Chapter 323 of 1163

2 Kings 18–19

An idol within. Hezekiah removed all the idols from the land, including the brazen serpent that Moses had made (Num. 21:5–9). It is easy for God’s people to make idols out of good things that outhve their usefulness.

An enemy without. Having conquered Israel, Assyria wanted to capture Judah. The nation was divided three ways: some wanted to give up to Assyria, others wanted to go to Egypt for help, and a minority wanted to trust the Lord for deliverance. Note the emphasis on the word trust in 18:19–25, and note that the enemy always has a bargain to offer (18:23). However, each bargain has a fatal “until” attached to it (18:31–32).

An encouragement above. Hezekiah depended on the Word of God and prayer; he spread the matter before the Lord. His only desire was to glorify the Lord before that heathen army (19:19). God gave him a message of peace and victory (19:6–7), and the enemy was defeated. God knows the battles you fight, and He will give you the help you need. Spread the matter before Him in faith, and seek to glorify His name.

“Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness.”

Phillips Brooks

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