2 Kings 19b Commentary
Check Isaiah’s prophecy against Sennacherib of Assyria. You easily get an idea of how the same prophet communicates in the book that bears his name.
We know the context of this prophecy – both the spiritual and physical environment of the prophecy. By this time, the northern Israelite kingdom is gone. The southern Israelite kingdom remains, but only Jerusalem stands. Other towns and villages are all gone.
This chapter stands against the background of intense fear. There is real danger at the doorstep! A more powerful, all-consuming enemy stands at the door, asking for Hezekiah’s key to the house!
Is there any better time to turn to the LORD?
But there is no magic in Hezekiah’s prayer. He knows his God. He has done his best to serve Him. And for Hezekiah’s sake, Jerusalem is saved! What righteousness can do!
When times toughen up, how and where do you find the courage to turn to the Jesus you have ignored all your life?
We are here because of righteousness, more appropriately, the lack of it. We shall be here tomorrow because of the righteousness of Hezekiah. Righteousness has the final say in these events!
The scattering of Israel is on God’s agenda. Sennacherib is here on “assignment”. But righteousness has a say on this agenda.
The saint must think of the righteousness of Jesus and know they can always receive salvation in totality!
Turn to God, but know He is the final authority on anything and everything. Behind Sennacherib’s campaign is the hand of the LORD, punishing Israel’s wickedness. Behind Hezekiah’s petition and eventual salvation is the hand of the LORD.
It’s all about God’s justice against God’s compassion. But play it all within the context of Israel’s righteousness. When the song is done, know the LORD God, “is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4
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