Conclusion of Jerusalem Delivered

No one, including Hezekiah, could foresee how Jehovah would deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian army.  Nevertheless, Hezekiah's way of dealing with the crisis provides an excellent example for those who face trials today.  (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)  In view of the terrifying reputation of the Assyrians threatening Jerusalem, Hezekiah understandably was afraid.  (2 Kings 19:3)  Still, he had faith in Jehovah, and he sought  His guidance, not man's.  What  a blessing for Jerusalem that he did!  God-fearing Christians today may also experience intense emotion when under stress.  In many situations, fear is understandable. Yet, if we 'throw all our anxiety upon Jehovah,' he will care for us.  (1 Peter 5:7)  He will help us overcome our fear and will strengthen us to cope with the situation that is causing stress.

In the end, it is Sennacherib, not Hezekiah, who is left with fearful emotions.  To whom can he turn?  Isaiah foretells: "His own crag will pass away out of sheer fright, and because of the signal his princes must be terrified,' is the utterance of Jehovah, whose light is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem." (Isaiah 3:9)   Sennacherib's gods-his "crag," the refuge in which he has trusted-fail him.  They "pass away out of sheer fright," as it were.  Moreover, even Sennacherib's princes are of little help.  They too are struck with terror.

This part of Isaiah's prophecy provides a clear message for any would-be oppose of God.  There is no weapon, no power, no device that can frustrate Jehovah's purposes.  (Isaiah 41:11, 12) At the same time, those who claim to serve God yet turn away from him to seek security in fleshly things will meet with disappointment.  Any who "have not looked to the Holy One of Israel" will  see Jehovah   "bring in what is calamitous."  (Isaiah 31:1, 2) Truly, the only real and lasting refuse is Jehovah God. - Psalm  37:5.

Next time: The King and His Princes, Chapter Twenty-Five

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000