How Hezekiah Beat Sennacherib
How Hezekiah beat Sennacherib. It was around 701 BC that Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent his army to capture Jerusalem. Everything was in his favor. A big army. Well equipped soldiers. Advanced weapons of war. And Jerusalem’s King Hezekiah had only one defense. Here’s his story.
How Hezekiah beat Sennacherib. An arrogant boast.
Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? (ESV, Isaiah 36:18)
Assyria controlled a large territory across the Ancient Near East, had already conquered most of Judah, and now besieged Jerusalem. City residents helplessly and wordlessly sat on top of the surrounding wall watching the Assyrian army’s commander strut before them on the ground below.
Arrogance dripped from his tongue as he ridiculed their weakness compared to his strength. And challenged their God to save them. No gods of any other nation had prevailed against him. What made them think their God could? Surrender and he would let them live. But the people remained silent as instructed by King Hezekiah.
How Hezekiah beat Sennacherib. A humble response.
As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. (ESV, Isaiah 37:1)
When Hezekiah heard the report he sought refuge in the house of the Lord. And then appealed to the prophet Isaiah for spiritual counsel.
It is a good example for us to follow when life explodes beyond our control. Don’t immediately panic, but turn our thoughts and attention to God. And seek the prayers and counsel of Godly people. Isaiah assured Hezekiah that God would intervene. And immediately, the Assyrian army commander heard a rumor that caused him to return to Assyria.
Where is your help?
We all have moments like this. Struggles against the sudden and unexpected. Like an illness or injury. Lack of money to pay bills. An adversary that holds all the cards. And prayer is the only remaining recourse. But it seems so passive. Like admitting defeat and throwing up a hail Mary. When the complete opposite is true.
Because it is in our weakness that God most often demonstrates his strength and power. Our dependence is to his glory when we trust him and exercise faith.
How Hezekiah beat Sennacherib. Isaiah speaks God’s Word.
Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? (ESV, Isaiah 37:10-11)
It was a short repreive, but Sennacherib was not done. He sent another messenger to repeat his threat. And Hezekiah retreated again to the house of the Lord. Only this time, he prayed to God himself. Asking for God’s deliverance, but also, that God’s name was glorified.
It illustrates God’s accessibility when we humble ourselves and seek him in prayer. But it shouldn’t be just about us. We should also strive to magnify the Lords’ name. And recognize that he responds according to his sovereign will.
Once again, Isaiah provides God’s answer to Hezekiah only this time, God’s words are directed to Sennacherib.
Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel! Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came. (ESV, Isaiah 37:23,29)
How Hezekiah beat Sennacherib. God delivers Hezekiah and dispenses justice to Sennacherib.
For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David. (ESV, Isaiah 37:35)
During the night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 from the Assyrian army. Sennacherib returned home and while worshipping his god Nisroch was murdered by his own two sons. God’s justice was carried out. Unfortunately, we often see injustice flourish and the innocent suffer. But this story reminds us that no one gets away with anything. A time is coming when we all appear before God for a final judgment.
In addition, this story illustrates another important story of grace. As Hezekiah and Jerusalem were helpless before King Sennacherib and the Assyrian empire, we are helpless before sin and Satan. God alone saves us through Jesus Christ. The Son of God who intercedes, defends, and saves for eternity all who call on his name.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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