Heroes of Faith Session 11 - The People of Isreal Passing through the Red Sea

The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know. 

Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.

As we explore the lives of these faith heroes, we will discover that faith is not merely a belief; it is a dynamic force that empowers us to overcome obstacles, persevere through difficulties, and live a life of purpose.

In today's study we look at the role that faith played as the now free nation of Israel appeared trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing army of Pharaoh intent on taking them back to Egypt and enslaving them again.

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:29-30 NIV [29] By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. [30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.

Scripture Reading: 

Exodus 14:1-15-2 NIV [1] Then the Lord said to Moses, [2] “Tell the Israelites to turn back and encamp near Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. They are to encamp by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon. [3] Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are wandering around the land in confusion, hemmed in by the desert.’ [4] And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this. [5] When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!” [6] So he had his chariot made ready and took his army with him. [7] He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them. [8] The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly. [9] The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites and overtook them as they camped by the sea near Pi Hahiroth, opposite Baal Zephon. [10] As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. [11] They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” [13] Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” [15] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. [16] Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. [17] I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. [18] The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.” [19] Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, [20] coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long. [21] Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, [22] and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. [23] The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. [24] During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. [25] He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” [26] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” [27] Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. [28] The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.

1  Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, “I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.2  The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Exodus 14:13-‬15 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.

For 430 years God’s people had been in bondage in Egypt. After the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt, God’s people were thrown out

Exodus 12:29-‬33 ESV At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord , as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!" The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, "We shall all be dead."

It is estimated that 1.5 to 2 million people marched out of Egypt. We see that in 

Exodus 12:37-‬38 ESV And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.

What a sight! The day of deliverance had arrived; God’s people had been set free.

God led his people through the wilderness by the Red Sea. During the day he went before them in a pillar of cloud, and at night he went before them in a pillar of fire. 

Exodus 13:17-‬18 ESV When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.

Exodus 13:21-‬22 ESV And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

God had also revealed to Moses that Pharaoh would pursue God’s people. 

Exodus 14:2-‬3 ESV "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, 'They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.' 

When the Israelites saw the Egyptians march after them, they panicked.    

Exodus 14:10-‬12 ESV When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord . They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."

 It was then that Moses said, 

Exodus 14:13-‬14 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

Then in the next verse the Lord told Moses;

Exodus 14:15 ESV ... "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.

At the Red Sea God performed a miracle to deliver his people again from the hands of the Egyptians. The writer of Hebrews described the crossing of the Red Sea like this: 

BY FAITH. 

Many truths about faith can be found in the account of God’s people crossing the Red Sea. Let’s consider just a few of them.

1.God is the source of faith.

When Moses and God’s people arrived at the shores of the Red Sea, they could see the Egyptians rapidly approaching behind them. God did something unusual to solve this problem. 

Exodus 14:19-‬20 ESV Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.

When Moses came to the Red Sea, he prayed about the problem that God’s people faced with the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh’s army close behind. Why do I say  that he prayed because God said to Moses ““Why do you cry to me?” Well his prayer was answered quickly. He was to lift up his rod and stretch his hand over the Red Sea, and Israel was to go forward on dry ground, through the midst of the sea.

Exodus 14:16 ESV Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.

This a a perfect example of why we should believe and trust God which is what faith is.  God who is the source said it and then He did it.  Which is why we can believe in Him. 

Surely God is the source and center of our faith. 

2 Peter 1:1 ESV Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

That's us. 

Faith comes from God, and God gives faith to us.

Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Hebrews 12:2 ESV looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Faith is something given to us by God and Jesus, the. Son of God, is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Our faith is not only in Christ as it said in Galatians 2:20 And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

but it is of Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

How do we get it this faith?

Romans 10:17 ESV So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

It is the Word of God that produces faith. Someone could receive faith while hearing a sermon teaching the gospel, someone else by reading about Jesus in the Bible—any time the true gospel of Jesus is communicated, there is potential for faith. This is why it’s so important for us, the church, to be obedient to the Great Commission and tell people what Christ has done for humanity. Faith is given through the message about Jesus. This is the means God has chosen for us to get faith.

