Sunday: Strings Attached
Isa: 36:1
What happened to Judah? 2 Kings 18:13, 2 Chron: 32:1, Isa: 36:1.
When faithless Ahaz died and his faithful son Hezekiah succeeded him, Hezekiah inherited a kingdom that had lost full independence. Having purchased Assyrian aid against the alliance of Syria and northern Israel, Judah was forced to continue paying “protection money” in the form of tribute to Assyria (see 2 Chron: 28:16-21).
Image © Kevin Carden from GoodSalt.com
When the Assyrian king Sargon II died on a distant battlefield and was succeeded by Sennacherib in 705 B.C., Assyria appeared vulnerable. Evidence from Assyrian and biblical texts reveals that Hezekiah seized this opportunity to rebel (see 2 Kings 18:7), taking aggressive action as the ringleader of an anti-Assyrian revolt among the small nations in his region.
Unfortunately for him, Hezekiah had underestimated the resilience of Assyria’s might. In 701 B.C., when Sennacherib had subdued other parts of his empire, he lashed out against Syria-Palestine with devastating force and ravaged Judah.
How did Hezekiah prepare for a confrontation with Assyria? 2 Chron: 32:1-8.
When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib intended to take Jerusalem, the capital city, he made extensive preparations for a confrontation with Assyria. He strengthened his fortifications, further equipped and organized his army, and increased the security of Jerusalem’s water supply (see also 2 Kings 20:20, 2 Chron: 32:30). The remarkable Siloam water tunnel, commemorated by an inscription telling how it was constructed, almost certainly dates to Hezekiah’s preparation for a potential siege.
Just as important as military and organizational leadership, Hezekiah provided spiritual leadership as he sought to boost the morale of his people at this frightening time. “But the king of Judah had determined to do his part in preparing to resist the enemy; and, having accomplished all that human ingenuity and energy could do, he had assembled his forces and had exhorted them to be of good courage.” — Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, p. 351.
| If Hezekiah trusted the Lord so much, why did he put forth so much effort on his own? Did his works negate his faith? See Philippians 2.12-13 on cooperating with God, who provides the power that is truly effective. |
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Apart from the spiritual lessons we can learn from this period of Hebrew history, it is also interesting from an archeological and engineering point of view.
The tunnel still exists and is about 500m in length and has a fall of about 30cm. It runs between the Spring of Gihon and the Pool of Siloam and follows a curved path. Interestingly, according to an inscription found in the tunnel, it was constructed by two teams starting from each end. There is some evidence to suggest that the tunnel was made shortly before Hezekiah's reign began and that he may have extended and improved it. However, whatever the history, it is a remarkable engineering achievement. Can you imagine the surveying task in ancient times of working out the fall between the source and destination? Even in my youth before the introduction of electronic surveying instruments it would have been a difficult task and would require some knowledge of trigonometry.
We sometimes think of ancient peoples as being somewhat naive in many respects. However if we understand that these people were highly skilled and had good understanding of engineering, it provides a useful background to the political conflict recorded in the scriptures we are studying this week. Further, how do you build a curved tunnel that long from either end and meet in the middle? (Their directions were not perfect by the way, and there are a couple of direction changes.)
I always said that we were to do our best meaning put forth what we can do and then let God do the rest. Others have stated no it is God that does it and by you trying your not trusting God.
It can get confusing in just what is that we are to do or not do?
I agree with you Murray, it can be confusing. The story of Esther and Mordecai gives me an answer. They prayed and fasted for 3 days asking for God's help to save them from a decree which would have annihilated all the Jews. From that time of humility and repentance and deep listening to God, came an answer. Esther was guided by God on just what to say and do and when to say and do it. She did not go ahead of God.
Murray, I believe that it depends on your goal - is it salvation or spreading the gospel.
If we are talking about being saved - only God can change our hearts, we only have to submit our will to Him.
However in terms of sharing the gospel we are co-workers with the LORD.
Here is a quote from EG White from Fundamentals of Education, she is talking about students but I believe it applies to all of us.
