Scripture Text: Isaiah 36:1-39:8
Memory Verse: “For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.” —Isaiah 37:32
Introduction:
Next to David and Solomon, Hezekiah receives the most focus of all the kings of Judah. Eleven chapters are devoted to him (2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32; and Isaiah 36-39). It is said of him: “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him” (2 Kings 18:5).
Hezekiah started reigning over Judah in 715 B.C. He restored the temple and once again initiated the services of worship. He destroyed the idols and shrines where false worship took place, seeking to bring the people back to their faith in God. The king led the people in a nationwide two-week celebration of Passover, inviting Israelites from the Northern Kingdom to participate. “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21).
When the Northern Kingdom fell in 722 B.C., Judah entered into a constant struggle with Assyria. Hezekiah eventually rebelled against Assyria (2 Kings 18:7), but when Sennacherib threatened to attack, Hezekiah tried to bribe him with tribute (2 Kings 18:13-16). Sennacherib accepted the treasures but broke the treaty (Isaiah 33:1), invading Judah in 701 B.C. God’s miraculous deliverance is given in Isaiah 36-37.
Hezekiah faced three crises in a short time: (1) the Assyrian invasion crisis, (2) a personal crisis of sickness near to death, and (3) a national crisis (a visit of Babylonian envoys). The first two of these the king handled well, but the third was a terrible failure. How successfully do we handle our own tests?
Studying the Word
- In what ways does the Assyrian Field Commander, Rabshekah, show his own ignorance about the God of Israel? (Isaiah 36:7, 10, 15, 18-20)
- What does Hezekiah do in response to the report of the Field Commander’s speech? (Isaiah 36:1-7)
- Discuss the significance of Hezekiah’s prayer to the Lord in response to Sennacherib’s letter. (Isaiah 37:14-20) Compare his prayer to the desperate prayer of the early church. (Acts 4:24-31)
- In light of Sennacherib’s fate after his dire boasting, what are the dangers of haughty conceit? (Proverbs 3:7-8; 26:12; Ecclesiastes 7:16; 2 Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 36:16-26)
- What was the miraculous sign God would give that Hezekiah’s life would be extended an additional 15 years? (Isaiah 38:8; 2 Kings 20:8-11)
- Read Isaiah 38:9-20. Describe Hezekiah’s new appreciation of life, of prayer, and of his opportunities for service.
- What does Isaiah tell Hezekiah will come of his extremely unwise decision to show the Babylonian envoys all the treasures of his kingdom? (Isaiah 39:4-7; 2 Chronicles 32:31)