We must trust him and take him at his word. Let’s seek his will and then do what he commands us to do.

II. The secret of faith is to fear not.

When we are surrounded with difficulties and don’t know what to do, we should fear not and stand still. Don’t panic.  The restlessness of the human heart often causes us to rush ahead without God. We cannot dry up the Red Seas of life or annihilate the hosts of Egyptians who plague us.   The only things that we can control are our responses to things.  We can’t control the things.  

We can’t make food appear when we don’t know where we will get our next meal.  We can’t make cancer go away just because we don’t want to be sick.  We can’t make that employer hire us just because we want that job.

The only thing we can do  is;

Exodus 14:13 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

The Lord will fight for you, you just have to be still until He says move. 

2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.

The secret of faith is to fear not and stand still. God will act. Isaiah said, 

Isaiah 40:30-‬31 ESV Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

III. Faith’s success is found in going forward when the Lord says move and going in confidence because the Lord’s fighting for you (Ex. 14:13–16).

Exodus 14:13-‬16 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.

God is great in his mercy. He opens the way where people can walk in faith.

When God speaks we must go forward. 

How many people are faithless and discouraged when facing some sea of difficulty? They say, “I can’t do this” or “I can’t do that.” 

No progress is possible unless God speaks. And he does speak!

He says go forward in prayer

Matthew 7:7-‬8 ESV "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

He says go forward in evangelism

Matthew 28:18-‬20 ESV And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

He says go forward in Bible study and teaching God’s Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-‬17 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4:2 ESV preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

He says go forward under the Holy Spirit’s leadership.

Zechariah 4:6 ESV Then he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

When we remember that the battle is the Lord’s, he fights for us. 

God knows how to fight and win the battle. 

The battle was the Lord’s—and still is today.

IV. Faith results is praise. 

After the Israelites crossed over on dry land and the Egyptians had been destroyed when the Red Sea went back to being a Sea and not a pathway to safety.  They praised God for their deliverance. 

Exodus 15:1 ESV Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord , saying, "I will sing to the Lord , for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

Exodus 15:21 ESV And Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the Lord , for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."

Heroes of Faith Session 10-Hezekiah

The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is now studying the heroes of faith found in the Bible. In Hebrews 11, we find a remarkable chapter that introduces us to a cloud of witnesses, individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith. However our study will go beyond Hebrews 11 and include the lives of others that are examples of the blessings of having faith in God. We will also talk about other people that exhibited extraordinary faith, some of them are people we may know. 

Throughout this Bible study, we will delve into the lives of these individuals, examining the specific trials they endured, the faith principles they embraced, and the lessons we can learn from their examples. Our goal is not merely to admire their accomplishments but to understand the underlying principles that fueled their faith and to apply those principles to our own lives.

As we explore the lives of these faith heroes, we will discover that faith is not merely a belief; it is a dynamic force that empowers us to overcome obstacles, persevere through difficulties, and live a life of purpose. This week we look at the life and faith of Hezekiah King of Judah 

Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, stands out as a beacon of faith and obedience to God. His life, marked by both trials and triumphs, offers valuable lessons for believers today. In this Bible study, we will delve into the life of Hezekiah, examining his character, his faith, and the lessons we can learn from his experiences.

Hezekiah's life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. By studying his life and applying the lessons learned, we can grow in our own faith and trust in God's unwavering love and provision.

Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 18-20, Isaiah 36-39

Introduction

Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, stands out as a beacon of faith and obedience to God. His life, marked by both trials and triumphs, offers valuable lessons for believers today. In this Bible study, we will delve into the life of Hezekiah, examining his character, his faith, and the lessons we can learn from his experiences.

