Lesson 39: The Greatest King of Judah-Part 2 b

Some say that Josiah was the greatest king of Judah and he was no doubt, the one with the greatest faith. He was used of God to accomplish some amazing feats, not by his might but simply by his faith in God.

L‌ast we looked as why he was so blessed. He started out simply cleaning up Judah and he trusted in God.

Now we are going to see the improvements he makes and battles that he fought.

I think one of the most amazing things was that the battles were won not by his might - but once again, by his faith.

II. HIS IMPROVEMENTS

Everyone, from the king to the a stall cleaner ought to seek to be productive for God. The same ought to be true in our day - we ought to seek to improve and produce in our lives for the Lord.

A. Cleansing and repair of the Temple

They took care of the house of God

2 Chron 29:3-11; 18-19.

B. Restoration of the sacrifices and worship

vv.29:20-29

Organization of music

vv.30

He organized both an orchestral group and a Levitical singing choir.

‌Remember, the purpose of music in the temple, and in the church, is to honor and glorify God as a body of believers. If there is a special group to do it, it is not for the entertainment of the attendees or parishioners - it is for God’s pleasure.

C. Observance of the Passover

2 Chron 30:1-27.

This was the biggest Passover celebration since Solomon was on the throne.

2 Chronicles 30:26–27 KJV

So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.

This was serious to Hezekiah. We do not observe the passover but we do observe the Lord’s supper as a body of Believers.

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III. GOD’S DELIVERANCE OVER THE ASSYRIANS

A. The importance of small victories

v.8 Before we get into what God did in this account - lets realize that God also had already given a victory.

The armies of Judah had already defeated the Philistines

1. The small victories remind us to look to God

We so often try to get through life on our own and we forget to ask God for things. Then, in our desperation, even over the smallest thing, finally ask God for His help and He helps.

2. The small victories build our faith

Each time you and I have small victory it is reminder that we can trust in God.

It is true - we are

3. The small victories are keys to the big victories

Before David slew Goliath, he killed lion and a bear. Maybe I should say it this way, before God delivered David in those situations.

Before Elijah trusted God in the defeat of the prophets of Baal he trusted in God to deliver the bad news of no rain to king Ahab.

Before Paul went to Rome

He saw the death angel defeat the Assyrian enemies which had surrounded Jerusalem.

‌So Hezekiah had this relative small victory, which also increased his confidence in turning to God when the greater trials come his way.

B. The final destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel

2 Kings 18:9-12

Shalmaneser was the king of Assyria at this time, and he was used of God to bring God’s judgment upon that kingdom which had done wickedly.

That same warning goes to America and any nation that does not recognize God and honor his commandments.

C. The Siege of Judah & Jerusalem

18:13-19:37

1. Hezekiah made preparations

2 Chron 32:1-6.

Hezekiah’s inspiring words:

2 Chronicles 32:7–8 KJV

Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

2. Hezekiah sends a ransom

vv.14-16

Some may argue that wasn’t faith - well, perhaps, but maybe he saw that silver and gold was not that important compared to the lives of his soldiers and the freedom of his people.

3. The approach and threat of the Assyrians

vv.17-37

Notice his worldly arguments

a. Don’t depend on allies

vv.19-21

b. Don’t depend on the Almighty

v.22

c. Depend on me

v.23-24

d. I do this without God’s help

v.25a

e. I too serve your God

v.25b

f. Your leader is deceiving you

vv.28-32

g. Look at the history of our might

vv.33-35

4. The wisdom of the people

v.36

5. Hezekiah’s faith and dependence on God

2 Kings 19:1-7

a. His humility is evident

vv.1-2

Not only was Hezekiah humble but so was his cabinet that was around him.

b. He looks to the Word of God

vv.2-5

In this day, there was the written law, but he wanted to the Word of God for the day that he was living in.

And he was about to receive it. By the way, we have the Word of God as well that gives us the principles that along with prayer and walking with God, God promises to lead and direct our ways.

c. The Word is given through Isaiah

vv.6-7

Isaiah, as God’s prophet, always spoke the truth. The truth is always postive in our lives though at times it is hurtful or seems hard to receive.

But the truth is always for good.

Even the most negative preachers and prophets - such as Jeremiah or Ezekiel - if their warnings and judgments would have been heeded - or responded to like Hezekiah does and later Josiah does as well, how blest we would be.

Here is what we do when judgment comes or negative message -

1. Wrong reactions to a negative message

a. Attack the messenger

we first attack the messenger - the Bible has many of those from Jeremiah to Zechariah to John the Baptist, Stephen, Paul and Christ Himself.

b. Quit trying

We say tour ourselves “why should I even try,” I’m never going to grow and succeed so why even try to grow as a Believer.

c. We rebel

And a third thing would be to rebel more and go further in our sin.

But this message was on of a coming deliverance, Praise be to God, the next one would not be as we will look at later.

2. Right reactions to a negative message

a. Humility

b. Submission

c. Trust in God’s mercy

d. Earnest prayer

These are all things we will see in Hezekiah’s life shortly.

D. God’s deliverance

1. Rabshakeh returns to Assyria

vv.8-13 just the general returns at this point but the army is still there.

2. Hezekiah’s prayer

vv.14-19

3. Isaiah’s answer from God

vv.20-34 particularly vv.28-34

4. God’s slays the Assyrian army their king

vv.35-37

IV. HIS TRUST IN GOD AGAINST GOD

20:1-11

A. God says Hezekiah will soon die

v.1

Another perspective we have not been looking at on Sunday afternoons for our CALM series is the perspective of the one who is dying.

Why did Hezekiah want to try to hang on so much?

WHY

B. Hezekiah prays and trusts God to deliver him

vv.2-3

But though he was on his death bed he trusts in God.

1. Grief comes in bereavement

Whether it is quick, or long lasting, grief comes at least to some degree, when something is taken away.

I get grieved when the ice cream is gone!

But when something such as a life is taken or is going to be taken, grief is natural.

So that is why Hezekiah, grieved, wept, and turned his face to the wall.

2. Grief should turn us to God

That is what Hezekiah did. That is the proper response.

3. Grief should cause us to pray

Whether the prayer be fore deliverance, or for grace or for others, prayer is the best tool at our disposal.

Praying to God is to get to get to know God. It is how we grow - it is in Him and the knowledge and communication with Him.

It goes without saying that the Bible is God’s way of communication to us - but He also leads and communicates to us with His Word and prayer and leads us into Biblical truth.

Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God.

Andrew Murray

Keep praying in order to get a perfect understanding of God Himself.

Oswald Chambers

C. God adds 15 years to his life

He was supernaturally healed of a terminal disease and given an additional fifteen years to live.

‌‌Remember also, that every day that God gives us should be cherished.

Don’t think that because you may have a shortened lifespan that you have been wronged.

V. INTRODUCTION OF THE BABYLONIANS

vv.12-21

Some make this a foolish act that Hezekiah committed. I’m not so sure about that.

I believe he may have not been as wise as maybe he should have been, or perhaps he should have gotten counsel from the man of God.

But Solomon allowed the queen of Sheba to see all that he had.

David had relationships with several area kings.

But he did show the kingdom to the envoy from Babylon.

It would be about 50-60 years before the Babylonians came in full power.