In 2 Kings 18–20, we read of a time in history when Assyria conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. At this same time, Hezekiah became king of the southern kingdom of Judah. He led the people toward increased righteousness, but they still feared the Assyrian armies. The Lord tested their righteousness.
2 Kings 18:19–35; Isaiah 36:12–20 What was Rab-shakeh’s goal with Hezekiah’s servants? Rabshakeh (a messenger sent by the King of Assyria) wanted Judah to surrender to the king of Assyria. He wanted them to doubt God, be fearful, and surrender to him rather than be destroyed. He listed the names of other cities with their Gods and told of how he had conquered them.
2 Kings 19:1–5; Isaiah 37: 1–5. What was Hezekiah’s reaction? Whom did he seek and where? How might you better follow this pattern? Hezekiah and his people were in extreme danger, the armies of the Assyrians surround them on all sides and had conquered all the cities around. Hezekiah rent his clothes and went into the house of the lord and sought the words of the prophet for advice. When we are in times of trouble and don’t know what to do, we should turn to the Lord, to the words of the prophet, and to our spiritual leaders, such as the Bishop and Stake President, for counsel and advice.
2 Kings 19:6–7. Under what authority did Isaiah respond to Hezekiah’s plea? Isaiah was the prophet of the Lord and so it was with the authority of God he responded.
2 Kings 19:14–19; Isaiah 37:14–20. What impresses you about Hezekiah’s prayer? What was the desire of his heart? Hezekiah, in his prayer, showed trust in the Lord. He knew that all the other Gods of the other cities were just idols made of men’s hands and were not the real God. He wanted God to defend them so that all would know who the real God was.
2 Kings 19:20–37; Isaiah 37:29–36; 2 Chronicles 32:20–23; institute student manual commentary for 2 Kings 19, “Hezekiah Prayed for Deliverance and Isaiah Brought the Lord’s Answer” (pg. 128) What are the key points in Isaiah’s response to Hezekiah, and how did the Lord keep His promise? When have you been delivered by the Lord from a difficult situation? The lord would defend Israel, not even an arrow would shoot into the city. The Assyrians would go away in shame and the remnant of Israel would rise up and be mighty again. During the night, a plague came upon the Assyrians and most of them died. They left in shame. The Assyrian king went back home and was killed by his own son. Hezekiah's fame spread and he was admired by many in all the land.
2 Chronicles 29:1–11, 15–16, 22–24; 30:5–9, 20; 31:5; 32:7–8. The events in these verses took place before Assyria threatened the southern kingdom of Judah. How did Hezekiah prepare his people spiritually and physically for their deliverance? What lessons can we learn from what they did? Hezekiah restored the temple and had the priest sanctify themselves and the temple. He then sent a decree throughout the land telling the people to trust in the Lord, return to the lord, come to the temple and bring their offerings. The people responded by bringing their tithes and offerings in abundance. We need to also look at our lives and see where we have turned away from the Lord. We should sanctify ourselves and respond with abundance. We need to attend the temple often if we are worthy and if we are not yet able to attend the temple, we should prepare ourselves for that opportunity.
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