What can we learn about discernment from the king's claim in 2 Kings 18:25? Setting the Scene • Assyria has surrounded Jerusalem. Sennacherib’s spokesman, the Rabshakeh, delivers boasts meant to terrify Hezekiah’s people. • In the middle of his speech he declares: “Now, was it apart from the LORD that I came up against this place to destroy it? The LORD Himself told me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it!’ ” (2 Kings 18:25). • The invader claims divine authorization—an assertion intended to undermine Judah’s faith in God’s covenant promises. The Claim in Focus 1. The statement is bold: “The LORD Himself told me.” 2. It contradicts God’s revealed covenant with Judah (2 Samuel 7:13; Isaiah 37:35). 3. Yet it contains a grain of truth: God does use foreign powers as instruments of judgment (Isaiah 10:5–6). 4. The mixture of truth and falsehood makes the claim dangerously plausible. What Discernment Looks Like • Compare every claim with prior revelation. God had promised to preserve David’s line and protect Jerusalem in Hezekiah’s day (Isaiah 37:33-35). • Check the speaker’s allegiance. The Rabshakeh served idols (2 Kings 19:18); genuine prophetic words come from those loyal to the LORD (Deuteronomy 13:1-4). • Observe the fruit. The invader’s words sow fear and blasphemy, not faith and repentance (Matthew 7:16). • Seek confirmation from faithful servants of God. Isaiah immediately refutes Assyria’s boast (2 Kings 19:6-7). Pitfalls to Avoid – Taking dramatic claims at face value because they sound spiritual (Jeremiah 23:16). – Allowing circumstances to overrule Scripture. Siege engines outside the wall did not cancel God’s promise (Psalm 27:2-3). – Confusing divine permission with divine endorsement. God may permit Assyria’s advance, yet still judge its arrogance (Isaiah 10:12). Practices for Today • Test the spirits (1 John 4:1). Ask: Does this message align with the plain teaching of the Bible? • Hold fast what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). After examination, cling to truth; discard the rest. • Remember God’s character. He is faithful, not capricious (Numbers 23:19). Claims that paint Him otherwise should raise red flags. • Draw counsel from mature believers who know the Word well (Proverbs 11:14). Encouraging Takeaways • False claims cannot overturn God’s purposes. The LORD defended Jerusalem and humbled Assyria (2 Kings 19:35-37). • Discernment grows as we treasure Scripture daily (Psalm 119:98-100). • The same God who guided Hezekiah provides wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5). |
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