2 Kings

2 Kings 19: The LORD defends Jerusalem

Begin in prayer

Before we read about Hezekiah's prayer and the army at Jerusalem, let us turn to the Lord together. Ask Him to make us pray as Hezekiah prayed, and to show us Jesus, the Word who is God.

Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him.

Psalm 147:1

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You alone are God, and that You defend Your people for Your own sake. Help us to bring our troubles to You in prayer and to trust Jesus, the Word who is God. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Hezekiah tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth, and goes into the LORD's house, and he sends his officials to Isaiah. Isaiah tells them that the LORD will put a spirit in the king of Assyria, so he will return to his own land. Sennacherib sends another letter, saying that the gods of the nations did not save their lands. Hezekiah takes the letter and spreads it before the LORD, and he prays that the LORD alone would save Jerusalem. Isaiah sends word that the LORD has heard his prayer, and that the king of Assyria will not enter the city. That night the LORD's angel strikes 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, and Sennacherib goes home to Nineveh.

As you read 2 Kings 19, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD alone is God, and He defended Jerusalem for His own sake.

The Assyrian commander had mocked the LORD, so Hezekiah tore his clothes and went to the LORD's house (verses 1 to 4). Sennacherib sent a letter saying that the gods of the nations had not saved their lands (verses 10 to 13). Hezekiah spread the letter before the LORD in His house (verse 14). He prayed, “you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth” (verse 15). He asked the LORD to save Jerusalem, so that all the kingdoms would know He is God alone (verse 19). Isaiah sent word that the LORD had heard the prayer (verse 20). The LORD said He would defend the city for His own sake and for David's sake (verse 34). That night the LORD's angel struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, and Sennacherib went home (verses 35 and 36). The LORD alone is God, and He defended Jerusalem for His own sake and for David's.

How does 2 Kings 19 show us that the LORD alone is God, and that He defended Jerusalem for His own sake?

Hezekiah takes his trouble to the LORD.

Hezekiah spread the letter before the LORD in His house (verse 14). He prayed for the LORD to hear and see the words of Sennacherib (verse 16). He asked the LORD to save Jerusalem, so that the kingdoms of the earth would know Him (verse 19).

The LORD alone is God.

Hezekiah confessed that the LORD alone is God of all the earth's kingdoms (verse 15). The gods of Assyria were wood and stone, made by men (verses 17 and 18). The LORD alone is God, and no idol can stand against Him. Jesus said that eternal life is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17 verse 3).

The LORD defends Jerusalem for His own sake.

The LORD said that He would defend the city for His own sake and for David's sake (verse 34). That night His angel struck 185,000 men in the camp (verse 35). Parents, you may want to explain verses 35 to 37 in your own words, without details.

Memorise

you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

2 Kings 19:15

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I trust that the LORD alone is God, and will I come to Jesus?

Hezekiah spread the letter before the LORD and prayed, “you are the God, even you alone.” He asked the LORD to save, so that all the kingdoms of the earth would know He alone is God. Jesus came as that Savior.

Every sinner has turned from the LORD, and no army of the earth can save a soul. Jesus died on the cross and carried the sin of His people, and He paid for it fully. He rose from the dead, and He sits at the right hand of God.

So come to Jesus, turn from your sin, and trust Him as the One who saves. Whoever receives Him has the right to become a child of God (John 1 verse 12). Forgiveness is promised to all who trust Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD alone is God, and that He defended Jerusalem for His own sake. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Parents, you may want to explain verses 35 to 37 in your own words, without details. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that the LORD is the one true God, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Now therefore, Yahweh our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are Yahweh, even you only.”

Isaiah 37:20

Father, thank You that You alone are God, and that You defend Your people for Your own sake. Thank You for Jesus, the Word who was God, who died for sinners and rose again. Bring every child to turn away from sin and trust Jesus. Help us to bring every trouble to You this week. Amen.