Topical Bible: Intercession: Solicited by Hezekiah, of Isaiah

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Intercession, the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another, is a significant theme throughout the Bible. One notable instance of intercession is found in the relationship between King Hezekiah of Judah and the prophet Isaiah. This event is recorded in the historical context of the Assyrian threat against Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah.

Historical Context

Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, was the king of Judah who reigned during a tumultuous period marked by the aggressive expansion of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, launched a campaign against Judah, capturing fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem itself. In this dire situation, Hezekiah sought divine intervention through the prophet Isaiah.

Biblical Account

The account of Hezekiah's solicitation of Isaiah's intercession is primarily found in 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. When Sennacherib sent his envoys to Jerusalem with a message of intimidation, Hezekiah responded not with military might but with faith. He tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Hezekiah sent his officials, along with the elders of the priests, to Isaiah, seeking his prayers on behalf of the remnant of Judah.

2 Kings 19:1-4 records this moment: "When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. They said to him, 'This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth but there is no strength to deliver them. Perhaps the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to ridicule the living God, and will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that still survives.'"

Isaiah's Response

Isaiah's response to Hezekiah's request for intercession is one of assurance and divine promise. The prophet conveyed God's message to Hezekiah, assuring him that the LORD had heard the blasphemous words of the Assyrians and would act on behalf of His people. Isaiah prophesied the downfall of Sennacherib and the deliverance of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 37:6-7 states: "Isaiah said to them, 'Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.'"

Outcome

The intercession of Isaiah, coupled with Hezekiah's faith and reliance on God, resulted in a miraculous deliverance for Jerusalem. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat to Nineveh, where he was later assassinated by his own sons (2 Kings 19:35-37).

Theological Significance

This episode underscores the power and importance of intercessory prayer in the life of God's people. It highlights the role of prophets as intercessors and the efficacy of seeking divine intervention in times of crisis. Hezekiah's reliance on Isaiah's intercession reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats. The narrative serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in responding to the prayers of His servants and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

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2 Kings 19:1-4
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.
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