2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 32:1-8

The invasion of Judah is covered more fully in 2 kings 18:13-19:37 and Isaiah 36:1- 37:38. The prosperity and faithfulness of Hezekiah did not guarantee he would never face difficult times. It was still a sin-fallen world and consequences of the nations history of idolatry and apostasy could not be erased. In this time, God would never leave those who sought Him and were faithful to Him.

The king of Assyria had conquered the northern tribes and now they came south into Judah. He began to lay siege against thes fortified cities with his eye on conquering and capturing Jerusalem. You can tell by the preparations they made that this didn't happen overnight. This was a long slow process in which they strengthened the army, repaired the walls, built other walls and built weapons and defenses.

Hezekiah gathered the people together to encourage them. They were united, under God, under Hezekiah's leadership. These are important things. There is no substitute for strong leadership in the face of difficulties. Hezekiah spoke to them of strength and courage; not to be afraid or become dismayed. This speech was very similar to the words God spoke to Joshua, as well as what David said to Solomon.

Were there more people in Jerusalem than with Assyria? Maybe, but it wasn't how they counted but who was counted. Assyria had an arm of flesh; Jerusalem had the Lord God to help and fight the battle. It was by no means a fair fight; God wins every time.

2 Chronicles 32:9-15

Sennacherib began his terrorist activities against the people. He began to cast doubt and try to create fear amongs the Jews. He tried to drive a wedge between the leader and the people. He portrayed their faith as a false hope that would lead them to die misable deaths by famine and thirst. Sennacherib would have them believe that because all the foreign gods were powerless aginst them, that God was powerless against them also.

2 Chronicles 32:16-19

The Assyrians insuated God was weak; but they ratcheted things up to a new level when they spoke against the Lord and His king, Hezekiah. n, as if to pile on, they began to revile, or taunt, the Lord. This is interesting that they are attacking God and not Hezekiah. This shows Hezekiah's faith in the Lord. y knew they couldn't couldn't separate the people from Hezekiah or Hezekiah from God; now they were trying to defame God in the eyes of peole.

2 Chronicles 32:20-23

The demise of the Assyrian plan, army and king are all capture in one paragraph. God is good; the angel cutting down the Assyrian army is linked to the prayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah. y cried out to heaven and God answered. king was shamed in his loss but also was killed by his own children in the temple of his own god.

This resulted in worship and praise to the Lord as many brought offerings to Him. They also brought gifts to Hezekiah who was exalted; this was done in full view of the other nations.

2 Chronicles 32:24-26

In his illness, Hezekiah heard from the Lord and was given a sign. He didn't respond appropriately to these things. He became prideful; this brought God's wrath against him. His pride led him to show off all the treasuries and stores to a Bablyonian envoy. Hezekiah and Jerusalem then responded in humility; God's wrath then didn't come on them.

2 Chronicles 32:27-30

We get an example of the wealth and honor that was shown to Hezekiah. The prosperity and blessings on the nation seem to be limitless when they are in a right relationship with God. Why can't a nation learn that and not forget? Why can't we learn that and not forget?

2 Chronicles 32:31-33

Was the test for God or for Hezekiah? Every day, in a myriad of ways, God asks us, "Do you believe? Do you really trust me?" The test revealed to Hezekiah a flaw in his heart.

©2017 Doug Ford