Topical Bible: False Confidence: Hezekiah, in the Defenses of Jerusalem

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Overview:
The concept of false confidence is vividly illustrated in the biblical account of King Hezekiah's reliance on the defenses of Jerusalem during the Assyrian siege. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, is often remembered for his faithfulness to God and his religious reforms. However, his actions during the Assyrian threat reveal a momentary lapse into placing trust in human efforts rather than divine intervention.

Historical Context:
Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is noted for significant religious reforms, including the removal of high places, the destruction of idols, and the restoration of temple worship (2 Kings 18:3-6). Despite his devotion, Hezekiah faced a formidable challenge when Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem.

The Siege of Jerusalem:
The Assyrian threat was a test of Hezekiah's faith and leadership. In response to the impending siege, Hezekiah took several defensive measures. He fortified the city, repaired the walls, and constructed the Siloam Tunnel to secure a water supply (2 Chronicles 32:2-5). These actions, while prudent from a military standpoint, also reflected a reliance on human ingenuity and strength.

False Confidence in Human Defenses:
Hezekiah's preparations, though necessary, were not sufficient to ensure victory. The Assyrian army was vast and powerful, and the situation seemed dire. The Bible records that Sennacherib's officials mocked Hezekiah's reliance on his defenses and questioned his trust in God, saying, "Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you. Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD" (2 Kings 18:29-30).

Hezekiah's Turning Point:
Confronted with the overwhelming might of Assyria and the taunts of its officials, Hezekiah realized the futility of relying solely on human defenses. In a moment of humility and desperation, he turned to God for deliverance. Hezekiah went to the temple, spread out the threatening letter from Sennacherib before the LORD, and prayed earnestly for divine intervention (2 Kings 19:14-19).

Divine Deliverance:
God responded to Hezekiah's prayer through the prophet Isaiah, assuring him that the Assyrian king would not enter Jerusalem. The LORD declared, "I will defend this city and save it for My sake and for the sake of My servant David" (2 Kings 19:34). That night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib's retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Lessons from Hezekiah's Experience:
Hezekiah's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of false confidence. While human efforts and preparations are important, they must not replace trust in God's power and providence. Hezekiah's initial reliance on the defenses of Jerusalem highlights the temptation to depend on visible and tangible means of security. However, his ultimate reliance on God underscores the necessity of faith and the recognition that true deliverance comes from the LORD.

Biblical References:
· 2 Kings 18:3-6
· 2 Kings 18:29-30
· 2 Kings 19:14-19
· 2 Kings 19:34-36
· 2 Chronicles 32:2-5

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Isaiah 22:11
You made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but you have not looked to the maker thereof, neither had respect to him that fashioned it long ago.
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