Scripture reading for April 15th: 2nd Kings 18-21

In today’s reading, the ten tribes of Israel were taken into captivity by the Assyrian army.  Scripture records that this happened because they had not obeyed the Lord and had violated the covenant made by Moses.  (2nd Kings 18:10-12)  This is a familiar reason for defeat or captivity and God’s people were well-warned in the word of God what would happen if they failed to obey! (Deuteronomy 28:15-68)  Knowing and doing what God says is something that has eluded mankind since the Garden of Eden.

After the fall of Samaria, Hezekiah, king of Judah, was attacked.  Sennacherib, king of Assyria had captured all the fortified cities of Judah and had surrounded Jerusalem, demanding tribute.  Hezekiah gave him the gold and silver from the Lord’s temple, but he wanted a complete surrender.  He taunted the leaders and people of Jerusalem telling them not to trust in the Lord or Hezekiah.  He promised them life if they surrendered and threatened death if they failed to heed.  (2nd Kings 18:26-35)  His vast army had easily taken Israel and now most of Judah.  Things on the battlefield looked grim for those in Jerusalem!  King Hezekiah had told the people to remain silent and no one spoke a word.

In response to this bad situation, Hezekiah’s officials went to the king in mourning with torn clothes and sackcloth.  The king also tore his clothes and went to the temple to inquire of the Lord.  He sent word to Isaiah the prophet for prayer.  They desperately needed a word from the Lord.  The Lord spoke through Isaiah that day, “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard–those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.  Listen! I am going to put such a spirit in him that when he hears a certain report, he will return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.”  (2nd Kings 19:6-7)

That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp and the army withdrew from Jerusalem as the Lord had said!  Prayer had truly changed the battlefield!  The battle wasn’t just with men and chariots but against wicked spiritual forces.  When we appeal to the Lord, He alone has resources to bring victory!  He alone receives the glory!