Introduction: 1. The final crisis for Hezekiah in the war with Sennacharib and the Assyrians came in the form of a letter from Sennacharib a. The letter was of similar character as it’s writer b. Sennacharib was evil and so was the letter, especially in its blasphemy of God 2. The letter was a real test of Hezekiah’s faith a. Isaiah had promised that God would give relief from Sennacharib b. This letter was anything but relief 3. God allows difficult circumstances to come into our lives so we can learn to trust His Word in spite of circumstances
I. Cause of the Letter – vs 8-9 8 So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. 9 And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying, 1. The cause of the letter was the worsening military situation of Sennacharib’s army a) Sennacharib had been battling the cities of Judah successfully – conquering 46 cities b) Lachish and Libnah were putting up a pretty good fight 2. This slowed down the planned attack on Jerusalem 3. Then Sen heard that Tirhakah, king of Ethiopic came out to fight a) Although this was just a rumor, it was very troubling to Sen b) Tirhakah had a strong army and Sennacharib knew that he would have to put off attacking Jerusalem c) Sennacharib would have to leave Judah to meet Tirhakah closer to Egypt d) If he fought Tirhakah in Judah, the Jews might side with Tirhakah to try to defeat Sennacharib 4. He could not fight with warriors, then he would fight with words a) He sent this letter to Hezekiah b) He did not want Hezekiah to get his hopes up when he saw the Assyrian army departing c) Perhaps Sennacharib could intimidate Hezekiah into surrendering without a battle 5. Sennacharib’s inability to attack Jerusalem here shows that God was already putting the brakes on Sennacharib 6. It is a foolish thing to oppose God, for God can quickly and easily disable the mightiest of the mighty 7. Here is was just a rumor that stopped Sennacharib
II. Contents of the Letter – vs 10-13 o Sennacharib’s letter had two main parts – attack on God and achievements of Sennacharib o Evil is ever trying to shake our trust in God and His Word A. The Attack on God – vs 10 o Sennacharib attacked God at the very beginning of this letter o He attacked the person of God and the promise of God o In the garden of Eden, Satan also attacked the person of God and the Word of God 1. Person of God Attacked a) “Don’t let your God deceive you” b) This attack by Sennacharib says that God is deceptive and dishonest c) How wrong was this accusation about God d) He was not like the heathen gods e) God had promised deliverance from the Assyrian and He will keep that promise f) Many today say things about Christ (1) He is a mere mortal man, (2) They charge him with immorality (3) They call him a homosexual (4) Those who blaspheme God will come face to face with him just as Sennacharib did 2. Promise of God Attacked – vs 10 a) Sennacharib attacked the credibility of God’s promise to deliver Jerusalem b) Discrediting God’s character also discredits what He says c) Those who attack the person of God will also attack the precepts and promises of God d) Liberal, apostate ministers who make blasphemous statements about Christ also spend much time criticizing the Bible e) Gods’ servants are often attacked this way too (1) If the character of the preacher can be smeared before man, than this greatly diminishes the confidence people have in what he preaches (2) Satan vigorously tries to get preachers to defile their character
B. The Achievements of Sennacharib o Most of Sennacharib’s letter dealt with his achievements o This was done to further intimidate Hezekiah into surrendering o Jehovah’s achievements far surpassed anything that Sen had done 1. Destruction of Lands – vs 11 a) See the power of the destruction in the word “all” /“utterly” b) Assyria was a powerful country but it used it’s power to destroy c) Evil rulers like Hitler and Mussolini caused much destruction d) Sennacharib’s pride is seen – “behold, thou has heard” e) Sennacharib was proud that the news about him had spread f) Many folk today boast about their evil acts 2. Defeat of Gods 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; [as] Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which [were] in Thelasar? a) When Assyria conquered other countries, they often burned the idols of that land b) This was no great achievement since idols are not really God, but Sennacharib thought this was a great feat c) Sennacharib thought he would destroy Jerusalem just as he had other countries and their gods could not save them. d) Paganism, Islam, and infidelity each boasted that they would extinguish Christianity e) Voltaire said that it took 12 men to found Christianity but it would take one man to overthrow it 3. Death of Kings 13 Where [is] the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah? a) When Assyria conquered a nation, the king of that nation was usually slain b) Sen had conquered many nations and had killed many kings c) This was supposed to frighten Hezekiah into surrendering