I. A King Who Trusted in God

• Reversing the Spiritual Decline: Let’s start with the fact that Hezekiah reversed the spiritual decline that had taken place under his father, Ahaz who the bible says was a wicked king.

2 Kings 16:2-9 NIV [2] Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. [3] He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. [4] He offered sacrifices and burned incense at the high places, on the hilltops and under every spreading tree. [5] Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel marched up to fight against Jerusalem and besieged Ahaz, but they could not overpower him. [6] At that time, Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram by driving out the people of Judah. Edomites then moved into Elath and have lived there to this day. [7] Ahaz sent messengers to say to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, “I am your servant and vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are attacking me.” [8] And Ahaz took the silver and gold found in the temple of the Lord and in the treasuries of the royal palace and sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. [9] The king of Assyria complied by attacking Damascus and capturing it. He deported its inhabitants to Kir and put Rezin to death.

The Syrian Army, under the leadership of King Rezin, did indeed threaten Jerusalem and Judah during the reign of King Ahaz, before Hezekiah. The threat from Syria and Israel (under King Pekah) was significant, and Ahaz, fearing for his kingdom, sought help from the Assyrian Empire. This decision had far-reaching consequences, as it led to Judah becoming a vassal state of Assyria and ultimately contributing to the decline of the kingdom. 

 Ahaz is condemned for turning away from the Lord and worshiping idols. Ahaz engaged in the horrific practice of child sacrifice, following the abominable customs of the Canaanites. In times of distress, Ahaz sought help from the Assyrian king, Tiglath-pileser III, rather than trusting in the Lord. This led to further spiritual decline and the oppression of Judah.

The threat from Syria and Israel (under King Pekah) forced Ahaz to seek help from the Assyrian Empire, which ultimately led to Judah becoming a vassal state to Assyria. This period marked a significant decline in Judah's independence and prosperity.

It's important to note that the Syrian threat during Ahaz's reign was a separate event from the Assyrian threat during Hezekiah's reign. While both events posed serious dangers to Judah, they occurred at different times and under different circumstances.

There’s more about Ahaz but we are talking about Hezekiah today.

He cleansed the temple, reestablished godly worship, and encouraged the people to return to the Lord.

2 Kings 18:1-8 NIV [1] In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. [2] He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. [3] He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done. [4] He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.) [5] Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. [6] He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. [7] And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. [8] From watchtower to fortified city, he defeated the Philistines, as far as Gaza and its territory.

2 Chronicles 29:1-2, 4-11 NIV [1] Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. [2] He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.

[4] He brought in the priests and the Levites, assembled them in the square on the east side [5] and said: “Listen to me, Levites! Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary. [6] Our parents were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the Lord our God and forsook him. They turned their faces away from the Lord’s dwelling place and turned their backs on him. [7] They also shut the doors of the portico and put out the lamps. They did not burn incense or present any burnt offerings at the sanctuary to the God of Israel. [8] Therefore, the anger of the Lord has fallen on Judah and Jerusalem; he has made them an object of dread and horror and scorn, as you can see with your own eyes. [9] This is why our fathers have fallen by the sword and why our sons and daughters and our wives are in captivity. [10] Now I intend to make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us. [11] My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before him and serve him, to minister before him and to burn incense.”

• Confronting the Assyrian Threat: 

After years of being a vassal state under the Assyrian Empire, Hezekiah sought to break free from their control.  Judah, with its strategic location and resources, was a valuable asset to the Assyrian Empire. By controlling Judah, the Assyrians could maintain their dominance in the region.

The Assyrian Empire was known for its aggressive expansionist policies. They sought to conquer and control as much territory as possible. Judah, as a rebellious state, presented an opportunity to further their imperial ambitions. 

This act of defiance angered the Assyrian king, Sennacherib.  Ultimately, the Assyrian invasion of Judah was a direct consequence of Hezekiah's decision to challenge the authority of the mighty Assyrian Empire.

