Topical Bible: God: Preserver: Delivering Them from the Army of the Assyrians

◄ God: Preserver: Delivering Them from the Army of the Assyrians ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, God is frequently depicted as the Preserver of His people, demonstrating His power and faithfulness by delivering them from seemingly insurmountable threats. One of the most striking examples of this is the deliverance of Judah from the Assyrian army during the reign of King Hezekiah. This event is recorded in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah, and it highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His chosen people against overwhelming odds.

Historical Context

The Assyrian Empire, under the rule of King Sennacherib, was a dominant military power in the ancient Near East during the late 8th century BC. Known for their brutal conquests and formidable army, the Assyrians posed a significant threat to the smaller kingdoms of the region, including Judah. In 701 BC, Sennacherib launched a campaign against Judah, capturing many fortified cities and eventually setting his sights on Jerusalem.

Hezekiah's Faith and Prayer

King Hezekiah of Judah, faced with the imminent threat of the Assyrian army, turned to God for deliverance. Hezekiah was a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done" (2 Kings 18:3). Recognizing the futility of relying solely on military might, Hezekiah sought divine intervention. He sent messengers to the prophet Isaiah, asking for prayer and guidance (2 Kings 19:1-5).

Hezekiah himself went to the house of the LORD, spread out the threatening letter from Sennacherib before God, and prayed earnestly for deliverance. He acknowledged God's sovereignty, saying, "O LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth" (2 Kings 19:15). Hezekiah's prayer was a profound expression of faith, seeking God's intervention not only for the survival of Judah but also for the vindication of God's name.

Divine Intervention and Deliverance

In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sent a message through the prophet Isaiah, assuring the king that the Assyrians would not enter Jerusalem. Isaiah declared, "Therefore this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it'" (2 Kings 19:32). God promised to defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David.

That very night, the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. When the people of Jerusalem awoke the next morning, they found the Assyrian army decimated (2 Kings 19:35). Sennacherib withdrew in defeat and returned to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons (2 Kings 19:36-37).

Theological Significance

The deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army serves as a powerful testament to God's role as Preserver and Protector of His people. It underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God in times of crisis. Hezekiah's account illustrates that God is not only able to save His people from physical threats but also to uphold His covenant promises.

This event also highlights the theme of divine sovereignty over the nations. Despite the might and arrogance of the Assyrian Empire, God demonstrated that He is the ultimate ruler of history, capable of altering the course of events to fulfill His purposes. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem reinforced the belief in God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His ability to bring about salvation in the most dire circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 19:1
And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index