III. Cry about the Letter – vs 14-19 o Sennacharib’s letter caused Hezekiah to cry out to God for help o This letter was a real test of his faith A. Sagacity in the Cry 14a And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD… 1. With great wisdom, Hezekiah took this letter to the Lord 2. It is very wise to seek God in time of trouble 3. Seeking God for help is seeking the best source of help 4. Who could help Hezekiah more than God? 5. Ps 46:1 God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 6. When great trouble comes is when God especially shines
B. Sanctuary in the Cry 14a And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD… o Hezekiah going to the temple gives us some lessons 1. The Worship in Seeking God a) The temple in Jerusalem was the place of worship for the Jews b) Going to the temple meant that Hezekiah was seeking God in the place of worship c) Hezekiah did not forsake worship in the time of his troubles d) Staying away from church in times of trouble only adds to the troubles 2. The Work in Seeking God a) Hezekiah had to put forth some effort in seeking God in this time of trouble b) Hezekiah had to leave the palace to go to the Temple c) Seeking God requires some work – it is not for lazy people d) God does not reward laziness 3. The Witness in Seeking God a) Hezekiah seeking God in this trouble gave witness of the place and power of God in his life b) Hezekiah lived his faith c) In time of revival he led the people by example, now in time of trouble he leads by example again d) Hezekiah encourages his people to live for God and have faith in him e) People are watching you in time of trouble to see how you will handle it f) If we do not seek God in time of trouble, our witness is in big trouble
C. Spreading in the Cry 14b …and spread it before the LORD. 1. Some argue that God knows all and that it is foolish to go to the Temple and then spread the letter out before God 2. We are told to bring our problems and cares to God 3. Ps 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. 4. This command is given by God even though He knows all our troubles
D. Saluting in the Cry 15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou art the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. o Note here how Hezekiah honored God by the way he addressed Him in this problem 1. God of Israel 15a And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel… a) Hezekiah acknowledges God as the God of Israel b) Other nations had their god in which they trusted c) Hezekiah unashamedly confesses that Jehovah God was the God of Israel d) O that our leaders would bow down before Almighty God and accept Him as the God of our nation 2. God of Mercy 15b …which dwellest [between] the cherubims… a) God had promised to meet with His people from between the cherubims which were attached to the mercy seat on top of the ark of the covenant b) Ex 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. c) When God communes with man it is by His mercy d) This mercy is associated with the shedding of blood of the sacrificial lamb e) Hezekiah was seeking God on the basis of his mercy 3. God of Dominion 15c …thou art the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth… a) Sphere of God’s dominion – “God of all the kingdoms of the earth” b) The rule of Jehovah God is not limited to one nation / locality c) If men refuse to acknowledge God’s rule over them, it does not demote God from the place of rule d) Note the singularity of God’s dominion – “Thou alone” e) God and God alone rules the world 4. God of Creation 15d …thou hast made heaven and earth. a) Hezekiah recognizes that God is Creator of heaven and earth b) Many today do not recognize this c) Many will do all that they can to get rid of God thinking that they will not have to face Him someday
E. Supplicating in the Cry 1. Antecedent to the Supplication a) Hezekiah gave honor to God before he sought help from God b) Too many are interested are more interested in getting help from God than in giving honor to God 2. Appeal in the Supplication – vs 16 a) Hezekiah needed the attention of God (1) “Bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord thine eyes, and see” (2) Hezekiah is asking for close and careful attention from God (3) Here is earnest praying b) Hezekiah showed adoration for God (1) “… reproach of the living God” (2) Hezekiah is concerned about the fact that God had been reproached by Sennacharib in his letter (3) Sen had equated Jehovah God with heathen gods – which are dead gods (4) Hezekiah’s concern for the honor of God has much to do with God’s concern for the help of Hezekiah 3. Acknowledgement in the Supplication o Hezekiah acknowledged the discouraging facts + encouraging facts a) Discouraging facts 17 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, 18 And have cast their gods into the fire… (1) Hezekiah did not deny his problems or minimize them, he faced them courageously (2) Sticking your head in the sand about your problems will hurt your ability to pray (3) Hezekiah admitted the power of Sennacharib b) He acknowledged the encouraging facts 18b …for they [were] no gods but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. (1) Hezekiah