Royalty and Ruin

The Taunts of the Enemy

The Assyrian representatives communicated at once with their king who was with his army guarding the approach from Egypt. Sennacherib wrote “letters to revile the Lord God of Israel, and to speak against Him, saying, ‘As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah shall not deliver His people from my hand.’” 2 Chronicles 32:17. RR 129.4

The boastful threat brought with it the message: “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, ‘Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’” 2 Kings 19:10. RR 129.5

When the king of Judah received the taunting letter, he took it into the temple and “spread it before the Lord” and prayed with strong faith for help from heaven, that the nations of earth might know that the God of the Hebrews still lived and reigned. Verse 14. The honor of Jehovah was at stake; He alone could bring deliverance. RR 129.6

“O Lord God of Israel,” Hezekiah pleaded, “hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods. ... Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the nations of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.” Verses 15-19. RR 129.7

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, ...
And come and save us!
Restore us, O God;
Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved! Psalm 80:1-3 RR 129.8