How does Hezekiah's response to Sennacherib's invasion demonstrate faith in God? Setting the Scene After a sweeping revival of true worship in Judah, “Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He encamped against the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself” (2 Chronicles 32:1). The most powerful army on earth had arrived at Jerusalem’s gates, yet Hezekiah’s reaction reveals a heart anchored in unwavering faith. Faith That Plans but Does Not Panic • Hezekiah immediately initiates sound defenses—blocking springs, repairing walls, forging weapons (32:2-5). • Scripture never pits planning against trusting; rather, godly planning flows from trust. Compare Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.” • His practical steps declare, “We will do our part, yet our confidence rests in God alone.” Faith That Strengthens Others • He gathers the officers and speaks to the people at the city gate: “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria… for there are more with us than 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.” (32:7-8) • Echoes of Joshua 1:9 and 2 Kings 6:16—reminding God’s people that unseen heavenly armies outweigh visible threats. • True faith is contagious; Hezekiah’s words “greatly encouraged” the nation. Faith That Prays, Not Negotiates • When Assyrian messengers mock the LORD (32:9-19), Hezekiah neither capitulates nor seeks worldly alliances. • He and Isaiah “cried out in prayer to heaven” (32:20). • Parallel account records his humble plea: “O LORD our God, deliver us… that all kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, LORD, are God.” (2 Kings 19:19). • Prayer puts the battle where it belongs—in God’s court. Faith Rewarded by God’s Intervention • “Then the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated every mighty warrior, commander, and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria.” (32:21) • 2 Kings 19:35 numbers the slain at 185,000—affirming a literal, decisive act of God. • Sennacherib returns home in shame and is later killed by his own sons, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 37:7, 38). Timeless Takeaways • Lean on the Lord first, even while using every legitimate means He provides. • Encourage others with God-centered perspective; fear shrivels when faith speaks. • Prayer is not a last resort but the front-line strategy. • God’s power dwarfs the fiercest human threat; He delights to vindicate His name. |
    |