In 2 Kings 18 we witness an important chapter in the history of Judah under the reign of King Hezekiah. Under the unfaithful and unstable reigns of previous kings, Judah experienced a period of spiritual decline. Hezekiah, as a true leader, worked to restore true worship and trust in God.

Hezekiah’s reforms were significant. He removed the high places, broke the pillars, cut down the Asherah, and broke the bronze serpent that Moses had made (2 Kings 18:4), showing his determination to cleanse the temple and restore worship. These measures marked Judah’s return to the worship of God and ended a long period of idolatry.

Despite these positive reforms, Hezekiah still faced a great threat from Assyria. Assyrian king Sennacherib captured all of Judah’s fortified cities and laid siege to Jerusalem, putting Hezekiah and his people in a difficult position.

Under great pressure, Hezekiah initially paid tribute of gold and silver to the Assyrian king in an attempt to buy peace and avoid more destruction. This may seem like a sign of lack of faith or fear on his part. But we need to see Hezekiah’s decision in a broader context.

Hezekiah's decision to pay tribute was not necessarily one of total surrender or disbelief. Contrary, his primary response was to seek God's help, as evidenced by his appeal to the prophet Isaiah and his sincere prayer (2 Kings 19:14-19). Although Hezekiah initially chose to pay tribute, he did not abandon his faith in God or compromise completely.

Ultimately, Hezekiah’s faith in God was answered with conviction. God heard his prayers and trust, sent angel to defeat the Assyrian army, and brought miraculous deliverance to Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35-36). This is a reminder that even in times of great stress, when leaders or individuals make difficult decisions, it is ultimately faith and reliance on God that matters most.

Reflection

In times of crisis, our initial response may not be perfect, but it is vital to continue to trust God and seek his guidance. Just as Hezekiah's faith brought about divine intervention and salvation, our faith in God can help us meet our challenges. Let us follow Hezekiah's example and maintain our faith and reliance on God even when faced with difficult decisions.

Prayer : Dear Father, help us to trust in you wholeheartedly, even when faced with challenges that seem overwhelming. Grant us the wisdom to seek your guidance and the strength to stand firm in our faith. Let our decisions reflect our trust in your divine intervention and salvation. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.