Hezekiah’s Prayer: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on God’s Deliverance

✨ Executive Summary ✨

2 Kings 19 recounts a pivotal moment in the reign of King Hezekiah, a faithful leader facing overwhelming odds. When Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, threatens Jerusalem with utter destruction, Hezekiah turns to God in fervent prayer. This chapter showcases the power of humility, faith, and unwavering reliance on the Almighty in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. God responds to Hezekiah’s plea through the prophet Isaiah, promising deliverance and the downfall of Sennacherib. The chapter underscores the importance of prayer, trust in God’s promises, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. The story of Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Deliverance is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, God is always present and ready to act on behalf of those who call upon Him. We can find services to help your church in its mission here.

This passage is a masterclass in faith under pressure. King Hezekiah, confronted with the seemingly unstoppable Assyrian war machine, exemplifies the power of turning to God in times of crisis. Hezekiah’s actions—his rending of clothes, his entrance into the temple, and his heartfelt prayer—paint a vivid picture of genuine repentance and dependence on divine intervention. 2 Kings 19 showcases not just a historical event, but a profound spiritual truth: God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful. The narrative provides crucial lessons for believers today navigating personal and communal trials.

📜 Commentary Sections 📖

2 Kings 19:1 – Hezekiah’s Mourning

(KJV) And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord.

(NKJV) And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.

Hezekiah’s immediate reaction to the devastating news is one of profound mourning and repentance. The rending of clothes and the wearing of sackcloth were traditional signs of grief and humility before God. His entrance into the Temple signifies his recognition that the solution to the crisis lies not in military might, but in divine intervention. This is an echo of Joel 2:12-13, calling for heartfelt turning to God in times of distress. The act of entering the temple isn’t merely symbolic; it underscores that real power exists in sacred spaces where we draw closer to God.

Spiritual Application: When faced with overwhelming challenges, our first instinct should be to turn to God in humility and prayer, acknowledging our dependence on His grace.

2 Kings 19:2-4 – The Delegation to Isaiah

(KJV) And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. It may be the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the Lord thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

(NKJV) Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. It may be that the LORD your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’”

Hezekiah sends a delegation of key officials to the prophet Isaiah, acknowledging the dire situation and seeking divine guidance. The phrase “the children have come to birth, and there is not strength to bring forth” is a vivid metaphor for a nation facing imminent destruction. It speaks to the feeling of being on the cusp of a new beginning (deliverance) but lacking the strength to achieve it. The request for Isaiah to pray for the “remnant that is left” acknowledges the devastation already inflicted and expresses hope for the survival of the people. This harkens back to the concept of a holy remnant, a theme found throughout the Old Testament. As St. Athanasius said, “Τότε δὲ καὶ ἡμεῖς, ὡς Ἰσραὴλ τὸν Ἀμαλήκ, ἐκβαλοῦμεν τὸν ἀντίχριστον (Tote de kai hēmeis, hōs Israēl ton Amalēk, ekbaloumen ton antichriston)” (Then also we, like Israel Amalek, shall cast out the antichrist) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 54). Here, the Saint compares antichrist with our daily struggle, as Hezekiah struggles with the Assyrians.

Spiritual Application: We must always remember the power of intercessory prayer and to seek the counsel of spiritual leaders in times of crisis.

2 Kings 19:5-7 – Isaiah’s Prophecy of Assurance

(KJV) So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah. And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and shall return to his own land, and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

(NKJV) So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. And Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Do not be afraid of the words which you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Surely I will send a spirit upon him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.”’”

Isaiah’s response is immediate and unambiguous: “Be not afraid.” This is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign and in control, even when circumstances seem hopeless. God promises to send a “spirit” (ruach) upon Sennacherib, causing him to hear a rumor and return to his own land, where he will ultimately be defeated. This is a direct response to the blasphemous words of the Assyrian officials, reaffirming God’s power and justice. This event is a prefigurement of Christ defeating our enemies.

Spiritual Application: We must cultivate a spirit of courage and trust in God’s promises, even when faced with daunting opposition. Remember the words of St. Paul: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

2 Kings 19:8-13 – Sennacherib’s Renewed Threat

(KJV) So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish. And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly: and shalt thou be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar? Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?

(NKJV) Then the Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he heard that he had departed from Lachish. And when he heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “Look, he has come out to fight against you,” he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus you shall speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, “Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria!” Look! You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered? Have the gods of the nations delivered those whom my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan and Haran and Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar? Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?’”

Sennacherib, undeterred by the prophecy, doubles down on his threats. He sends another message to Hezekiah, attempting to undermine his faith by highlighting the Assyrian army’s past victories and mocking the impotence of other nations’ gods. This is a common tactic of the enemy: to sow doubt and fear in the hearts of believers. The mention of specific cities and destroyed nations is meant to create a sense of inevitability and despair. The mention of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia is evidence of the reach and complexity of the geopolitics of the time.

Spiritual Application: We must be vigilant against the enemy’s attempts to undermine our faith through doubt, fear, and comparison. We must ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word and His unwavering faithfulness.

2 Kings 19:14-19 – Hezekiah’s Prayer Before the Lord

(KJV) And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, Lord, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only.

(NKJV) And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. Then Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: “O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. Truly, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God, You alone.”

This is the heart of the chapter: Hezekiah’s prayer. He takes the threatening letter and lays it before the Lord, symbolically placing the problem in God’s hands. His prayer is a masterpiece of humility, faith, and theological clarity. He acknowledges God’s sovereignty (“You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth”) and His creative power (“You have made heaven and earth”). He asks God to hear and see the blasphemous words of Sennacherib, and to deliver Jerusalem not for its own sake, but for the sake of God’s glory (“that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone”). The imagery of God dwelling “between the cherubim” connects to the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God in the Temple. Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Deliverance are linked, because Hezekiah acknowledges that Assyrian idols were just “the work of men’s hands,” reaffirming the uniqueness and omnipotence of God.

