Faith in Crisis: Hezekiah's Resolute Response
"And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem," - 2 Chronicles 32:2
In the midst of uncertainty and impending danger, we find powerful lessons in the life of King Hezekiah as recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:2, which states, "And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem." This verse opens a window into a pivotal moment in Hezekiah’s reign, showcasing both the threats he faced and his response to them.
Hezekiah was a king who, unlike many of his predecessors, chose to follow the ways of the Lord. He initiated significant reforms in Judah, dismantling idolatrous high places, restoring temple worship, and turning the people's hearts back to God. However, upon hearing that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, was determined to attack Jerusalem, Hezekiah was faced with a situation that was far beyond his control. The very existence of Jerusalem, the holy city and center of worship, was at stake.
This historical account resonates deeply with our own lives. Just as Hezekiah faced the formidable threat of Sennacherib, we often encounter crises—be they health issues, financial troubles, or relational conflicts—that seem insurmountable. In these times, our immediate response is crucial.
Hezekiah’s first reaction was not one of despair, but of action. In verses that follow this pivotal moment, we see him gathering the leaders of the city and urging them to prepare for the siege. He fortified the city, repairing broken walls and reinforcing defenses. Most importantly, he engaged in prayer and sought counsel from God (2 Chronicles 32:20). In our moments of crisis, we must also seek a proactive stance. Yes, we can acknowledge and grieve over our circumstances, but we are called to respond with faith and action.
Consider the two foci of Hezekiah’s response: preparation and prayer. Preparation reflects our diligence and willingness to face challenges head-on, but it is rooted in the awareness that our strength comes from God. When faced with health threats, we consult doctors and follow medical advice, yet we also lift our prayers to the Healer. In financial dilemmas, we create budgets and seek advice, yet we also present our needs before God, trusting in His provision.
Prayer, as modeled by Hezekiah, underscores our reliance on God amid fear and anxiety. The king understood that no matter how fortified the city was, victory would ultimately come from the Lord. This is poignantly illustrated in his prayer found in 2 Kings 19:15-19, which underscores God’s sovereignty and power over all nations, including Sennacherib's daunting army.
Moreover, Hezekiah's act of seeking God in prayer is an invitation for us to find solace and strength amid turmoil. In Philippians 4:6-7, we are reminded to be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, to make our requests known unto God. The promise that follows is profound: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace is what Hezekiah sought, and we too can find it when we turn to God in prayer during our darkest moments.
Finally, we observe that Hezekiah did not face Sennacherib’s threats alone. He encouraged the people of Jerusalem to place their trust in the Lord, saying in 32:7, "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed… for there be more with us than with him." This reminds us of the profound truth that we are part of a community of believers, and in times of crisis, we are called to lean on one another and share the burden of our challenges.
In conclusion, as we reflect on 2 Chronicles 32:2, let us take to heart the example of King Hezekiah. May we commit ourselves to seeking God through both preparation and prayer, holding fast to the hope that our God is greater than any challenge we face. Let us remind ourselves of the spiritual backing we have and encourage one another to stand firm in faith. In times of uncertainty, let us rise, like Hezekiah, to proclaim God’s sovereignty and provision.
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2 Chronicles 32:2 - "And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,"
"And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem," - 2 Chronicles 32:2
2 Chronicles 32:32 - "Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."
1 Chronicles 2:32 - "And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children."
2 Chronicles 32:16 - "And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah."
2 Chronicles 32:28 - "Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks."
2 Chronicles 20:32 - "And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 32:10 - "Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?"
2 Chronicles 32:19 - "And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man."
2 Chronicles 18:32 - "For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him."
2 Chronicles 32:7 - "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:"
2 Chronicles 34:32 - "And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers."
2 Chronicles 32:29 - "Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much."
2 Chronicles 32:24 - "¶ In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign."
2 Chronicles 32:6 - "And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying,"
2 Chronicles 32:18 - "Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city."
2 Chronicles 32:3 - "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."
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 Chronicles 32:23 - "And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth."
2 Chronicles 29:32 - "And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD."
2 Chronicles 32:25 - "But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 32:22 - "Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side."
2 Chronicles 32:30 - "This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works."
2 Chronicles 32:27 - "¶ And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;"
2 Chronicles 32:8 - "With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."
2 Chronicles 32:11 - "Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?"
2 Chronicles 32:12 - "Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?"
2 Chronicles 32:5 - "Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance."
2 Chronicles 32:4 - "So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?"