CONTENTS This chapter relates the effect Rab-shakeh's blasphemy had upon the mind of Hezekiah, when it was reported to him. He sends to desire an interest in the prayers of the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah's answer. Sennacherib sends a renewed message of insolence to Hezekiah. The king goes up into the h... [ Continue Reading ]
Nothing can be more interesting than this view of Hezekiah and his court. He sends his servants to seek an interest in the prayers of the prophet. But he goes himself to the Lord. Ministers, faithful ministers may be helpful with their prayers, and those of the church; but the poor soul hastens away... [ Continue Reading ]
Observe how gracious the Lord is. No sooner do his people call, but the Lord answers! And the Lord not only promises deliverance to his servant, but destruction to his enemy. Oh! for grace to see and believe this sure event, as it concerns salvation by Jesus! His church shall not only be blessed wit... [ Continue Reading ]
The Lord was pleased to cause a little pause in the proud attempts of Sennacherib and his general, by diverting his attention elsewhere, both for the more complete destruction of this idolatrous prince, and for the better exercise of his servant's faith. Very gracious are the Lord's dealings with hi... [ Continue Reading ]
The same blasphemy is made use of by the master, as by the servant. It only riseth a little higher. He charges God with deceiving Hezekiah and bids him beware of it. Whereas Rab-shakeh only begged Hezekiah not to deceive himself. Reader! to what a desperate state of horrible impiety is the mind of m... [ Continue Reading ]
See, Reader, see how sweet and precious the blessed effects of grace! And, Lord, so do thou cause me to do by all the letters, and threats, and messages, and temptations of the devil, and all his party. Give me grace and wisdom to copy Hezekiah; to spread the whole before thee. Never to send answers... [ Continue Reading ]
What a multitude of most rich and precious things appear in these verses. Observe, Reader! how long an answer the Lord returns to a short prayer. God is not only more ready to hear than we to pray; but will infinitely out-go all our desires, and our expectations. The Lord, in this answer, graciously... [ Continue Reading ]
We have here not only the fulfillment of God's promises in the salvation of his people; but the pouring out of his anger in the destruction of his enemies. Sennacherib himself, though saved, was only saved to have a more painful destruction. His own children shall be his executioners; and he shall d... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS READER! in the opening of this chapter we take part with Hezekiah in his affliction, and feel the commiseration of the believer in the view of his sorrows, and desolate circumstances. Behold him in the close of it, and how doth the faithful soul rejoice in the Lord's deliverance of him... [ Continue Reading ]