When the mighty Assyrian army threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer rather than relying on military might. He trusted in God's promise to protect His people.

The Assyrian Empire, under the powerful King Sennacherib, had conquered much of the ancient Near East, and Judah was next in their sights. Sennacherib's forces laid siege to Jerusalem, and his army's commander, Rabshakeh, taunted and threatened the city's inhabitants, mocking their reliance on God.

2 Kings 18:18-35 NIV[18] They called for the king; and Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder went out to them. [19] The field commander said to them, “Tell Hezekiah: “ ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: On what are you basing this confidence of yours? [20] You say you have the counsel and the might for war—but you speak only empty words. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? [21] Look, I know you are depending on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of anyone who leans on it! Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who depend on him. [22] But if you say to me, “We are depending on the Lord our God”—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem”? [23] “ ‘Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! [24] How can you repulse one officer of the least of my master’s officials, even though you are depending on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? [25] Furthermore, have I come to attack and destroy this place without word from the Lord? The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.’ ” [26] Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, and Shebna and Joah said to the field commander, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Don’t speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” [27] But the commander replied, “Was it only to your master and you that my master sent me to say these things, and not to the people sitting on the wall—who, like you, will have to eat their own excrement and drink their own urine?” [28] Then the commander stood and called out in Hebrew, “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria! [29] This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you from my hand. [30] Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, ‘The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ [31] “Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, [32] until I come and take you to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and honey. Choose life and not death! “Do not listen to Hezekiah, for he is misleading you when he says, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ [33] Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? [34] Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? Have they rescued Samaria from my hand? [35] Who of all the gods of these countries has been able to save his land from me? How then can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”

Here’s what Hezekiah did;

2 Kings 19:1-8, 14-19 NIV [1] When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. [2] He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. [3] They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. [4] It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.” [5] When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, [6] Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. [7] Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’ ” [8] When the field commander heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah.

[14] Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. [15] And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: “Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. [16] Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. [17] “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. [18] They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. [19] Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.”  

In the face of this overwhelming threat, Hezekiah turned to the prophet Isaiah for guidance. Isaiah, in turn, delivered a powerful message from God, assuring Hezekiah that the Lord would protect Jerusalem and defeat the Assyrian army.

Isaiah 37:1-4 NIV [1] When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. [2] He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. [3] They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. [4] It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”

The climax of the story is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. An angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in defeat. This event solidified Hezekiah's faith in God and became a testament to the Lord's power and protection.

So what happened?

The entire account is in 2 Kings chapter 19 and in Isaiah chapters 36 and 37.

2 Kings 19:20-37 NIV [20] Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria. [21] This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: “ ‘Virgin Daughter Zion despises you and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee. [22] Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! [23] By your messengers you have ridiculed the Lord. And you have said, “With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its junipers. I have reached its remotest parts, the finest of its forests. [24] I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk the water there. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” [25] “ ‘Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stone. [26] Their people, drained of power, are dismayed and put to shame. They are like plants in the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the roof, scorched before it grows up. [27] “ ‘But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. [28] Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.’ [29] “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah: “This year you will eat what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from that. But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit. [30] Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. [31] For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. [32] “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. [33] By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city, declares the Lord. [34] I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant.’ ” [35] That night 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! [36] So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.[37] One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.

Isaiah 37:21-38 NIV [21] Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, [22] this is the word the Lord has spoken against him: “Virgin Daughter Zion despises and mocks you. Daughter Jerusalem tosses her head as you flee. [23] Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! [24] By your messengers you have ridiculed the Lord. And you have said, ‘With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its junipers. I have reached its remotest heights, the finest of its forests. [25] I have dug wells in foreign lands and drunk the water there. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.’ [26] “Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it. In days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass, that you have turned fortified cities into piles of stone. [27] Their people, drained of power, are dismayed and put to shame. They are like plants in the field, like tender green shoots, like grass sprouting on the roof, scorched before it grows up. [28] “But I know where you are and when you come and go and how you rage against me. [29] Because you rage against me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came. [30] “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah: “This year you will eat what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from that. But in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat their fruit. [31] Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. [32] For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. [33] “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. [34] By the way that he came he will return; he will not enter this city,” declares the Lord. [35] “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” [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! [37] So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.Isaiah[38] One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.