acknowledged that discouraging fact that Sennacharib had destroyed other lands easily (2) He also acknowledged the encouraging fact that the gods Sennacharib boasted of destroying were actually no gods (3) Considering only the discouraging facts will bring defeat (4) Christianity does not need to hide from the facts 4. Asking in the Supplication 19a Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand… a) This was simple, yet wise, to request help from God b) This is like the cry that a lost soul makes to the Lord c) Hezekiah was in trouble and only God could help d) He was helpless and hopeless apart from God 5. Aim of the Supplication 19b … that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD God, [even] thou only. a) The aim of Hezekiah’s plea for help was the glory of God b) God would be glorified in delivering Judah c) The glory of God was a consuming interest of Hezekiah’s heart d) No wonder that Hezekiah was such a great king and prayed so effectively e) Generally the main aim behind our prayers is our own well-being not God’s glory
IV. Counsel About the Letter – vs 20-34 o God responded to Hezekiah’s cry by giving him some counsel about the letter o God sent the counsel to Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah o God condemned Sennacharib and promised protection for Judah o This was a very encouraging message for Hezekiah, but God’s Word is always encouraging to those who are earnest in seeking Him and living for Him as was Hezekiah A. Pity from God – vs 20 1. God’s great compassion is seen in that He heard the prayer of Hezekiah 2. God did more than just hear the words of Hezekiah, He would answer and take action 3. Hezekiah would not have been that encouraged if God had only heard the words
B. The Put-Down of Sennacharib - vs 21 o God shows scorn for Sennacharib here 1. Speed of the Scorn a) Sennacharib had shown scorn for God in his letter to Hezekiah b) God scorns Sennacharib early in this letter c) God wasted no time in getting down to business with the scorning of Sennacharib 2. Symbolism in the Scorn a) Cities were sometimes referred to as daughters b) Unconquered cities were virgins c) The symbol of a virgin scorning Sennacharib greatly belittled Sennacharib d) Hezekiah may be weak in military might, but God’s promises are not weak e) We all need this encouragement (1) We do not have to submit to evil (2) We do not have to yield to temptation (3) We do not have to go along with the crowd and live like they do
C. The Profaneness of Sennacharib – vs 22-23 1. God first indicts Sennacharib for his profaneness 2. Sennacharib had dishonored God 3. The greatest harm of sin is the dishonor it brings to God 4. It is no wonder that he was such a cruel tyrant to man
D. The Pride of Sennacharib – 23b-24 1. Sennacharib is filled with pride 2. He thinks that his armies are unstoppable 3. He believes that mountain heights will not stop his chariots 4. Forests will not stop the progress of his armies 5. In his pride, Sennacharib believes that rivers will be tried up by his ingenuity 6. When men treat God poorly and disrespect Him, they become filled with pride 7. This reminds us of Nebuchadnezzar who would come along some time after Sennacharib a) Consumed by his pride and success, he stepped out onto his balcony and said… Dan 4:30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? b) While the words were in his mouth Da 4:31 While the word [was] in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, [saying], O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 8. This is a warning to mankind about being puffed up with pride a) Exalt yourself and God will see to it that you are demoted b) Nebuchadnezzar was brought low and we will see Sennacharib brought low by God c) Pride always brings man low
E. The Perspective of Power – vs 25-26 1. God made possible all the conquering of Sennacharib 2. God made the nations weak and faint so that Sennacharib could conquer them with ease 3. God raises up nations in power to punish evil nations 4. Powerful nations are only powerful because God permitted them to be so to accomplish His purpose 5. This puts things in proper perspective and honors God
F. The Perception of God 27 But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. o God’s knowledge of Sennacharib and of all men is emphasized here 1. God Knew the Whereabouts of Sennacharib a) “I know thy abode…” b) God knew where Sennacharib was at all times c) No one can hide from God d) He knows your mailing address and he knows your forwarding address if you move e) We are never out of His sight f) This is upsetting to sinners, it is encouraging to God’s people 2. God Knew the Way of Sennacharib a) “…thy going out and thy coming in…” b) This covers all the activity of man c) Ps 139:3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted [with] all my ways. d) God claims absolute knowledge of all that Sen does or thinks e) Human pride should stand abashed at such absolute knowledg 3. God Knew the Wickedness of Sennacharib a) “thy rage against me” b) God’s knowledge of Sennacharib’s wickedness is specified c) Sen’s sin of blasphemy against God was well-known to God d) Those who vehemently refuse to submit to His will and vent this in strong profane words, conduct and creed
