?

Fear could have paralyzed Hezekiah. Instead, it dropped him to his knees. He and the prophet Isaiah cried out in prayer to heaven (2 Chronicles 32.20). But they weren’t praying as a last resort; prayer was their primary weapon.

Hezekiah’s backstory shows us that his heart was turned to God. Chapter 29 relates his first moves as king. He cleansed the temple, not of cobwebs but of idols. Hezekiah made sure the people’s story would not be the same as that of the previous generation, who had turned their faces away from God. Hezekiah’s example can be ours too. We are not tied to generational trends. Things can change!

Hezekiah did what was ‘right in the eyes of the Lord’ (2 Chronicles 29.2). He trusted God and saw a nation turn back to him. But still, the enemies came. Committing to life under God’s rule doesn’t necessarily spare us from attack. Instead of turning in on himself and despairing, though, Hezekiah sought God. God heard his cries and, without breaking a sweat, he sent the enemy packing.

Nothing that threatens you can stand against the God of the Bible. Take heart: God fights the battles of his people.

Respond

Hezekiah both prayed and took action to repair the weak parts of the wall (2 Chronicles 32.5). Prayer and practical steps are not at odds with one another. Why not look to do both today?