WEDNESDAY — WHO RULES THE NATIONS?
READ: 2 Kings 18:17–19:37
Assyria is no longer just a distant threat. Jerusalem is surrounded, and the king of Assyria speaks as though nothing can stand in his way.
Today, listen carefully to what everyone says—and watch what YHWH does.
1. LISTEN TO ASSYRIA
Read 2 Kings 18:17–37.
What claims does the Rabshakeh make about Assyria, Hezekiah, and YHWH?
What does he want the people of Jerusalem to believe?
2. WATCH HEZEKIAH
Read 2 Kings 19:1–19.
How does Hezekiah respond to the threat?
Pay special attention to his prayer in verses 15–19. What does Hezekiah believe about YHWH that Assyria does not?
3. WATCH YHWH
Finish 2 Kings 19:20–37.
Who ultimately determines what happens to Jerusalem and to Assyria?
What does this teach you about the power of nations compared with the sovereignty of YHWH?
CARRY IT WITH YOU
Kings may boast. Armies may surround cities. Nations may appear unstoppable.
But Scripture keeps asking us to look higher.
As you prepare for Isaiah 13, carry this question:
Who is really directing the course of nations?
Tomorrow, another nation enters the story.