2 Kings 19:37

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 out of all. And is it not, dearest Jesus, in all the circumstances of thy people. Without thee, and beheld, only as they are in themselves, what poor, defenseless, oppressed, persecuted creatures are they, bent down under the hand of every foe. But when Jesus appears in their cause, oh! how precious is it to behold their strength in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

What an awful character is this impious monster, this Assyrian monarch! And yet what is he more than all the haters of God, and his people. Satan reigns in their hearts; they are scoffers, despisers, blasphemers, sworn foes to God and his Christ. And their name is legion, for they are many.

Blessed Jesus! how sweet is it to be taught of thee! How precious thy salvation! How great thy mercy in gathering sinners from the service of Satan to thy kingdom. Lord! grant that, like Hezekiah, trouble may lead my heart to thee; in all my afflictions to cast my burden upon the Lord, who hath promised, to sustain me. I would spread all before thee, O Lord, and wait in faith thy deliverance, for thou art my strength, and my song, and art become my salvation.