This chapter parallels 2 Ki 19 detailing Assyria’s siege upon Jerusalem, their mocking of God, and God’s deliverance of Judah.
“Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed… and cried to heaven. And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame… to his own land. And when he came into the house of his god, some of his own sons struck him down there with the sword. So the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem… and he provided for them on every side.” (v20, 2 Ki 19:35a, 22 abr)
God truly delivers and provides. Not only did he rescue Judah from impending doom (again), it also says “He provided for them on every side”. Essentially, God looked after everything for Judah – their security, their food, water, shelter, literally everything.
Scripture is full of many references to God’s roles of provider and protector. Many psalms have verses like this: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psa 84:11) This was true for Judah, and this is still true for us today.
If you’re not currently experiencing a sense of God’s protection and provision in your life, then I would encourage you to spend time in prayer about that. In my experience, God has a way of opening our eyes, and creating grateful / joyful hearts within us, so we may see that which He is providing. I think ungratefulness blinds us to God’s work and blessing in our lives. The closer we get to God, the more grateful we become, and the more obvious His pre-existing blessings become (they are usually already there, we can just have trouble seeing / accepting them).
Father God, our Glorious and Generous Lord, You alone are worthy of our praise. You have blessed us so greatly with protection and provision. Father please open our eyes and hearts to Your presence and blessings in our lives. We confess any ungratefulness or any lack of faith that blinds us to Your gifts. Please draw us near to You so our hearts can be overjoyed in Your presence. In the name of Jesus our King and Savior we praise Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training