2 CHRONICLES 32


1 After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself.

2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,

3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.

Submit our troubles to God; but do the best we can; and wait the result with readiness to accept whatever He may appoint. This course in Hezekiah's case resulted in signal interposition. A message came by Isaiah to Hezekiah assuring him of deliverance, which was accomplished almost immediately, in the miraculous destruction of the bulk of the Assyrian host by night. In the course of the message, there are several allusions illustrative of the ways of providence. Sennacherib boasted of his prowess and rejoiced in his greatness, like Nebuchadnezzar, after him, as if they had been the attributes of his own strength.

Ways of Providence Ch 21.



26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Yahweh came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah.

In his diseased state is demonstrated that the sins of the people were laid upon Hezekiah for their national benefit. The experience of Hezekiah saved himself and the people (typical of the sacrifice of Yahshua).

His illness was a reflection of their sins, so that theirs were laid upon him. He suffered for his people, and when they learned the lesson they were warned to humble themselves. The sickness was laid on him to remove the sin of pride that was in his heart, even before expression was given to it.

GEM

www.logos.org.au



31 Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, Elohim left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.

The Babylonians get a full catalogue of all their possessions, and see Judah as a small country with much wealth. This incident sowed the seed for later conquest and plunder. Instead of being permanently impressed with the power and terror of God-the consideration that first caused them to send the ambassadors-they find a foolish little king wrapped up in his own glory and vainly displaying his treasures, and the glory and power of God-Hezekiah's real treasure-is forgotten.

The prophet Isaiah is sent to rebuke him, and tell him the consequences of his foolishness. And Hezekiah answers,

"Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken."

He recognized and accepted the justice of God's condemnation.

"Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah."

We here see the real and true Hezekiah emerging from the crucible of test.

"He said, moreover, for there shall be peace and truth in my days."

Not just peace, but peace and truth. He recognized their relationship. He determined, henceforth, as long as he lived, that the evil should be averted and peace prolonged by a rigid and well-pleasing conformity to God's way of truth. Here is true humility and repentance.

"So the wrath of God came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah."

Hezekiah, like Samson, finally triumphed over himself.

Bro Growcott - Strength and weakness