2 Chronicles 32:9

“After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,”

Verse: “After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,” (2 Chronicles 32:9, KJV)

Historical Background: 2 Chronicles 32:9 takes place during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. At this time, the Assyrian Empire, led by King Sennacherib, was expanding its conquests and had already taken several cities, including Lachish. Sennacherib set his sights on Jerusalem and sent messengers to intimidate and threaten Hezekiah and the people of Judah.

Sennacherib’s Siege: Sennacherib’s servants were sent to Jerusalem to deliver a message of intimidation to Hezekiah and the people of Judah. However, it is important to note that Sennacherib himself did not come personally to Jerusalem at this time; he was engaged in laying siege to Lachish. The intention of the message was to discourage the people of Judah and create fear in their hearts, ultimately leading to their surrender.

Hezekiah’s Response: Hezekiah faced a great challenge as the powerful Assyrian army surrounded Lachish and sent their representatives to Jerusalem. However, we see in the following verses (2 Chronicles 32:10-20) that Hezekiah did not lose heart. He sought the Lord, encouraged his people, and fortified the city’s defenses.

Trusting in God: In the face of a formidable enemy, Hezekiah exemplified trust in God. He did not rely on his own strength or military prowess but turned to the Lord for help. Hezekiah’s faith in God’s deliverance is further emphasized in 2 Chronicles 32:21 when the Lord miraculously defeated the Assyrians, saving Jerusalem from destruction.

Lessons for us:

• Trusting in God: Hezekiah’s example reminds us of the importance of trusting in God during times of adversity. When faced with challenges and threats, we can find strength and courage by relying on God’s faithfulness and promises.
• Seeking God’s guidance: Hezekiah sought God’s guidance and wisdom when faced with a crisis. As believers, we should follow his example and seek God’s direction in our lives, especially when confronted with difficult situations.
• Standing firm: Hezekiah did not allow fear to overcome him or his people. Instead, he fortified the city’s defenses and encouraged the people to remain steadfast. Similarly, we should stand firm in our faith, relying on God’s strength, and not succumb to fear or intimidation.
• God’s deliverance: The story of Hezekiah and the Assyrian invasion serves as a reminder that God is our ultimate deliverer. Just as He intervened miraculously on behalf of Jerusalem, we can trust that God will come to our aid and provide a way out in our times of trouble.

Overall, 2 Chronicles 32:9 highlights the faith and trust of Hezekiah amidst a great threat. It encourages us to turn to God, seek His guidance, stand firm in our faith, and trust in His deliverance.