Royalty and Ruin

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Judah’s Leaders Pray With Contrition

The Jewish representatives returned to Hezekiah “with their clothes torn, and told him the words of the Rabshakeh.” Verse 22. The king “tore his clothes, covered him-self with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord.” 2 Kings 19:1. RR 128.7

Hezekiah dispatched a messenger to Isaiah: “This day is a day of trouble, and rebuke, and blasphemy. ... It may be the Lord your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” Verses 3, 4. RR 129.1

“Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven.” 2 Chronicles 32:20. RR 129.2

God answered His servants. Isaiah was given the message for Hezekiah: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and shall return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.’” 2 Kings 19:6, 7. RR 129.3