The Sovereignty of God in Times of Crisis
"Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?" - 2 Kings 18:35
In 2 Kings 18:35, the Assyrian king Sennacherib poses a daunting question: "Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?" This verse encapsulates a powerful scene in which a fierce enemy mocks the living God of Israel, assuming that the sovereign Lord is no different than the impotent idols worshipped by other nations. Through this passage, we can glean profound truths about God's sovereignty, the futility of rebellion against Him, and our role in trusting Him amidst life's trials.
The context of this verse reveals the desperation of Jerusalem, besieged not only physically by Sennacherib's army but also spiritually as the inhabitants were confronted by this blasphemous attitude. The Assyrian king seems to be challenging the very essence of divine authority, assuming that Jerusalem, like other cities, was doomed to fall into his hands. Sennacherib boasts as if the defeat of other nations is an undeniable precedent for Jerusalem's downfall. Yet, in his arrogance, he forgets one crucial fact: the God of Israel stands apart from all the so-called gods of the nations.
In our own lives, we often find ourselves in situations that seem overwhelming. Challenges come in various forms—health crises, financial troubles, relational discord, or spiritual doubts. Like the people of Jerusalem, we may hear voices that question our faith and the capacity of our God to deliver us. We might encounter circumstances that suggest defeat, echoing Sennacherib's taunts. However, amid such tribulation, we must hold onto the word of God and remember His past faithfulness.
The question raised by Sennacherib reflects a profound ignorance of God’s nature. He is not just another idol among many; He is the Creator, the Almighty, sovereign over all nations and their destinies. By questioning God’s power to save Jerusalem, the king ultimately reveals his underestimation of the Lord’s authority. In contrast, the faithful remnant in Jerusalem knew better. As the prophet Isaiah reassured them (Isaiah 37:35), God had promised to protect the city because of His covenant with His people.
This leads us to recognize the importance of our faith in God during times of trial. Much like the Israelites who were surrounded by a formidable enemy, we too face challenges that make it easy to surrender to fear and doubt. However, it is critical to remember that our God is mighty to save, and His sovereignty extends over every challenge we encounter. When faced with difficulties, we ought to immerse ourselves in scripture, seek the counsel of wise believers, and immerse ourselves in prayer, calling upon the Lord who made this promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).
Furthermore, Sennacherib’s inquiry about the other gods serves as a reminder of the folly of placing trust in anything other than the true God. The worldview that circulates today often fuels the belief that political power, social influence, or personal ambition can deliver us from adversity. Yet, these are empty assurances; they stand against our might God, who is the only source of salvation and strength. In times of uncertainty, we are called not to yield to the fears crafted by the enemy but to lean into the arms of our Heavenly Father who battles for us.
As we reflect on 2 Kings 18:35, let it serve as a reminder to trust in the God who delivers and saves, who is actively engaged in the present and future challenges we face. The undeniable truth is that no foe, no matter how powerful, can stand against the one true God. In our doubts and fears, let us gravitate towards the assurance of His sovereignty, hold onto His promises, and feel the comfort of His ever-present help.
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2 Kings 18:35 - "Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?"
"Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand?" - 2 Kings 18:35
1 Kings 18:35 - "And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water."
2 Chronicles 35:18 - "And there was no passover like to that kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet; neither did all the kings of Israel keep such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 35:27 - "And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."
2 Kings 9:35 - "And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands."
2 Kings 14:18 - "And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 10:35 - "And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead."
"And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water." - 1 Kings 18:35
1 Kings 2:35 - "And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar."
2 Kings 1:18 - "Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 15:35 - "¶ Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 4:35 - "Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes."
1 Kings 2:18 - "And Bath-sheba said, Well; I will speak for thee unto the king."
2 Kings 8:18 - "And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the LORD."
2 Kings 18:18 - "And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder."
1 Kings 18:2 - "And Elijah went to shew himself unto Ahab. And there was a sore famine in Samaria."
2 Kings 18:15 - "And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house."
2 Kings 18:36 - "But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
"And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" - 2 Kings 14:18
2 Kings 3:18 - "And this is but a light thing in the sight of the LORD: he will deliver the Moabites also into your hand."
2 Kings 19:35 - "¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses."
2 Kings 17:35 - "With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:"
2 Kings 18:33 - "Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?"
Exodus 35:18 - "The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,"
2 Kings 18:5 - "He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him."
2 Kings 16:18 - "And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria."
2 Kings 4:18 - "¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers."
2 Kings 2:18 - "And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?"
"And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah." - 2 Chronicles 35:27