The "Report to Hezekiah" refers to the communication delivered to King Hezekiah of Judah concerning the threats and subsequent deliverance from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. This event is a significant moment in the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of faith, divine intervention, and the power of prayer. The primary accounts of this event are found in 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36-37.

Historical Context

King Hezekiah reigned over Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh, as well as for his political and military challenges, particularly the Assyrian threat. During his reign, the Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was expanding its territory and had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel.

The Assyrian Threat

The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, sent his officials, including the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to demand its surrender. The Rabshakeh delivered a message of intimidation, questioning Hezekiah's reliance on God and urging the people of Jerusalem to surrender to Assyria. This message was intended to undermine Hezekiah's leadership and the people's faith in God's protection.

Hezekiah's Response

Upon receiving the report of the Assyrian threats, Hezekiah demonstrated his faith by seeking divine guidance. He tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. He also sent messengers to the prophet Isaiah, seeking his counsel and prayers.

Isaiah's response, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:6-7 , was one of reassurance: "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."

Divine Intervention

In response to Hezekiah's prayer and Isaiah's prophecy, God intervened miraculously. The angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw and return to Nineveh. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-36 : "That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there."

Significance

The report to Hezekiah and the subsequent deliverance of Jerusalem is a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and the sovereignty of God over the nations. It underscores the importance of faith and reliance on divine power in the face of overwhelming odds. Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serves as an enduring example of godly leadership and trust in God's promises.

This event also highlights the role of the prophet Isaiah, whose words provided comfort and assurance to Hezekiah and the people of Judah. The narrative reinforces the biblical theme that God is a refuge and strength for those who seek Him, capable of delivering His people from even the most formidable adversaries.