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Timeless Truth-The Prophets 7-5-26
Part 29 – Background texts-Isaiah chapters 36-38, 2 Kings chapters 18-20
“Divine Purpose”
Intro: Last time, we looked at the “Fear of the LORD” and now we move forward to the point where Isaiah’s prophecy comes to pass regarding Assyria. Along with that fulfillment, is the story of King Hezekiah. His faith and actions reflect a change in direction from the previous leadership of Judah and there are several important moments for us to consider. Our subject today is “Divine Purpose”.
Let’s take a look:
NOTE: Prior to Isaiah 36, the Northern Kingdom of Israel was besieged for 3 years and destroyed/carried away by the Assyrian army.
I want to start by reading the origin story of King Hezekiah.
READ: 2 Kings 18:1-7
I. Hezekiah Becomes King of Judah (2 Kings 18:1-7)
A. His father was very evil (2 Kings 16:1-3)
(practiced all the pagan evils, even child sacrifice)
B. Hezekiah was different than his father (v.3)
(even though he came up in an evil environment)
C. He took proactive measures to cleanse the kingdom
(even destroying the bronze serpent)
D. He rebelled against Assyria and the status quo (v.7)
(even with the siege/fall of Samaria)
II. Sennacherib’s Pride/Confidence (Is. 36:13-21, 37:8-13)
READ: Isaiah 36:13-21, 37:8-13
A. Sennacherib blasphemed the LORD with his boasts
(attempting to group the LORD with pagan gods)
B. Sennacherib tried to intimidate the people/Hezekiah
(trying to create fear/bully them into compliance)
C. Sennacherib relied on previous Assyrian success
(unaware that it was the LORD’s doing)
READ: Isaiah 10:15
III. The LORD’s Answer (Isaiah 37:1-7, 14-20, 33-38)
A. Isaiah assures Hezekiah with the LORD’s words
READ: Isaiah 37:1-7
B. Hezekiah seeks the LORD and prays for deliverance
READ: Isaiah 37:14-20
C. The LORD pronounces final judgment on Sennacherib
READ: 2 Kings 19: 27-28, Isaiah 37:33-35
D. The LORD deals directly with Sennacherib
READ: Isaiah 37:36-38
E. Hezekiah’s life is extended/dies in peace (2 Kings 20)
IV. Application/Discussion
Question: What applications to our daily living do you see from Hezekiah’s challenges, chooses, and actions?
cchrisholland 