Daily Devotional

“In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them” (2 Kings 18:13). 

Did you know that Babylon, one of the most famous cities of the ancient world, was completely destroyed in 689 BC by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who even diverted canals to flow over the ruins? 

Hungry for conquest, Sennacherib was also a threat to Judah, and Hezekiah had some uncomfortable dealings with him. After Sennacherib captured the cities that Hezekiah had fortified, Hezekiah apologized and paid a large tribute to the oppressive Assyrian king. In response, the wicked Sennacherib sent messengers to Jerusalem to taunt Hezekiah and his people and to mock his God. 

When Hezekiah heard about their threats and blasphemy, “he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord” (2 Kings 19:1). 

While Hezekiah was concerned for his country, he was most upset over the blasphemy. Because of the past sins of his people, the name of the true God was no longer respected by the surrounding nations. With all his heart, he wanted that to change. But would God act on their behalf? He had to know, so he sent messengers to the prophet Isaiah to inform him of the situation to and ask him to pray. 

Through Isaiah, God told Hezekiah not to fear the Assyrian king, for he would soon meet his end. Not long after, Sennacherib—who was hated even by his own family—was murdered by his sons. 

It’s interesting to note that when he received Sennacherib’s threatening message and blasphemies, Hezekiah took it straight to God, laid it before Him, and asked: “Save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone” (2 Kings 19:19). 

Hezekiah used his influence to inspire respect for the one true God. Are we doing the same today? Do our characters and actions bring glory to God? 

Dear Lord, help me to live the kind of life that brings honour to Your name.