|
|
|
|
March 13: 2 Kings 19-20
Click here to read today's passage
As soon as Hezekiah heard the powerful intentions of the Assyrian army, his faith was radically shaken. But God had raised up a mighty prophet – Isaiah – and it would be through Isaiah that God would strengthen the spiritual and physical resolve of his king. Again, when king and prophet and priest are aligned, it is evident that the power of God is in play.
The prayer of Hezekiah in this chapter is certainly one to be studied and remembered. First, the king remembers the high and exalted position his God occupies. Then he declares that the gods of the Assyria are but wood and stone. On this basis, he cries out to the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, for deliverance. Behind this prayer is the king’s firm reliance on the covenant loyalty of God.
In response God sends Isaiah to Hezekiah, and God’s answer to the king’s prayer is given in a beautiful poem. Assyria has not come against Judah, but actually against the Holy One of Israel. Their mocking has actually been a mocking of Almighty God. God declares that the victories Assyria has gained have all been God’s doing, and even now he knows where they are and everything about them. God has used Assyria to judge the north, but now he will turn them around as through he held their reins.
In the end, God promised Hezekiah that the city and nation would be saved from the Assyrian army.
Chapter 20 details the final great episode in the life of good king Hezekiah. Stricken with a deadly disease, Hezekiah is advised by Isaiah that his death is imminent. Yet, once again Hezekiah cries out to the Lord asking for healing. And again God hears and responds with mercy. Hezekiah will be healed, and live for 15 more years.
As we have seen in the case of Gideon, Hezekiah asks for a sign. This is not understood as unbelief, but as a means of strengthening his fatigued faith. When God does the miraculous, and shifts the shadow backward, it bolsters the king’s resolve and he courageously prepares to live 15 more years in obedience to God.
Another story from the life of Hezekiah is a predictive event that foretells the future Babylonian captivity. When he shows the Babylonian king his treasures, Isaiah takes opportunity to predict that one day those same treasures will be carried off, with the people of Judah, into Babylon.
The last mention of Hezekiah details his building of a tunnel that allowed water from springs outside the walls of Jerusalem to flow into the city, making it available during an enemy siege. This tunnel is still in use today, and those visiting Jerusalem can opt to walk its length. The water comes up to your knees at spots, and as the tunnel is chiseled through solid rock, it is pitch black. I have walked it with friends, singing praises to God at the top of our lungs to keep our minds off the fact that we were in a small tunnel, with only our flashlights! But, I’ll probably do it again.
Prayer: Lord, again in the story of Hezekiah I see the confidence we can have when we belong to you! You are a loving Father, and your ears and arms are open to your children. We can cry out to you, and be confident you hear our pleas, and will always do that which is best and right. Father, I trust you, but please increase my trust so that, in every situation, my desire will be aligned with your will, for Jesus’ sake. Amen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
