II Kings 19:8-37; Isaiah 37:8-38; II Kings 20:20-21
Unlike his father, Ahaz, Hezekiah listens to the right voice. He listens to what the LORD says through Isaiah. In faith, he recognizes that all those so-called gods of the other nations that Assyria has defeated are no gods at all. And so Hezekiah prays:
Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. So now, O LORD our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You, O LORD, are God alone.
II Kings 19:17-19 (cf. Isaiah 37:18-20)
Note that Hezekiah does not pray just for his own safety and that of Jerusalem. He prays that God would be honored, that all would know that the LORD alone is God. That is what is really on the line here.
The LORD answers accordingly: I will defend this city to save it, for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David. (II Kings 19:34; Isaiah 37:35)
In our own prayers, what do we seek? Are we just looking out for our own interests, our own health and prosperity, or perhaps for that of our loved ones? Or are we seeking God’s glory? Just something to think about…