READ: 2 Kin. 19:1–37: … do not be afraid … then Hezekiah spread that letter before the face of the LORD … Incline, O LORD, Your ear … deliver us from his hand … he shall not come into this city … it happened … that the angel of the LORD struck one hundred and eighty-five thousand men … he remained in Nineveh …
The LORD tests the believing Hezekiah as to the firmness of his faith. He is tested whether, with an opponent who has a very great army, he continues to place his trust in the LORD and not in men or horses. Thus the LORD also did with David.
Hezekiah is greatly afraid because of the action of Sennacherib. He tears his clothes in distress and puts on sackcloth. But Hezekiah also knows where he can find his help: he sends messengers to Isaiah, the prophet of God whose name means: the LORD gives salvation.
Hezekiah gives as message that Sennacherib reproaches the living God. In this also it is shown that Hezekiah has a true faith, in which the LORD is central.
Isaiah answers that Hezekiah need not be afraid. The LORD will ensure that Sennacherib departs again and that He Himself will kill him in his own land (v.7). Sennacherib departs with his army, but later still sends a messenger with a letter to confuse Hezekiah.
But also now Hezekiah knows where he can find counsel: he goes to the temple and spreads the letters before the face of the LORD. The prayer that he then sends up again testifies of his sincere faith with reverence for, and worship of, and expectation from the LORD (vv.15–19). It ends with: “Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God, You alone.”
Hezekiah receives through Isaiah an answer from the LORD, which He addresses to Sennacherib: you are there to do My will by destroying cities… because you have raged against Me… I will put My hook in your nose… and cause you to return by the way which you came… I will defend this city. Thus Jerusalem is spared.
In that same night the angel of the LORD strikes 185,000 men, after which Sennacherib departs.
Do we lay our troubles and sorrow before the LORD?
Singing: Ps. 130:2,4