How can Hezekiah's example encourage you to trust God in difficult times? Hezekiah Steps onto the Scene “In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah became king.” (2 Kings 18:1) • A new king rises in Judah when Assyria dominates the Ancient Near East. • He inherits a nation spiritually compromised by his father Ahaz. What Made Hezekiah’s Trust Stand Out • 2 Kings 18:5-6: “Hezekiah trusted in the LORD… He remained steadfast to the LORD and did not turn from following Him.” • He destroys the high places (18:4), proving faith by action. • He keeps the Mosaic commandments amid cultural pressure. Facing the Impossible • Assyria sweeps through the region (18:13). Jerusalem looks doomed. • The Rabshakeh mocks God publicly (18:28-35). • Humanly, the city has no chance—perfect soil for genuine faith. Hezekiah’s Trust in Action 1. He tears his clothes and goes to the house of the LORD (19:1). 2. He seeks godly counsel from Isaiah (19:2-7). 3. He spreads the threatening letter before God (19:14). 4. He prays: “O LORD… You alone are God… deliver us” (19:15-19). God’s Response • Isaiah brings a literal promise: the king of Assyria “will not enter this city” (19:32-34). • That night the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrians (19:35). • Sennacherib retreats and later dies in his own land (19:36-37). • God vindicates trust, fulfilling His word verbatim. How His Example Encourages Us • Faith isn’t theory; it anchors decisions (tearing down idols, praying first). • God sees threats we face and answers in His timing and power. • Hezekiah proves crises cannot cancel covenant promises. • Same unchanging Lord: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Key Scriptures to Keep in View • Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” • Isaiah 26:3-4: “You will keep in perfect peace… Trust in the LORD forever.” • Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7—NT echoes of casting anxiety on God. Putting Trust into Practice Today • Identify and remove modern “high places” (anything competing with the Lord’s rule). • Seek Scripture-shaped counsel when pressures mount. • Lay out every threat before God, specifically and honestly. • Expect God to act consistent with His character and promises, even when method and timing are unknown. |
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