June 5, 2018
What does it say?
The King of Assyria sent his spokesperson to persuade the citizens of Jerusalem to surrender. Israel’s king prayed to God, and God delivered His people.
What does it mean?
Rabshakeh, the Assyrian king’s spokesperson, spoke to the citizens of Jerusalem in Hebrew as they were sitting on their protective wall. He came with a large army to see if the mere sight of the troops might cause the citizens of Jerusalem to panic and rebel against their own king. This tactic had worked well among several of their neighbors. However, Rabshakeh went too far. He lumped Israel’s God in with the false gods of the surrounding nations. His disdainful speech became the focus of Hezekiah’s prayer. Jerusalem’s deliverance set Israel’s God apart as the Lord Almighty, the only true God.
How should I respond?
Have you ever felt like those citizens on the wall, listening to the hate speech of the world as they rail against the things you hold most precious? Are there days when you feel as if you are alone in your love and commitment to Christ? Don’t give in to fear or discouragement. Those who hate are not happy, and their hatred will never solve their problems. Only God, the very One they rail against, can give them a new perspective and purpose. Will you, like Hezekiah, take those concerns to the Lord? Look for opportunities today to proclaim the God of the Bible as Lord and Savior of the world.