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v18050
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1994-03-02
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18054
#35-37 That night which followed the sending of this message to
Hezekiah, the main body of their army was slain. See how weak
the mightiest men are before Almighty God. Who ever hardened
himself against Him and prospered? The king of Assyria's own
sons became his murderers. Those whose children are undutiful,
ought to consider whether they have not been so to their Father
in heaven? This history exhibits a strong proof of the good of
firm trust and confidence in God. He will afflict, but not
forsake his people. It is well when our troubles drive us to our
knees. But does it not reprove our unbelief? How unwilling are
we to rest on the declaration of Jehovah! How desirous to know
in what way he will save us! How impatient when relief is
delayed! But we must wait for the fulfilling of his word. Lord,
help our unbelief.
18057
* Hezekiah's sickness, His recovery in answer to prayer. (1-11)
Hezekiah shows his treasures to the ambassadors from Babylon,
His death. (12-21)
#1-11 Hezekiah was sick unto death, in the same year in which
the king of Assyria besieged Jerusalem. A warning to prepare for
death was brought to Hezekiah by Isaiah. Prayer is one of the
best preparations for death, because by it we fetch in strength
and grace from God, to enable us to finish well. He wept sorely:
some gather from hence that he was unwilling to die; it is in
the nature of man to dread the separation of soul and body.
There was also something peculiar in Hezekiah's case; he was now
in the midst of his usefulness. Let Hezekiah's prayer, see #Isa
38|. interpret his tears; in that is nothing which is like his
having been under that fear of death, which has bondage or
torment. Hezekiah's piety made his sick-bed easy. "O Lord,
remember now;" he does not speak as if God needed to be put in
mind of any thing by us; nor, as if the reward might be demanded
as due; it is Christ's righteousness only that is the purchase
of mercy and grace. Hezekiah does not pray, Lord, spare me; but,
Lord, remember me; whether I live or die, let me be thine. God
always hears the prayers of the broken in heart, and will give
health, length of days, and temporal deliverances, as much and
as long as is truly good for them. Means were to be used for
Hezekiah's recovery; yet, considering to what a height the
disease was come, and how suddenly it was checked, the cure was
miraculous. It is our duty, when sick, to use such means as are
proper to help nature, else we do not trust God, but tempt him.
For the confirmation of his faith, the shadow of the sun was
carried back, and the light was continued longer than usual, in
a miraculous manner. This work of wonder shows the power of God
in heaven as well as on earth, the great notice he takes of
prayer, and the great favour he bears to his chosen.
18068
#12-21 The king of Babylon was at this time independent of the
king of Assyria, though shortly after subdued by him. Hezekiah
showed his treasures and armour, and other proofs of his wealth
and power. This was the effect of pride and ostentation, and
departing from simple reliance on God. He also seems to have
missed the opportunity of speaking to the Chaldeans, about Him
who had wrought the miracles which excited their attention, and
of pointing out to them the absurdity and evil of idolatry. What
is more common than to show our friends our houses and
possessions? But if we do this in the pride of ours hearts, to
gain applause from men, not giving praise to God, it becomes sin
in us, as it did in Hezekiah. We may expect vexation from every
object with which we are unduly pleased. Isaiah, who had often
been Hezekiah's comforter, is now is reprover. The blessed
Spirit is both, #Joh 16:7,8|. Ministers must be both, as there
is occasion. Hezekiah allowed the justice of the sentence, and
God's goodness in the respite. Yet the prospect respecting his
family and nation must have given him many painful feelings.
Hezekiah was indeed humbled for the pride of his heart. And
blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; for they rest from
their labours, and their works do follow them.
18078
* Wicked reign of Manasseh. (1-9) The prophetic denunciations
against Judah. (10-18) Wicked reign and death of Amon. (19-26)
#1-9 Young persons generally desire to become their own masters,
and to have early possession of riches and power. But this, for
the most part, ruins their future comfort, and causes mischief
to others. It is much happier when young persons are sheltered
under the care of parents or guardians, till age gives
experience and discretion. Though such young persons are less
indulged, they will afterwards be thankful. Manasseh wrought
much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, as if on purpose to
provoke him to anger; he did more evil than the nations whom the
Lord destroyed. Manasseh went on from bad to worse, till carried
captive to Babylon. The people were ready to comply with his
wishes, to obtain his favour and because it suited their
depraved inclinations. In the reformation of large bodies,
numbers are mere time-servers, and in temptation fall away.
18087
#10-18 Here is the doom of Judah and Jerusalem. The words used
represent the city emptied and utterly desolate, yet not
destroyed thereby, but cleansed, and to be kept for the future
dwelling of the Jews: forsaken, yet not finally, and only as to
outward privileges, for individual believers were preserved in
that visitation. The Lord will cast off any professing people
who dishonour him by their crimes, but never will desert his
cause on earth. In the book of Chronicles we read of Manasseh's
repentance, and acceptance with God; thus we may learn not to
despair of the recovery of the greatest sinners. But let none
dare to persist in sin, presuming that they may repent and
reform when they please. There are a few instances of the
conversion of notorious sinners, that none may despair; and but
few, that none may presume.
18096
#19-26 Amon profaned God's house with his idols; and God
suffered his house to be polluted with his blood. How
unrighteous soever they were that did it, God was righteous who
suffered it to be done. Now was a happy change from one of the
worst, to one of the best of the kings of Judah. Once more Judah
was tried with a reformation. Whether the Lord bears long with
presumptuous offenders, or speedily cuts them off in their sins,
all must perish who persist in refusing to walk in his ways.