‏ 2 Kings 19

* Hezekiah receives an answer of peace. (1-7) Sennacherib's

letter. (8-19) His fall is prophesied. (20-34) The Assyrian army

destroyed, Sennacherib slain. (35-37)

1-7 Hezekiah discovered deep concern at the dishonour done to

God by Rabshakeh's blasphemy. Those who speak from God to us, we

should in a particular manner desire to speak to God for us. The

great Prophet is the great Intercessor. Those are likely to

prevail with God, who lift up their hearts in prayer. Man's

extremity is God's opportunity. While his servants can speak

nothing but terror to the profane, the proud, and the

hypocritical, they have comfortable words for the discouraged

believer. 8-19 Prayer is the never-failing resource of the tempted

Christian, whether struggling with outward difficulties or

inward foes. At the mercy-seat of his almighty Friend he opens

his heart, spreads his case, like Hezekiah, and makes his

appeal. When he can discern that the glory of God is engaged on

his side, faith gains the victory, and he rejoices that he shall

never be moved. The best pleas in prayer are taken from God's

honour. 20-34 All Sennacherib's motions were under the Divine

cognizance. God himself undertakes to defend the city; and that

person, that place, cannot but be safe, which he undertakes to

protect. The invasion of the Assyrians probably had prevented

the land from being sown that year. The next is supposed to have

been the sabbatical year, but the Lord engaged that the produce

of the land should be sufficient for their support during those

two years. As the performance of this promise was to be after

the destruction of Sennacherib's army, it was a sign to

Hezekiah's faith, assuring him of that present deliverance, as

an earnest of the Lord's future care of the kingdom of Judah.

This the Lord would perform, not for their righteousness, but

his own glory. May our hearts be as good ground, that his word

may strike root therein, and bring forth fruit in our lives. 35-37 That night which followed the sending of this message to

Hezekiah, the main body of their army was slain. See how weak

the mightiest men are before Almighty God. Who ever hardened

himself against Him and prospered? The king of Assyria's own

sons became his murderers. Those whose children are undutiful,

ought to consider whether they have not been so to their Father

in heaven? This history exhibits a strong proof of the good of

firm trust and confidence in God. He will afflict, but not

forsake his people. It is well when our troubles drive us to our

knees. But does it not reprove our unbelief? How unwilling are

we to rest on the declaration of Jehovah! How desirous to know

in what way he will save us! How impatient when relief is

delayed! But we must wait for the fulfilling of his word. Lord,

help our unbelief.