II Kings 19:8-37
Dear RTB’ers,
My Study Bible pointed out something interesting. We see Hezekiah praying to the Lord in verses 15 to 19; then in verse 20 he receives a note from Isaiah, a reply from the Lord, even though Scripture does not record any conversation between Hezekiah and Isaiah on this occasion. Note that earlier in verse 19:2 Hezekiah had sent word to Isaiah, presumably seeking his input (his advice, his prayers?) and had received his reply. Continuing today, we have to believe that the Lord hears our prayers and that He acts in myriad ways, answering every one of our prayers with a “yes” or a “no” or a “later”, but never with a “maybe”! I daresay, “maybe” is not in God’s vocabulary!
The Lord speaking: Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! (v. 22) I need to take this verse personally, because I am no less guilty than Sennacherib in my “ridicule”, my pride, my doing things my own way. There is only one God, one Holy One of Israel, and I have a personal relationship with Him! Why do I so often take it so lightly??!! Yet He watches over me as He watched over Hezekiah and Jerusalem: I will defend this city and save it, for My sake and for the sake of David My servant. (v. 34) I have only to believe and let Him do His work. Why is that so hard??!!
Blessings!
See also: June 24 (2023) / II Kings 19:8-37; Isaiah 37:8-38; II Kings 20:20-21.