Read Isaiah 32
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Be wary of nations which can't be trusted for they shall be destroyed. Hear the threats of God against nations (33:1,7-9; 34:1-17). The Lord promises victory (33:5-6,21-22; 34:8; 35:4,10; 37:5-7,22-38); just do as Hezekiah did (37:14-20).
Eight years passed after Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, invaded and destroyed the Northern Kingdom. Then, in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah . . . Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them (36:1; II Kin. 18:9-10). At that time all of western Asia was under Assyria's control, including Babylonia, Media, Syria, Phoenicia, Philistia, Edom, and most of the promised land.
The king of Assyria defeated 46 of the towns and villages of Judah in one campaign and captured about 200,000 individuals. The king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto King Hezekiah with a great army (Is. 36:2) to deliver terms for Hezekiah's unconditional surrender.
Hezekiah sent Eliakim the high priest, Shebna the scribe, and Joah the recorder to hear the Rabshakeh's demands (36:3). The Rabshakeh first ridiculed the men for their faith in the Lord God of Hezekiah (36:7,15,18).
Thus far, Assyria had not lost a battle. When Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah delivered the Assyrian ultimatum to Hezekiah, he immediately went up unto the House of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed . . . saying . . . Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. . . . and hear all the words of Sennacherib . . . to reproach the living God. . . . O Lord our God, save us . . . that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the Lord, even Thou only (37:14-20).
Isaiah then sent word to Hezekiah of the Lord's answer: Whereas thou hast prayed to Me. . . . I will defend this city to save it for Mine own sake (37:21-35). When Sennacherib arose the next morning, his entire army lay dead, and, when he returned to Nineveh his own sons murdered him (37:36-38).
Like Hezekiah, we too can truly receive the Lord's direction and protection; but we need to look to the Lord daily in prayer — recognizing our complete dependence on Him and having a desire to see His will accomplished through us.
Jesus promised us: If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7).
Thought for Today:
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry (Ps.34:15).
Christ Revealed:
As the One, who in judgment, wields the sword of the Lord (Is. 34:6). Out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations (Rev. 19:15).
Word Studies:
32:2 covert = shelter; tempest = storm; 32:5 liberal = noble; churl = deceitful; 32:7 instruments = schemes; 32:19 low in a low place = completely destroyed; 33:9 hewn down = destroyed.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcast in honor of Betty Beane • Staff: Tammy Davis • Government Official: Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC) • Country: Yemen (17 million) in southwestern Arabia • Major language: Arabic • Attempts to convert Muslims to Christ are fiercely opposed • 98% Muslim; .03% Christian (all secret believers) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for help when you have a need (II Chr. 14:11).
Optional Reading: James 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 10:22