When he heard that king Sennacherib and the great Assyrian army was on the way, “Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: “O LORD God of Israel, hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, LORD, the kings of Assyria they destroyed them (all their enemies). Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand…You are the LORD God, You alone.” (2 Kings 19:15-19)
2 Kings 19:35 (KJV) states: “And it came to pass that night, that THE ANGEL of the Lord went out, and SMOTE IN THE CAMP OF THE ASSYRIANS A HUNDRED EIGHTY AND FIVE THOUSAND: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, THEY WERE ALL DEAD CORPSES.” This verse, 2 Kings 19:35, describes the MIRACULOUS INTERVENTION of the Lord in response to Hezekiah’s prayer. The angel of the Lord went out and STRUCK DOWN 185,000 ASSYRIAN SOLDIERS in their camp, delivering a seemingly impossible victory for the people of Judah. This event has SEVERAL LAYERS OF MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE that can be examined in its themes, context, and symbolism.
- FIRST: this verse highlights the theme of deliverance and victory through the divine intervention of God. The Assyrian army was an intimidating force, and their threat against Jerusalem seemed insurmountable. However, the Lord demonstrated His power and deliverance by ANNIHILATING the enemy’s forces OVERNIGHT. This event serves as a powerful testament to the SOVEREIGNTY AND MIGHT OF GOD as the ultimate protector and deliverer of His people.
- SECOND: this verse underscores THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FAITH AND PRAYER in times of adversity. Hezekiah’s immediate response to the Assyrian threat was to seek the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and to PRAY EARNESTLY to the Lord for deliverance. His firm trust in God’s ability to intervene on behalf of His people was rewarded with A MIRACULOUS VICTORY. This serves as a timeless reminder for believers to TURN TO GOD in times of trouble and to place their TRUST IN HIM for deliverance.
- THIRD: the context of this verse within the larger plot of King Hezekiah’s reign reinforces THE THEME OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS and His commitment to His covenant with His people. Throughout the reign of Hezekiah, God displayed His faithfulness in various ways, such as healing Hezekiah from A LIFE–THREATENING ILLNESS (2 Kings 20:1-6) and granting him victory over his enemies. The defeat of the Assyrian army in this verse further solidifies the idea that GOD HONORS HIS PROMISES and PROTECTS those who remain FAITHFUL TO HIM.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham