Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 32


2 Chronicles 32

 

-Chapter 32 describes the amazing deliverance of the LORD during the time of the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib during Hezekiah’s reign in Judah. In complete and utter pride and contempt for the God of Israel, the Assyrians came to besiege and break into the cities of Judah with the main prize of Jerusalem. Hezekiah wisely cut off the water supply and provided the city with conduits, which are still visible today if you were to take a tour of the Holy City (2 Chronicles 32:1-4). They also rebuilt the wall as they took courage and erected towers on it. They built another outside protective wall and strengthened the Millo in the city of David plus they forged weapons and shields in great number (2 Chronicles 32:5). Hezekiah appointed military officers over the people and gathered them to him in the square at the city gate, where he spoke encouragingly to them about the future (2 Chronicles 32:6). His message of hope was clear and simple, “Be strong and courageous (a harkening back to Joshua’s charge, Joshua 1:5-7), do not fear or be dismayed because of the king of Assyria nor because of all the horde that is with him; for the One with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” The people relied on (supported) the king’s words and were authentically encouraged (2 Chronicles 32:7-8).

-While still besieging Lachish, which was southwest of Jerusalem by about 35 miles, the Assyrian king Sennacherib boldly sent his servants to Jerusalem to frighten the masses into capitulation with horrifying threats of destruction and blasphemy against God. He mocked the LORD in every way even writing letters to insult Yahweh and speaking in their Hebrew language, and assured the population that He could in no way deliver them and that fighting against him was useless. His intent was simple, to frighten and terrify the people of Judah by making God as one of the gods of the earth, which are works of man’s hands (2 Chronicles 32:9-19).

-In the face of attack and real danger, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to the LORD in fervent prayer. The LORD then sent an angel who destroyed EVERY mighty warrior, commander, and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. They returned to their own land in utter shame and dejection. Upon his return, Sennacherib was assassinated by his own children with the sword in the temple of his false god (2 Chronicles 32:20-21). So the LORD saved Hezekiah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of the enemy and from the hand of all others. God guided and guarded them on EVERY side and sent them honor and blessing from the nations who heard the amazing account. God and Judah under Hezekiah were exalted (2 Chronicles 32:22-23)!

-It was in those days that Hezekiah became mortally ill, but he prayed to the LORD and was miraculously healed with Isaiah at his side (2 Kings 20:1-11, 2 Chronicles 32:24, Isaiah 38:1-8). The Chronicles tell of how the king gave no return for the benefit he received, because his heart had grown proud, which led to God’s eventual wrath on him, Judah, and Jerusalem. However, he did humble his heart in confession and the LORD did not send His wrath on him and his nation during his days (2 Chronicles 32:25-26). His days were filled with blessings and abundance and prosperity until he passed away and was buried with honor in the upper section of the tombs of the sons of David (2 Chronicles 32:27-33).

-*Application* We see a beautiful picture of courage and trust in the LORD in the face of imminent danger here in Hezekiah’s leadership. He was a man known for prayer and seeking the counsel of God through His prophets when times got difficult and answers were needed. The application for us is this: Seek the LORD with all your heart and have courage by the full assurance of faith in the Almighty. He is God and will deliver you no matter what the circumstance or situation may look like. We learn to make wise preparations from Hezekiah. He did do that if you will notice. But, ultimately our rescue comes from the LORD, and on the other side of that is exaltation. But, even in that be very careful. Pride can enter in. Make sure you give the LORD return for the benefit He bestows on you in all of your successes. Otherwise, you will claim your victory only to receive the wrath of God because of your haughty arrogance. The point is to remain humble and confess constantly that God is the One who wins every battle and gives every blessing.

 

Verses to Memorize: 2 Chronicles 32:7-8, 21, 25

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