King Hezekiah encouraged his people who were afraid of King Sennacherib of Assyria. Sennacherib’s most enduring work was the rebuilding of Nineveh, his official residence, he made it his capital, building a splendid new palace. Using prisoners of war for labor, he extended and beautified the city, erecting a great inner wall, nearly 8 miles long, which encircled the city. They were about to attack Israel, Hezekiah said, “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for THERE IS A POWER FAR GREATER ON OUR SIDE! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have THE LORD OUR GOD TO HELP US AND TO FIGHT OUR BATTLES FOR US!” Hezekiah’s words GREATLY ENCOURAGED the people.” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
King Sennacherib responded, “Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you! Don’t let him fool you like this! I say it again—no god of any nation or kingdom has ever yet been able to rescue his people from me or my ancestors. HOW MUCH LESS WILL YOUR GOD RESCUE YOU from my power! The king also sent letters SCORNING (charaph: insulting, taunting) THE LORD, the God of Israel. He wrote, “Just as the gods of all the other nations failed to rescue their people from my power, so the God of Hezekiah will also fail.” (2 Chronicles 32:15, 17)
So, what happened on the day of battle? “And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the LORD went out and killed in the camp of the Assyrians ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY–FIVE THOUSAND; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead.” (2 Kings 19:35) Or as reported in the Chronicles, “Then the LORD sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. So, Sennacherib returned and when he had gone into the temple of his god, some of his own offspring STRUCK HIM DOWN with the sword there.” (2 Chronicles 32:21) DO NOT INSULT THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham