Ob and Int:
(1) Finally, a change in the kings of Judah-Hezekiah
3 He did what the LORD approved, just as his ancestor David had done. 4 He eliminated the high places, smashed the sacred pillars to bits, and cut down the Asherah pole. He also demolished the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been offering incense to it; it was called Nehushtan.
Since 1 Kings 15:3 (2 Kings 14:3, 16:2, the king of Judah was commented as "NOT wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his ancestor David had been," except Asa 15:11. However, Asa did not eliminate the high places like Hezekiah did here 15:14.
(NAC) Hezekiah acts exactly how the author has wished other kings would. He removes high places, altars, Ashteroth, and an item from Moses’ time that has come to be used as an idol (cf. Num 21:9). These changes make it possible for worship to be centralized in Jerusalem again.
Additional information:
High place= (BDB) 3. high places, as places of worship, at first on hills and mountains, later on artificial mounds or platforms, under green trees, and in cities; still later for the chapels erected thereon, and once apparently for a portable sanctuary... The ancient worship of Israel was conducted on these high places. In the times of Samuel and David they ascended to them, descended from them, and offered sacrifices on them, 1 S 9:12–25; 10:5, 13... The custom continued in the reign of Solomon...High places of Baal were also used...these various idolatrous high places were first destroyed by Josiah 1 K 13:2, 32, 33 2 K 23:5–20 2 Ch 34:3. The worship of Yahweh on high places continued in Judah until the exile 1 K 22:44 2 K 15:35;... they were regarded as the reason for the rejection of Shiloh [central worship location] ψ 78:58. The complier of Kings, writing from the point of view of the Deut. code, complains... and praises the few pious kings who destroyed them.
(2) Why Hezekiah was different
Repeated word: Trust
18: 5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel
6 He was loyal to the LORD and did not abandon him. He obeyed the commandments that the LORD had given to Moses.
12 This happened because they [the people of Israel] did not obey the LORD their God and broke his covenant with them. They did not pay attention to and obey all that Moses, the LORD’s servant, had commanded.(NAC) This text repeats information already covered in 2 Kgs 17:1–6, with the intention of demonstrating Hezekiah’s awareness of the dangers inherent in opposing Assyria.
Also, noted that the obedience/loyalty to the LORD in v. 6, 12 is closely tied to their obedience to the commandments of the LORD or the Mosaic Law.
Also, noted that the obedience/loyalty to the LORD in v. 6, 12 is closely tied to their obedience to the commandments of the LORD or the Mosaic Law.
Reflection: Hezekiah was different than all the other kings of Judah because of his heart of trusting and obeying God and His Words. He could do that even in the face of danger. How about you? Is your faith just like the other people? Is your obedience to God just on the surface or you obey God AND His words? Is your obedience to God able to preserve even in the most dangerous moment?
(3) The challenge from the Assyrians: Why did you trust God for His deliverance?
Repeated word: Trust
Background of v.13-18: (NAC) In 701 B.C. Sennacherib tires of Hezekiah’s rebellious attitude and invades the land. The Assyrian has been thwarting Babylon’s revolt since 705 B.C., so only now has time to deal with Judah, who has been leading an anti-Assyrian coalition of smaller nations since about the same time. Hezekiah realizes that he is quite alone in his opposition to Assyria. His allies are either unwilling or unable to help him. Given his desperate situation, Hezekiah attempts to make peace before the enemy reaches Jerusalem (v.13-16)
19 The chief adviser said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: “What is your source of confidence?... v.20b In whom are you trusting that you would dare to rebel against me?...v.21b If a man leans for support on it, it punctures his hand and wounds him. That is what Pharaoh king of Egypt does to all who trust in him... 22 Perhaps you will tell me, ‘We are trusting in the LORD our God.’
(BKC) Sennacherib’s field commander spoke for his side and repeated his king’s message to Hezekiah. What he said was designed to impress Hezekiah with Sennacherib’s power and glory, and to intimidate him into surrendering. He asked the basis of Hezekiah’s confidence that he could possibly withstand the great king … of Assyria.
Repeated word: Rescue/deliver/save
30 Don’t let Hezekiah talk you into trusting in the LORD when he says, “The LORD will certainly rescue us; this city will not be handed over to the king of Assyria.”33 Have any of the gods of the nations actually rescued his land from the power of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Indeed, did any gods rescue Samaria from my power? 35 Who among all the gods of the lands has rescued their lands from my power? So how can the LORD rescue Jerusalem from my power?’ ”
"Rescue" was also repeated again in v.32, and 19:12.
"Rescue" was also repeated again in v.32, and 19:12.
(BKC) The commander’s reference to the inability of the gods of Samaria to deliver the Israelites would have been especially effective since Israel’s God was also Judah’s God.
Summary: Why did the Assyrian commander emphasize "trust" and "deliverance?" In the mind of the Assyrian commander, the power and ability of the Asssyrian Great King was certain and being proved in various wars. No country and no "gods" could compare with him. To trust in another country or other "gods" was ineffective.
However, he did not see the whole picture. He did not see that the fall of these countries and their gods was because their gods were just false idols. (19:18-20). He did not see that Samazria fell because they disobeyed God and His Words (18:12).
Reflection:
The commander did not see all the facts and so do we. Are we so foolish and proud like him? Do we not trust God for His deliverance because we see the "proven records" of our own strength? Do we consider we are "the Assyriian Great King," and God is only one of the "gods" that lost all the battles?
(4) The turning point-God responded and told Hezekiah that He heard His prayer 19:20
In v.21-28, the LORD announced a message of judgement again the king of Assyria for his blasphemy:
(NAC) the Lord corrects Assyria’s prideful attitude about their enormous success. It is God who has ordained, planned, and brought to pass every victory they have achieved. They have been blessed by him, yet they have tried to take the credit themselves. Their enemies have been totally helpless, “drained of power.” Before long Assyria itself will suffer the same fate (cf. Isa 10:5–19).
The reference to the “hook” and “bit” reminds the original readers of the Assyrian practice of using these instruments to lead people into exile as if they were animals (cf. Amos 4:1–3). Assyria will receive the sort of treatment they have given others. Their pride and rebellion against the Lord, who sent Jonah to warn them years before, will lead them to the same fate their vassals have endured.
Reflection:
The pride of Assyria would be judged soon. How about us?
The "Assyrian Great King" was only a vessel used by God and would be taught a lesson soon. If we are successful in any way, do we realize that we are only a vessel of God?
Audrey
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