• Later on Hezekiah faced a life-threatening illness Again he humbled himself before the Lord and prayed for healing. God answered his prayer, adding 15 years to his life.

Isaiah 38:1-8 NIV [1] In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” [2] Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, [3] “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. [4] Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: [5] “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life. [6] And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city. [7] “ ‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: [8] I will make the shadow cast by the sun go back the ten steps it has gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.’ ” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone down.

2 Kings 20:1-11 NIV [1] In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” [2] Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, [3] “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. [4] Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: [5] “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. [6] I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’ ” [7] Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.” They did so and applied it to the boil, and he recovered. [8] Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the Lord on the third day from now?” [9] Isaiah answered, “This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?” [10] “It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,” said Hezekiah. “Rather, have it go back ten steps.” [11] Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz. 

When Hezekiah was told he was going to die, he exhibited remarkable faith in the following ways:

1. Humble Prayer: He turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, acknowledging his mortality and humbly seeking God's mercy. (2 Kings 20:1-3)  

2. Faithful Remembrance: He reminded God of his faithful service and wholehearted devotion. (2 Kings 20:3)  

3. Tears of Hope: He wept bitterly, expressing his deep desire to live and his trust in God's power to heal. (2 Kings 20:3)  

4. Submission to God's Will: He accepted the Lord's decision, whether it was life or death.

5. Trust in Divine Timing: He waited patiently for God's answer to his prayer, trusting in His perfect timing.  

Ultimately, Hezekiah's faith was rewarded when God extended his life by fifteen years. His story serves as a powerful testament to the power of prayer, the importance of faith, and the hope that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty.

Hezekiah wrote about this

Isaiah 38:9-20 NIV [9] A writing of Hezekiah king of Judah after his illness and recovery: [10] I said, “In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?” [11] I said, “I will not again see the Lord himself in the land of the living; no longer will I look on my fellow man, or be with those who now dwell in this world. [12] Like a shepherd’s tent my house has been pulled down and taken from me. Like a weaver I have rolled up my life, and he has cut me off from the loom; day and night you made an end of me. [13] I waited patiently till dawn, but like a lion he broke all my bones; day and night you made an end of me. [14] I cried like a swift or thrush, I moaned like a mourning dove. My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. I am being threatened; Lord, come to my aid!” [15] But what can I say? He has spoken to me, and he himself has done this. I will walk humbly all my years because of this anguish of my soul. [16] Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live. [17] Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. [18] For the grave cannot praise you, death cannot sing your praise; those who go down to the pit cannot hope for your faithfulness. [19] The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness. [20] The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.

II. Lessons from Hezekiah's Life

Reformed Worship: Hezekiah took significant steps to purify worship in Judah. He reopened and repaired the temple, reinstated the Levitical priesthood, and destroyed idols and pagan altars throughout the land.

The Importance of Faith: Hezekiah's unwavering faith in God's power and promises enabled him to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's prayers demonstrate the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in our lives.

The Need for Obedience: Hezekiah's obedience to God's commands, even when it was difficult, brought blessings upon his life and nation.

Trusted God in Crisis: When faced with the threat of the powerful Assyrian army, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer, trusting in His divine protection.

Obeyed God's Word: Hezekiah adhered to the laws and commandments of God, demonstrating his commitment to a righteous lifestyle.

Showed Humility: When confronted with his impending death, Hezekiah humbled himself before God and sought His mercy.

Hezekiah's life serves as an inspiring example of faith and obedience, reminding us to trust in God, even in the face of adversity.

• The Value of Humility: Hezekiah's humility before God allowed him to receive divine favor and mercy.