Spiritual Application: Hezekiah’s prayer is a model for our own. It teaches us to approach God with humility, faith, and a focus on His glory. We should bring our problems before Him, trusting in His power and wisdom to intervene.

2 Kings 19:20-34 – Isaiah’s Prophecy of Sennacherib’s Defeat

(KJV) Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning him; The virgin daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and I will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel. I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places. Hast thou not heard long ago how I have done it, and of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps. Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up. But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me. Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of themselves, and the second year that which springeth of the same; and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits thereof. And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this. Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the Lord. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.

(NKJV) Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘Because you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard. This is the word which the LORD has spoken concerning him: “The virgin, the daughter of Zion, Has despised you, laughed you to scorn; The daughter of Jerusalem Has shaken her head behind your back! Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice, And lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel. By your messengers you have reproached the Lord, And said, ‘With the multitude of my chariots I have come up to the height of the mountains, To the limits of Lebanon; I will cut down its tall cedars And its choice cypress trees; I will enter the extremity of its borders, To its fruitful forest.’ I have dug wells and drunk water, And with the soles of my feet I have dried up All the rivers of besieged places.’ “Did you not hear long ago How I made it, From ancient times that I formed it? Now I have brought it to pass, That you should be For crushing fortified cities into heaps of ruins. Therefore their inhabitants had little power; They were dismayed and confounded; They were as the grass of the field And the green herb, As the grass on the housetops And grain blighted before it is grown up. “But I know your dwelling place, Your going out and your coming in, And your rage against Me. Because your rage against Me and your arrogance have come up to My ears, Therefore I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, And I will turn you back by the way which you came.” ‘This shall be a sign to you: You shall eat this year what grows of itself, And in the second year what springs from the same; Also in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah Shall again take root downward, And bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, And those who escape from Mount Zion.’ The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. “Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, Nor shoot an arrow there, Nor come before it with shield, Nor build a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, By the same shall he return; And he shall not come into this city,’ Says the LORD. ‘For I will defend this city, to save it For My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’”

God answers Hezekiah’s prayer through Isaiah, delivering a scathing rebuke to Sennacherib. The prophecy highlights Sennacherib’s arrogance and blasphemy against the “Holy One of Israel.” God declares that He will put a “hook in [Sennacherib’s] nose, and [a] bridle in [his] lips,” symbolizing his complete subjugation and humiliation. The prophecy also includes a sign for Hezekiah: the land will yield crops spontaneously for two years, followed by a return to normal agricultural cycles in the third year. This sign serves as a guarantee of God’s faithfulness and the restoration of Judah. The promise that Sennacherib will not even shoot an arrow into the city emphasizes the completeness of God’s protection. The mention of defending the city for David’s sake underscores God’s covenant with David and his descendants.

Spiritual Application: God not only hears our prayers but also responds with power and justice. We can trust in His protection and provision, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable opposition.

2 Kings 19:35-37 – The Angel of the Lord’s Victory and Sennacherib’s Death

(KJV) 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. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.

(NKJV) And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were all the corpses—dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.

The prophecy is fulfilled in dramatic fashion. An angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night. This miraculous event demonstrates God’s overwhelming power and serves as a clear sign of His favor upon Judah. Sennacherib returns to Nineveh in disgrace, where he is later assassinated by his own sons while worshipping in the house of his god Nisroch. This ignominious end highlights the futility of trusting in false gods and the ultimate triumph of the one true God. This also affirms the Psalmist’s saying that “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Spiritual Application: God’s power is far greater than any earthly force. We can trust in His protection and deliverance, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate those who trust in Him.

🤔 FAQ ❓

• Q: Why did Hezekiah spread the letter before the Lord?
  A: This was a symbolic act of entrusting the problem to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His intervention. By placing the letter before God, Hezekiah demonstrated his faith that God was the only one capable of solving the crisis.
• Q: What is the significance of Isaiah’s prophecy in this chapter?
  A: Isaiah’s prophecy provides assurance to Hezekiah and the people of Judah that God has heard their prayers and will deliver them from the Assyrian threat. It also serves as a rebuke to Sennacherib, highlighting his arrogance and blasphemy against God.
• Q: What does this chapter teach us about prayer?
  A: This chapter demonstrates the power of fervent, heartfelt prayer in times of crisis. It teaches us to approach God with humility, faith, and a focus on His glory, trusting in His power and wisdom to intervene.
• Q: What are some connections to this story found in the Deuterocanonical books?
  A: While no direct connections exist in the Deuterocanonical books related to the specifics of this event, the themes of righteous kings relying on God for deliverance (Judith), and prayer being answered in miraculous ways (Tobit) are resonant.

🕊️ Conclusion 🕊️

The story of Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Deliverance in 2 Kings 19 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of humility, faith, and unwavering reliance on God in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Hezekiah’s example teaches us to turn to God in prayer, trusting in His power and wisdom to intervene in our lives. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem underscores the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil and the faithfulness of God to His promises. Just as God heard and answered Hezekiah’s prayer, He is also ready to hear and answer our prayers today. Let us, therefore, approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is a God who is always present and ready to act on behalf of those who call upon Him. May we never doubt that we can find services to help your church in its mission here.

🏷️ Tags

Hezekiah, Prayer, Deliverance, Sennacherib, Assyria, Isaiah, Prophecy, Faith, Trust, God, Coptic Orthodox, Bible Commentary

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Explore 2 Kings 19: Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Deliverance with a Coptic Orthodox commentary. Discover powerful lessons on faith, prayer, and divine intervention. Learn how to apply the lessons of 2 Kings 19 to your life today.