G. The Pulling of Sennacharib 28 Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. 1. Sennacharib’s raging pride against God is going to come to an embarrassing end 2. Because of the wicked pride of Sennacharib, God will put a hook in his nose and drag him all the way back to Assyria 3. Often when the Assyrians conquered a nation, that king would have a hook placed in the cartilage of his nose and he would be led before the conquering king 4. God would use circumstances to pull Sennacharib back to Assyria 5. Sennacharib would learn what man others have learned, you cannot scorn and dishonor God without being utterly humiliated sooner or later
H. The Provisions for Judah 29 And this [shall be] a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such things as grow of themselves, and in the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof. o God’s counsel shifts at this point o Now God tells Hezekiah some things about the future of Judah o God first mentions the provisions for Judah 1. The Sign in the Provisions 29a And this [shall be] a sign unto thee… a) Adequate provision of food would be a sign to Hezekiah of the lasting peace that was coming to Judah from the war with Assyria b) The peace would be more than just a temporary lull in the fighting, it would be a firm and lasting peace c) One would not be able to glean in the fields and plant in the 3rd year if Assyrian soldiers were around 2. The Superiority of the Provisions 29b …and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof. a) God promised that His people would be planting and eating fruit from vineyards in 3 yrs. b) Rabshakeh’s promise had looked inviting, it would end the war immediately, but the Jews would end up in Assyria tending the vineyards of their captors (2Ki 18:32) c) God promised something far better than serving cruel Assyrian taskmasters d) No one will be disappointed who stays with God e) Sin always looks attractive, but it is always deceitful attractiveness I. The People of Judah o God’s counsel for Hezekiah regarding Sennacharib’s letter had some important things to say about the people of Judah 1. The Promise of a Remnant of the People 30 And the remnant that is escaped … a) God promised that Judah would not be completely destroyed – a remnant would survive b) That a remnant will escape tells us about the might of God – considering the power of the Assyrian army c) Without the might of God, no one would escape d) Judah was in bad shape when this promise was made e) God delights to keep promises when things look bleak 2. The Permanency of the Residing of the People – vs 30b 30b …the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward … a) This promise about the people of Judah has a sound of longevity and permanency about it b) Rooting downward means that the people will take a strong foothold in the land again c) They will be firmly established and no more will be carried away captive d) They will abide in Jerusalem e) Sin’s pleasures are only for a short season, but God’s blessings last 3. The Principle in the Rooting of the People – vs 30c 30b …of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. a) Here is a principle that we all need b) If we want to produce fruit upward, then we need to grow downward and root c) We need to be rooted in the Word of God if we want fruit in our lives d) Rooting downward is the unseen work – producing the fruit is the seen work 4. The Passion of the Redeemer for the People – vs 31 31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD [of hosts] shall do this. a) Zeal can do a lot of things that a lack of zeal will never attempt b) The “zeal of the Lord” here gives us great encouragement that this prophecy will come to pass c) If the zeal of man can accomplish great things, just think what the zeal of God can accomplish J. The Protection of Jerusalem o God concludes this counsel for Hezekiah by speaking of the protection that Jerusalem will have from Sennacharib and his armies 1. The Range of the Protection – vs 32 32 Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, he shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. a) Each phase of an attack is covered in this verse b) The 1st stage of an attack involves the barrage of arrows shot from a distance into the city c) The 2nd stage involves soldiers with large shields for protection moving near the walls so they can undermine the walls or do other damage at close range d) The 3rd stage involves building mounds near the walls in order to scale the walls e) God will not allow any of these stages to be successful 2. The Reassurance of the Protection – vs 32 32b … He shall not come into this city… 33b … and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. a) God says emphatically that Sennacharib will not come into the city b) God does not have to say something 2x to make it true c) It is repeated here to encourage our faith 3. The Reason for the Protection – vs 34 34 For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. a) God would protect Jerusalem for His sake – this is His city so His honor is at stake b) God will protect the city for David’s sake c) God had made a covenant with David and God would not break His covenant