Murray-let us look at what the bible says. There are so many examples I can use. I think many times people only use faith (prayer) thinking if we/I pray, Jesus will do the rest. Faith must follow through with works. Many times it is not because of fear. They are afraid to fail before even trying.
e.g Moses and the children of Israel had left Egypt as instructed by God. The Lord did not choose to led them the known easy way that others had taken for yrs. He choose another strange way, the wilderness way. Now they reach the red sea. The sea was in front of them, the Egyptian army was behind of them and a mountain was at the side of them. The question was, what will we do now? They literally had no way to turn. At this point the people cried out to Moses, Moses then cried out to God. What did the Lord said to Moses-
Ex 14:15-16. Another e.g Elijah and his servant. 2 Kings 6:16-17.
What I have found is the Lord start with everyone at a certain place/level in our life then move on from there. So my faith and works is not another faith and works but the all count in the site of God.
Someone might work and give away all the work for a given month, not because they are rich. Others might say that person is crazy. That person might not beg for one cent by doing so. Our faith in God should be living in connection with our works.
Murray, I think JohnHerscher stated it best below in his explanation of how Hezekiah prepared.
I agree Maurice on our thoughts about ancient peoples. E.G. White states that at the second coming we will see just how the race has degenerated over the years. We pride ourselves on being so technologically and intellectually advanced, and yes, the Bible does say how knowledge will increase in the last days (Daniel 12:4), but perhaps we are not so advanced as we tend to think. The further back we go, the closer we get to the original creation and perfection. To think we are smarter after 6000 years of sinning, may just be a delusion on our part. Not that I am saying we are stupid either, just that we may need to experience more humility than we do. Trusting more in the Lord and not in our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
this explanation of the lesson was
informative and understood the lesson better
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and stone wall thereof was broken down.....and thy want as an armed man. Ecc 25:30-34
If Hezekiah trusted the Lord so much, why did he put forth so much effort on his own? Did his works negate his faith? See Philippians 2:12-13 on cooperating with God, who provides the power that is truly effective.
Many times I mentioned that Christianity is not just the spiritual side alone. You sit/lay/stand/kneel and pray all day and expect bread to fall from heaven. Walking in Jesus example. Human is physical, mental, social, and spiritual, and so is our needs. If Jesus promised me a job, I cant be sitting in my house praying all day for the job without going out and writing applications, calling and recalling and speaking to other people. He promised to take care of his people, that does not meant I will not make preparations for myself and spouse for old age should we live. I have seen many SDA becoming of aged and did not made any preparation for old age because they think the Lord will send someone to assist them or take them in when they cant help themselves. They say they have faith.
What Hezekiah was doing what is line with the word of God. Faith and work goes hand in hand. Show me your faith and I will show you my works. Faith without works is dead.
Here's a little poem I've heard:
And these words of faith from Hezekiah in today's text of 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 is encouraging to us today too!
It is interesting that the Bible mainly deals with other nations in terms of their impact on the LORD's people.
However I found this interesting insight into the Assyrians on a history web site.
Thank you for sharing this, Shirley! I always find it helpful to understand the cultural and historical background of whatever texts we are studying. We so often think of ancient civilizations as backwards and uneducated, but not all of them were. One can well understand how the peoples of the world at the time marveled at such power and wealth, and trembled in fear at their might.
Thank you for putting such an interesting perspective on things.
As I read through biblical examples of faith, there are important things that stand out. Abraham left Ur but he had a relationship with God that led him to leave. God then blessed all that he did, Jacobed hid Moses in the bulrushes of the Nile in Egypt, she trusted God to protect her baby, Samson pulled with all his might and God’s Spirit returned giving him strength to pull the temple of Dagon.
Hezekiah had a relationship with God before the crisis. God blessed Hezekiah because he believed in God and inspired the same hope in his people. God will not fail us even if it appears that way initially because He doesn’t always do what we expect Him to do. We can rest assured that no matter what, He will do what is best and what is needed.
Having a relationship with God, is the key to success in every endeavor. He helps us know what to do when we’re not sure, then He adds His fathomless power to our efforts. That’s how we become parters and laborers with Him. It’s a relationship.
Creation - it is all of God none of me. (Genesis 1)
Sanctification - Then he created Adam and Eve to till and keep the land. (Genesis 2:15, Genesis 3:23)
Creation - Our new birth experience In Christ
Sanctification - Living God sanctioned life in a sinful world
Result - We share our Christian experience with those whom we come in contact.
