06.10.2014 Old Testament: 2Ch 32.20–23

To read the Bible in a year, read Second Chronicles 32–33 on June 10, In the year of our Lord 2014

By Don Ruhl

The brutal and cruel Assyrians set their sights on Judah, and after taking all the cities, they headed for Jerusalem, but the Bible says,

Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven (2 Chronicles 32.20). 

Hezekiah and Isaiah knew that the military power of the Assyrians far exceeded that of Judah. Therefore, the king and the prophet knew only one thing to do, cry out to heaven! Did heaven hear?

Then the Lord sent an angel who cut down every mighty man of valor, leader, and captain in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned shamefaced to his own land. And when he had gone into the temple of his god, some of his own offspring struck him down with the sword there. 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 others, and guided them on every side. And many brought gifts to the Lord at Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah, so that he was exalted in the sight of all nations thereafter (2 Chronicles 32.21–23). 

If the king and the prophet had not cried out to the Lord, the Assyrians would have wiped out Judah and Jerusalem, just like they did other lands. However, God’s people cried out to Him, and He knew their dangerous situation, and would not keep silent, but went to work, sending an angel to cut down the awesome army of the Assyrians.

What do you think you should do the next time you are overwhelmed?