DEVOTION – DAY 492

Isaiah 37:33-35 “God To The Rescue”

Isaiah 37:33-35 “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: “He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. By the way that he came, he will return; he will not enter this city,” declares the Lord. “I will defend this city and save it for my sake and for the sake of David, my servant.”

In 701 BC, King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened to conquer Jerusalem, the capital of the southern Kingdom of Judah. The King of Judah at that time was King Hezekiah who was faithfully worshipping God. As King Sennacherib and his army advanced on Jerusalem, he sent a threatening letter ahead to King Hezekiah. He demanded his surrender, so that a siege on Jerusalem could be avoided. King Hezekiah knew he was no match for the Assyrians. Sensing an impending defeat, King Hezekiah went to the temple and prayed to God.

God responded that He had promised David he would have an enduring throne in Jerusalem. God replied that He would defend Jerusalem against the Assyrians. God said the Assyrians would not be able to shoot a single arrow at the city. Their attempts to lay a siege ramp and raid the city with their shield would not succeed. Instead, they will retreat in defeat. God promised that He would be Jerusalem’s defender.

In Isaiah 37:36 “Then, the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning – there were all the dead bodies.” Isaiah recorded this miraculous event. The Greek historian, Herodotus, in his annals confirmed that the Assyrian army contracted a bubonic plague. One hundred and eighty-five thousand soldiers died. As a result, their attack on Jerusalem was aborted and they retreated back to Assyria. This event independently verified the accuracy of the account in the Bible. In the Bible, God did send plagues upon his enemies. For example, in Moses time in Egypt, God sent the angel of the Lord and brought about a plague that caused multiple casualties amongst the Egyptians. 

From this account, we learn that we can go to God when we face troubles. God never disappoints those who are faithful to Him. God is also more powerful than the mightiest army so we need not fear. God is faithful to His people. God also keeps His promises. He made a covenant to David about an enduring throne and God has kept that promise. Jesus of Nazareth who reigns forever is a descendant of David.  

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for always watching over and protecting us. Please help us trust in you alone and to remain in you always. We pray this in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What troubles are you currently facing that you need to turn to God?
  2. How does this passage encourage you to trust God even when you face impossible situations?
  3. Why can you trust what the Bible says? Discuss.
  4. Hezekiah obeyed and worshipped God. What about you? Have you been faithful to God?