The Assyrians became a MIGHTY EMPIRE dominating the biblical Middle East from the ninth to the seventh century BC. They conquered an area that comprises what is now Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The capital of Assyria was NINEVEH (where God sent Jonah to preach), one of the greatest cities of ancient times. Historians have confirmed the Bible’s description that it took three days’ journey to go around this city (Jonah 3:3). The Assyrians were a fierce and cruel nation who showed little mercy to those they conquered (2 Kings 19:17).
The king of Assyria, Sennacherib and his army was coming to destroy King Hezekiah and Jerusalem. They had 185,000 soldiers ready to attack. “…when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 19:1) He cried out to the Lord, “LORD our God, save us from the powerful hand of Sennacherib. Then all of the kingdoms on earth will know THAT YOU ALONE ARE GOD.” (2 Kings 19:19) “The Lord said, “Here is a message from me about the king of Assyria. It says, “‘HE WILL NOT ENTER THIS CITY. He will not even shoot an arrow at it. He will not come near it with a shield. He will not build a ramp in order to climb over its walls.” (2 Kings 19:32)
This is how the Lord answered that prayer and how He will answer OUR CRIES FOR HELP!!! “That night THE ANGEL of the LORD went into the camp of the Assyrians. He put to death 185,000 soldiers there. The people of Jerusalem got up the next morning. They looked out and saw ALL of the dead bodies.” (2 Kings 19:35) The valley was full of all kinds of “booty” for Israel’s sustenance.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham