May 26, 2024

Hezekiah became king of Judah, and he trusted in the Lord. He was a good king. He destroyed all the high places, temples, idols, groves, and altars to prevent the people from worshipping other gods and bring them back to the temple in Jerusalem for the worship of God. The people were even burning incense to the brass serpent on a pole Moses had made in the desert; Hezekiah destroyed it because it was not a god to be worshipped. 

For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. 2 Kings 18:6

He also rebelled against the king of Assyria and didn’t serve him. Six years after Hezekiah became king, Israel was taken into captivity by Assyria. Nine years later, they came after Judah and overthrew several of Judah’s cities. Hezekiah wanted the king of Assyria to stop his invasion, so he asked him what it would take for him to leave them alone; he wanted 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold. He emptied the coffers of the temple and his house, but Assyria’s king reneged and sent some of his representatives to offer them nice land in Assyria as they have in Judah.

Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. 2 Kings 18:32

Simply put, you will own nothing and be happy! Hezekiah had told his men not to answer him back; they did what they were told. The story continues into 2 Kings 19. Hezekiah didn’t give into the promises of evil but relied on the promises of God. When you trust in God, it ruffles the feathers of the devil, and he comes after you hard! Stand your ground in the strength of the Lord, and he will help you.