III. Application to Our Lives

• Cultivate Faith: Strive to deepen your faith in God's Word and promises.

• Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer a regular part of your daily life.

• Obey God's Word: Seek to live a life that is pleasing to God.

• Embrace Humility: Acknowledge your dependence on God and submit to His will.

Not perfect

2 Kings 20:12-19 NIV [12] At that time Marduk-Baladan son of Baladan king of Babylon sent Hezekiah letters and a gift, because he had heard of Hezekiah’s illness. [13] Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his storehouses—the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine olive oil—his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. [14] Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, “What did those men say, and where did they come from?” “From a distant land,” Hezekiah replied. “They came from Babylon.” [15] The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?” “They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” [16] Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: [17] The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. [18] And some of your descendants, your own flesh and blood who will be born to you, will be taken away, and they will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” [19] “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?”

Hezekiah, after being healed from a deadly illness, proudly showed off his wealth to Babylonian emissaries. This display of pride angered God, and he was warned of future consequences.

The first deportation of Judeans to Babylon occurred in 597 BC, approximately 30 years after Hezekiah's reign ended in 687 BC.

The final destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, along with a larger-scale deportation, happened in 586 BC

Here are the kings of Judah after Hezekiah before the Babylonian exile:

1. Manasseh (697-642 BCE) - 2 Kings 21:1-18

2. Amon (642-640 BCE) - 2 Kings 21:19-26

3. Josiah (640-609 BCE) - 2 Kings 22:1-23:30

4. Jehoahaz (609 BCE) - 2 Kings 23:31-35

5. Jehoiakim (609-598 BCE) - 2 Kings 23:36-24:7

6. Jehoiachin (598-597 BCE) - 2 Kings 24:8-25:21

7. Zedekiah (597-586 BCE) - 2 Kings 24:17-25:21

Conclusion

Hezekiah's life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith in God. By following his example, we can overcome life's challenges, experience God's blessings, and leave a lasting legacy of faith and obedience.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Hezekiah's faith in God enable him to overcome the Assyrian threat?

2. What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to his illness?

3. How can we cultivate a deeper faith in God in our own lives?

4. What are some practical ways to incorporate prayer into our daily routines?

5. How can we apply the principle of humility in our relationships with others?

Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah, stands out as a beacon of faith and trust in God. His life, marked by both trials and triumphs, offers valuable lessons for believers today. Let's delve into the life of this remarkable king and explore the qualities that made him a hero of faith.

Key Qualities of Hezekiah's Faith

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty:
   
   

• Facing the Assyrian Threat: When the mighty Assyrian army threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah didn't panic. Instead, he turned to God, recognizing His ultimate authority and power.

• Prayer and Humility: Hezekiah humbled himself before God, acknowledging his dependence on divine intervention. His prayer, recorded in 2 Kings 19:14-19, is a model of heartfelt supplication.

2. Obedience to God's Word:
   
   

• Reforming Judah: Hezekiah diligently followed God's commandments, leading a spiritual revival in Judah. He cleansed the temple, restored worship, and encouraged the people to return to the Lord.

• Trusting in God's Promises: When faced with adversity, Hezekiah clung to God's promises, believing that the Lord would fulfill His word.

3. Courage and Boldness:
   
   

• Defying the Assyrian King: Hezekiah courageously defied the arrogant Assyrian king, trusting in God's protection.

• Leading by Example: Hezekiah's bold faith inspired his people to trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Lessons for Today

• Trust God in All Circumstances: Like Hezekiah, we can trust God, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

• Obey God's Word: By following God's commandments, we can experience His blessings and protection.

• Pray Fervently: Persistent prayer is a powerful weapon against adversity.

• Live a Godly Life: By living a life of righteousness, we can honor God and inspire others.

Conclusion

Hezekiah's life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith. By studying his life and applying the lessons learned, we can grow in our own faith and trust in God's unwavering love and provision.

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