V. Consequences for the Letter – vs 35-37 o Now God gives to Hezekiah specifics of the judgment against Sennacharib and his army A. Destruction of the Army 1. The Swiftness of the Judgment 35 And it came to pass that night… a) The judgment came “That night” b) Within hours of Isaiah’s delivery of God’s message to Hezekiah, God’s judgment fell on the Assyrian army c) God’s judgment can be swift at times d) Those who delay their repentance need to take note of the swiftness of Divine judgment 2. The Severity of the Judgment 35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses. a) This judgment was so severe that it ruined Sennacharib’s army b) Killing of 185,000 is more than double the number killed the instant the first atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima c) Some were left and they arose in the morning to see the devastation, but “they” were not many d) Sennacharib could no longer consider attacking Jerusalem or anyone else, all he could do was head home to Nineveh e) God can quickly render man helpless f) Woe to those who reject God as did Sennacharib 3. The Supernaturalness of the Judgment 35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses. a) God could have used human means to wipe out the Assyrian army, but he used supernatural means b) He sent out one angel to destroy this army c) Those who deny miracles in the Bible have various explanations here (1) They say that there was some plague or pestilence (2) Others believe that a terrible storm occurred over night (3) Some believe that it was a surprise attack by Tirhakah d) These explanations are not satisfactory for we learn that these deaths were not discovered till morning (1) These deaths happened quietly in the night (2) A storm or an attack would have awakened the others e) The only explanation was that this was a supernatural event 4. The Site of the Judgment 35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses. a) We are not told exactly where the camp of the Assyrians was b) Probably Sennacharib was finished at Libnah and had already moved south to engage Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia c) Where ever the slaughter took place, it was devastating 5. The Silence About the Judgment a) It is not surprising that the Assyrian records are silent about this disastrous experience b) This would not look good for their nation so they did not record it in their history c) But God recorded the whole incident in the Bible for the whole world to know d) This is a warning to every sinner who thinks that he can hide his sins e) If God wishes to publicize it, your sin will be made known
B. Departure to Assyria 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. o The death of 185,000 soldiers left Sennacharib with no other option than to return to Nineveh, capital of Assyria 1. The Speed of the Departure a) “Departed, and went and returned” speak of haste b) The heaping up of these verbs showed the speed of the departure – he decamped, departed and returned c) With his army gone, Sennacharib was in great jeopardy and the sooner he got back to Nineveh the better d) He who was such a great threat to many nations is no longer a threat to anyone 2. The Shame of the Departure 2Ch 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. a) Sennacharib returned to Assyria and he was greatly shamed b) He had boasted of his victories, he had defied and blasphemed God c) Remember vs 28 28 Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. d) Pride put Sennacharib on the road of shame back to Nineveh e) Pride will put anyone on the road of shame
C. Death of the Antagonist 37 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. 1. Where a) “He was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god” b) Sennacharib was killed in a religious temple c) It is fitting that he who mocked Jehovah God should be killed in the temple of some idol d) Sennacharib’s main problem was that he worshipped the wrong god (1) This is the problem of many people in the world (2) Worship the wrong god and you put yourself at odds with the God of heaven (3) In spite of great evidence, 185k men killed, Sennacharib foolishly returned to the worship of his idol (4) He knew that Jehovah was superior to idols, but continued to worship his idol 2. When a) We don’t know how long it was before Sennacharib was killed b) Neither Scripture nor secular history tell us c) We are told that Sennacharib “dwelt” in Nineveh d) Sennacharib might have outlived Hezekiah e) The delay in his death, did not diminish the judgment in his death 3. Way 37 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. a) The way Sennacharib died was not honorable b) He was assassinated by his own sons c) He did not die as a hero in battle d) He did not die honorably in old age e) Pr 10:7 The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. f) Today the name of Hezekiah is blessed and the name of Sennacharib has rotted