Hezekiah had taken radical measures to remove pagan idols, restore Judah, reopen the Temple and reinstate religious reforms. The writer of Chronicles tells us that Hezekiah sought God wholeheartedly, and as a result he was very successful. It is after Hezekiah has faithfully fulfilled this work that King Sennacherib of Assyria invades Judah. Under the guidance of his officials, Hezekiah sets to work to prepare against the enemy and prevent loss.
Hezekiah was not immune to attack. Although he was walking in obedience with the Lord, an opposing army rose to threaten and destroy the people of Judah. We can sometimes think that if we are walking in step with God that we can avoid difficulty, but obedience does not equal ease. Walking in the ways of the Word is right, but it is also hard and can invite further adversity from those who are hostile to the Lord.
Upon hearing of the approaching army planning to attack, Hezekiah consults with his officials and takes steps to prudently prepare. Being forewarned of battle, he forearms the city. Yes, sometimes the Lord asks us to do nothing, stand still and watch Him intervene on our behalf, but most often there is a role for us to fulfill as we look to God to provide. We cannot be foolish in our trust, putting God to the test, but use the wisdom He has given us do our part in His plan.
It is to this situation that Hezekiah speaks a word of encouragement. Although the king of Assyria makes a vigorous attempt to terrify the people of Judah, Hezekiah reminds them that "mere men" are no threat to God. As King Sennacherib continues to taunt all those in Jerusalem, desiring to make them doubt any hope of rescue, he compares God to one of the pagan gods, made by human hands.
Hezekiah speaks with such assurance, making every effort to silence fears and increase faith. We also often need reminders that God's power is irresistible, His presence is irremovable, His promises are inviolable and nothing with Him is impossible!
King Sennacherib asks the people in the city, "What are you trusting in that makes you think you can survive?" "What makes you think your God can rescue you?" Hezekiah is not blind to the great army coming to destroy them. He recognizes the reality of the situation they are in, but he knows that "there is a power far greater on our side!" "We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!" We are never outnumbered when God is on our side! One is a majority when that One is the Lord!
After the enemy concluded his insults, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah responded by crying out to the Lord. Their prayer is recorded in 2 Kings 19:15-19. They prayed for deliverance so that all the world would know that the LORD alone was God. We need Hezekiah's and Isaiah's in our day, who zealously seize moments to pray in situations when God is shamefully being scorned.
The "Assyrians" approaching us today might appear in a variety of forms. Yes, it could be people taunting us and mocking our God, dismissing our faith and sneering at the Lord, but our enemy could also be disease, depression, discouragement, doubt, dwindling donations and all kinds of different difficulties. We need to take a dose of Hezekiah's spirit. We can demonstrate the same faith, because we have the same unchanging God on our side who is greater too! Be encouraged, and let's keep watching for the Lord to show Himself mighty on our behalf.
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