2 Kings 19:20
Then Isaiah the sonne of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to mee against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I haue heard. 2 Kings 19:20 (KJV)
Historical Context: 2 Kings 19:20 is part of a larger narrative that takes place during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah was a righteous king who sought to restore the worship of the true God in Judah, even as the Assyrian empire expanded and threatened to invade his nation.
Prayer and Intercession: In the preceding verses King Hezekiah received a threatening letter from Sennacherib, king of Assyria, who boasted of his military might and challenged the God of Israel. Hezekiah took the letter, went into the temple, spread it before the Lord, and poured out his heart in prayer, seeking divine intervention and deliverance.
Isaiah’s Message: In response to Hezekiah’s prayer, God sent the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message of assurance. Isaiah relayed God’s words, affirming that He had heard the prayer and was aware of the threats made by Sennacherib, declaring His intention to protect His people and fulfill His promises.
Trusting in God’s Power: 2 Kings 19:20 demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God in times of trouble. Hezekiah’s prayer was not in vain; it reached the ears of God, who was ready to respond. This passage encourages believers to trust in the sovereignty and faithfulness of God, even when faced with daunting challenges.
God’s Faithfulness and Deliverance: The subsequent verses (2 Kings 19:21‑34) reveal that God indeed fulfilled His promise. He sent a message to Sennacherib through Isaiah, declaring that He would defend Jerusalem and defeat the Assyrian army. That night the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib’s retreat and eventual death.
Application: 2 Kings 19:20 teaches us to bring our concerns and troubles to God in prayer. By laying our anxieties before Him we align ourselves with His will and experience His peace. The passage also encourages faith that God will act on our behalf even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Trusting in His timing and providence strengthens our relationship with Him.
