Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, 'The LORD will deliver us.' Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? Do not let Hezekiah mislead youRabshakeh addressed Judah’s people within hearing of Jerusalem’s wall, seeking to turn them against their king. Assyria used threats, boasts, and promises to weaken resistance before battle. Hezekiah had led Judah away from idolatry and called the nation to trust the LORD, making him a particular target of Assyrian propaganda. 2Ki 18:29 This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you;… when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Hezekiah’s confidence rested in the covenant God who had redeemed Israel from Egypt and remained faithful to His promises. Rabshakeh understood that Judah’s resistance depended upon faith in the LORD, so he attacked that faith directly. The LORD would answer the insult against His name by preserving Jerusalem and proving that He alone rules over kings and armies. 2Ki 19:14-19 So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers… Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land Assyria had defeated many kingdoms and carried their peoples into exile, treating each nation’s gods as powerless before Assyrian strength. Rabshakeh assumed that the God of Israel was merely another territorial deity defeated by a stronger empire. Israel’s God, however, is the Creator and Lord of every land, not one god among many. 2Ki 18:33-35 Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land… from the hand of the king of Assyria? Sennacherib’s power appeared irresistible, but his authority was limited by God’s sovereign will. The destruction of the Assyrian army soon demonstrated that no earthly king can prevail against the LORD. Jerusalem’s deliverance exposed Assyria’s boast as rebellion against the living God. 2Ki 19:35-37 And that very night the angel of the LORD went out… Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. Known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The God of Israel, whom Hezekiah trusts to deliver Judah from the Assyrian threat. 3. The King of Assyria At this time, Sennacherib, who was expanding his empire and threatening Judah. 4. Assyria A powerful empire known for its military might and conquests, posing a significant threat to the smaller kingdom of Judah. 5. Jerusalem The capital of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian forces during this account. Teaching Points Trust in God's DeliveranceHezekiah's faith in God serves as a model for trusting in divine deliverance, even when circumstances seem dire. The Futility of False Gods The Assyrian king's challenge highlights the impotence of idols compared to the living God, encouraging believers to rely solely on Yahweh. God's Sovereignty Over Nations This passage underscores God's control over world events, reminding us that no earthly power can thwart His plans. The Power of Prayer Hezekiah's response to the threat includes prayer and seeking God's guidance, illustrating the importance of prayer in times of crisis. Standing Firm in Faith Despite external pressures and intimidation, Hezekiah's example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge us to trust God in our own difficult situations?2. In what ways does the account of Isaiah 36-37 demonstrate the power and sovereignty of God over human affairs? 3. How can we apply the lesson of the futility of false gods to modern-day idols or distractions in our lives? 4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's strategy against the Assyrian siege, and how can we incorporate similar practices in our spiritual lives? 5. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege connect with other biblical themes of deliverance and faith, such as those found in the Psalms or the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 18-19Provides a parallel account of the Assyrian siege and Hezekiah's response, offering more context to the events in Isaiah 36. Psalm 46 Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem during this time, emphasizing God's protection and power. Isaiah 37 Continues the account, showing God's intervention and the eventual defeat of the Assyrian army.
People Asaph, Eliakim, Hezekiah, Hilkiah, Isaiah, Joah, Pharaoh, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, ShebnaPlaces Arpad, Assyria, Egypt, Hamath, Jerusalem, Lachish, Samaria, Sepharvaim, Washer's FieldTopics Asshur, Assyria, Attention, Beware, Deliver, Delivered, Falling, Gods, Hands, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Kept, Lands, Lest, Mislead, Nation, Nations, Persuade, Safe, Saying, SaysDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 36:18 5956 strength, human Library A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. [In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it … John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. ) The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Isaiah Links Isaiah 36:18 NIVIsaiah 36:18 NLT Isaiah 36:18 ESV Isaiah 36:18 NASB Isaiah 36:18 KJV Isaiah 36:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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