Harvest - Comes when the seed germinate in the life of the unbeliever by the power of God.
Romans 10:14&15
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
1) Have you experienced the new birth? without it we are rightly called legalist
2) How do you react to situations around you? Does the faith make a difference in your life?
3) Do you have a faith experience to share?
4) Do you wait upon the Lord to harvest?
Work out your own salvation. Philippians 2:12,13. We can better understand this text, with the story of Hezekiahs’ preparation for attack. We so often don’t understand this command, because we equate it to, salvation by works when it is not. It is like Hezakiah’s corporation with The Lord. God said, “I personally will take care of him”. Isaiah 37:7. God did not say I will put water in your water tanks for you, though He could. He knew that Hezakiah was resourceful, and let Hezakiah take care of that portion of their salvation. As for fortifying the walls it is a good thing to do, God wants us to be prepared. Hezekiah was prepared against Sennacherib, when he was prepared God delivered him and his people. We are admonished to be prepared. “Therefore you also be ready, (prepare) for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44. Workout thine on salvation. Now the 1st part of Philippians 2:12. “Therefore, my beloved, you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,”. Like Hezekiah he did his part we must do our part. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love one another. Love God. Love your enemies. Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. This is part of watching and being ready.
Back to the question " if Hezekiah trusted the lord so much why did he put forth so much effort on his own"
This does not shows Hezekiah had no faith. You have to do your best and the Lord does the rest. The story of Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls shows similar pattern with what King Hezekiah did. Upon hearing the plot of sanballat and Tobia lets see what Hezekiah did.
Nehemiah 4:13-14
"Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14. And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. -
With this pandemic can we say disregard all the safety protocols and just keep believing God will save us? That's not how it works. Do your best and don't be anxious and pray and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Amen
Many look at the Bible as the collection of historical accounts of developing nations and their people, but at its core, and the purpose for this Book, is to preserve its spiritual message. No accounts written about and included in this ‘Book’ were written just to inform the reader of the past; all records contained in our Scriptures need to be seen in the Light of the Salvation of mankind.
Those who discount the value of the ‘Book’ base their dismissal on the Christian’s claim to provide spiritual understanding about the existence of man and his destiny. They might accept some of its historical accounts because they have been 'proven' by archeological evidence, but cannot place them in the line-up of their religious context. The believer can do both, evaluate the physical, historical record and know the ‘why’ and the 'how' it impacted the people living at that time.
The Christian believer knows that nothing happens in a vacuum! Nothing in relationship to the welfare of mankind is coincidental; all is planned in order to bring about the Salvation of man and protect him from the coming destruction.
When reading Ellen White’s quote, it is clear to me that the same Truth is applicable for the believer of any time. Now, Christ Jesus is our spiritual King, He prepares us to steadfastly resist the enemy; having accomplished all that He could possibly do to prepare His people, He exhorts us to be of good courage and fight against the evil rulers of the darkness of this world – Eph.6:12KJV.
As long as there is breath in us, we find ourselves on the battlefield engaged in this spiritual warfare; called upon to be vigilant, alert, ready to speak about the Truth, the Way and the Light and act accordingly! In everything we do, we are called to dedicate the effort to the Honor and Glory of God. We want to be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves – Matt.10:16KJV.
The enemy is cunning, using great deception to undermine the faith of the believer, he attempts to defeat, make of no effect, the good works of the people of God.
Man works and God works.
I found it interesting that in asking the question about what Hezekiah did to prepare, that we weren’t directed to the chapter just before this. I believe that is where the true preparation was. Hezekiah did what the previous kings had not done; he tore down all the idols, shrines and high places of false worship, and then called the people together and reconsecrated them to the LORD. That was the real preparation, in my mind, that led Hezekiah to then physically prepare for the battle. God gave him great wisdom on what to do and how to encourage his people.
God conquered Goliath (1 Samuel 17:46)
Today the Lord will conquer you...
But David still had to pick up the stone (1 Samuel 17:40)
He picked up five smooth stones from a stream...
Yes! The LORD often asks us to physically show we trust Him. Like the blood on the doorposts or the priests with the Ark stepping into the Jordan in faith.