Today I read 2 Chronicles 32, in which God defeated Sennacherib, Hezekiah became sick, God healed him, and Hezekiah died later. Today I considered that God can fight and win our battles for us, and God can forgive us for prideful sin if we sincerely pray to Him.
God Defeats Sennacherib
The king did everything he knew to do including crying out to God and God took care of the enemy railing against God (2 Chronicles 32:1-23). After Hezekiah, king of Judah, had built up Judah and Jerusalem, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came to fight and take it for himself. Hezekiah talked to his counselors and mighty men about what to do. They stopped the water flow outside the city, raised the wall higher, made more darts and shields, set captains of war over the people, gathered them, and spoke comfortably to the people. Hezekiah told the people Sennacherib had only flesh people but Judah had God to fight their battles. Sennacherib had his people speaking against God, said God could not help them, wrote letters against God, and even had someone speak to Jerusalem in the Jews’ language against God. Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet prayed and cried to heaven. God sent an angel to cut off Assyria’s mighty men, leaders, and captains. Sennacherib retreated and was killed by his own children when he got home. We are to remember that we are to do everything we can do, while still praying to God for God to intercede, because God can win our battles.
Hezekiah’s Sickness and Death
The king’s pride almost destroyed him but God heeded his prayer (2 Chronicles 32:24-33). Hezekiah became deathly sick because of his pride. He had decided not to give as he should. Hezekiah humbled himself to God. God saved Hezekiah and did not have his wrath come upon Hezekiah or the people. Hezekiah gained more riches and honor, but did not do perfectly when dealing with the princes of Babylon. Hezekiah passed and was buried with the chief sons of David. We are to remember that even if we mess up we can sincerely pray to God to forgive us.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Do you have an example of God destroying your enemy without you even having to fight?