Faith Put to the Test

Serious trials lie ahead for Jerusalem. Hezekiah has broken an alliance that his faithless father, Ahaz, concluded with the Assyrians.  He has even subdued the Philistines, who are allies of Assyria.  (2 Kings 18::7, 8)  This has angered the king of Assyria. Hence, we read:  "It came about in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah that Sennacherib the king of Assyria came up against all the 6:1)  fortified cities of  and proceeded to seize them."  (Isaiah 36:1) Perhaps  hoping to protect Jerusalem from an immediate assault by the relentless Assyrian army, Hezekiah agrees to pay Sennacherib an enormous tribute of 300 silver talents  and 30 gold talent." -2 Kings 18:14.

Since there is not enough gold and silver in the royal treasury to pay the tribute, Hezekiah  retrieves  what precious  metals he can from the temple.  He also cuts down the temple doors, which have been overlaid with gold, and sends them to Sennacherib.  This satisfies the Assyrians, but only for awhile.   (2 Kings 18:15, 16) Evidently, Hezekiah realizes that  the Assyrians will not leave Jerusalem alone for long.  Therefore, preparations have to be made.  The people block up water sources that could supply water to invading Assyrians. Hezekiah also strengthens the fortifications of Jerusalem and builds an arsenal of weapons, including "missiles in abundance and shields." -2 Chronicles 32:4, 5.

However, Hezekiah puts his trust, not in clever war strategies  or in fortifications, but in Jehovah of armies . He admonishes his military chiefs:  " Be courageous and strong. Do not be afraid nor be terrified because of the king of Assyria and on account of all the crowd that is with him; for with us there are more than there are with him.  With him there is an arm of flesh, but with us there is Jehovah our God, to help us and to fight our battles." Responsively, the people begin "to brace themselves upon the words of Hezekiah the king of Judah."  (2 Chronicles 32:7, 8) Visualize  the exciting events that follow as chapters 36 to 39 of Isaiah's prophecy are reviewed.

Next time: Rabshakeh Presents His Case

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