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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