2 Kings 19:5
So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.
2 Kings 19:5 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of the narrative in 2 Kings chapter 19, which recounts the invasion of Judah by the Assyrian king Sennacherib and the subsequent deliverance of Jerusalem by God.
King Hezekiah: Hezekiah was the king of Judah who reigned from 715 to 686 BC. He was known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore true worship in Judah.
Isaiah: Isaiah was a prophet who ministered during the reign of Hezekiah. He played a significant role in advising and encouraging the king during difficult times.
The Threat of Sennacherib: In 2 Kings 18, we read about Sennacherib’s invasion of Judah. Hezekiah had removed idolatrous practices and restored worship of the Lord, which angered the Assyrians. Sennacherib’s field commander came to Jerusalem and taunted the people, boasting about Assyria’s military might and mocking their trust in God. Hezekiah sought the Lord’s guidance and sent his servants to Isaiah for counsel and intercession.
Seeking the Counsel of Isaiah: Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat was to seek the counsel of the prophet Isaiah, who had a close relationship with God and served as a spiritual advisor to the king. Hezekiah’s servants acted as messengers, relaying the message of the Assyrian commander and seeking guidance and reassurance from Isaiah.
Meaning
The verse records the arrival of Hezekiah’s delegation at Isaiah’s door. This was not a casual visit but the fulfillment of the king’s deliberate act of humility. After receiving the Assyrian commander’s blasphemous message, Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD (2 Kings 19:1). He then sent Eliakim, Shebna, and the elders of the priests to Isaiah with a message of distress and a request for prayer (2 Kings 19:2-4). The servants’ coming to Isaiah in verse 5 is the completion of that sending; they arrive to deliver the king’s message and seek the prophet’s intercession. The parallel account in Isaiah 37:5 uses nearly identical wording, confirming the historical event.
Biblical connections
Hezekiah’s action demonstrates his recognition of Isaiah as a true prophet of God and his humility in seeking divine guidance through him. The immediate context shows that Isaiah’s response was to deliver a message from the LORD, assuring Hezekiah not to fear the blasphemous words of the Assyrian king (2 Kings 19:6). Thus, this verse is not merely a transition but a crucial step in the chain of events leading to God’s deliverance of Jerusalem.
Application
Trusting in God’s Word: Hezekiah’s decision to approach Isaiah demonstrated his trust in God’s chosen messenger. In times of trouble, it is essential to seek wise counsel and turn to God’s Word for guidance and direction.
Seeking Spiritual Guidance: Hezekiah understood the value of seeking spiritual counsel during difficult situations. It is vital to seek godly wisdom from those who have a close relationship with God and can provide biblical insight and direction.
The Power of Intercession: Hezekiah recognised the importance of intercessory prayer. By sending his servants to Isaiah, he was asking for the prophet’s prayers on behalf of the nation. We should also value and practice intercessory prayer, lifting up the needs of others to God.
Reflection
Remember, the story of Hezekiah and Isaiah reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming opposition, trusting in God’s Word, seeking spiritual guidance, and practising intercession can lead to victory and peace.
