Bible Pathways - Aug. 7, 2006

In Today's Reading:

Righteous King foretold; judgment upon nations pronounced; Jerusalem threatened; Hezekiah's prayer; destruction of the Assyrians

In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah . . . Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them (Isaiah 36:1). Even the walled cities were no match for the might of Sennacherib's army. In one military campaign he quickly defeated 46 of the towns and villages of the small southern kingdom. He carried away into captivity about 200,000 of its inhabitants, but was not able to conquer Jerusalem. At that time, all of western Asia was under Assyria's control, including the once-powerful Babylonia, Media, Armenia, Syria, Phoenicia, Philistia, Edom, and most of the promised land.

Eventually, the king of Assyria demanded unconditional surrender. Feeling secure in the might of his army, Sennacherib sent word to the people of Jerusalem: Let not Hezekiah deceive you: for he shall not be able to deliver you. Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us (36:14-16). Upon hearing this demand, King Hezekiah immediately did what we all should do when we receive bad news. Hezekiah went up unto the House of the LORD. . . . And Hezekiah prayed . . . O LORD of hosts, God of Israel . . . Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. . . . hear all the words of Sennacherib, which (he) hath sent to reproach the living God. . . . save us . . . that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD, even Thou only (37:14-17,20).

Isaiah sent a word to Hezekiah, saying: Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas (Because) thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria. . . . I will defend this city to save it for Mine own sake, and for My servant David's sake (37:21,35). That night the Angel of the LORD went forth, and smote . . . the Assyrians (37:36), destroying 185,000 soldiers.

It is important that, like Hezekiah, we pray and trust the Lord for all of our needs. It is foolish to think we can stand against the wiles (schemes, trickery) of the Devil in our own might (Ephesians 6:11). God is waiting for us to place our trust in Him. The Lord is still urging us: Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty (unsearchable) things, which thou knowest not (Jeremiah 33:3; also Ephesians 3:20).

Christ Revealed:

As the One, who in judgment, wields the sword of the LORD (Isaiah 34:6). Out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations (Revelation 19:15).

Word Studies:

32:2 covert =b> shelter; tempest =b> storm; 32:5 liberal =b> noble; churl =b> deceitful; 32:7 instruments =b> schemes; 32:19 low in a low place =b> completely destroyed; 33:9 hewn down =b> destroyed.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Betty Bean's Birthday · Staff: Barbara Bivens · Government Official: Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC) · Country: French Guiana (168,000) on the northern coast of South America Major language: French Religious freedom 88% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).

Optional Reading: James 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 84:11