4/21 2 Kings 19 - Desperate Faith

More than likely, you’ve faced desperate situations. During those times, who did you turn to? Today, we’ll read the important account of Hezekiah’s faith in the Lord and how the Lord miraculously delivered His people. Join us!

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. Given the context of this passage, what happened in 2 Kings 18 that would lead to Hezekiah tearing his clothes here in 2 Kings 19:1? What did this action (tearing his clothes) indicate?

2. Who did Hezekiah send word for in verse 2? Who was this person and where else is he mentioned in the Bible? What does Hezekiah ask of him in verses 3 &4? How does the fact that Hezekiah sought religious counsel impact the outcome of this passage?

3. In verse 6, why does Isaiah say that Hezekiah should not be afraid? In verse 7, what does the Lord promise will be the outcome of this altercation with Sennacherib? Given the situation, especially the fact that the Northern Kingdom has already fallen to Assyria, why might this promise have seemed “too good to be true”?

4. Per our study in 2nd Kings 18, who (or what) is this “Rabshakeh”? In verse 8, how does he accuse the Lord of deceiving the people? What was Assyria’s track record in defeating other nations who also trusted in their gods?

5. In verse 14, what did Hezekiah do? What does Hezekiah pray in verses 15-19? What depth of faith and trust do you see here? How is this depth of faith tied to Hezekiah’s overall life pattern of trust and obedience?

6. What message did the Lord have through Isaiah for Hezekiah in verse 20? What was the Lord’s message for Rabshakeh in verses 21ff? What was the Lord’s message for the people in verse 29ff?

7. What happens to the Assyrian army in verse 35? What does Sennacherib have to do in verse 36? How was this clearly by the hand of the Lord?

8. The podcast mentioned the archeological artifact called “Sennacherib’s Prism.” How does “Sennacherib’s Prism” help shed light on this biblical account?

9. Based on this passage, what are some principles you can glean for trusting in the Lord, even when everything seems to be going haywire?

10. As you reflect on this passage, how did Sennacherib and Rabshakeh respond to the Lord’s work in their lives? How is this an example of a rebellious response to the clear work of God? What counsel would you give to them about how and why they ought to heed the Lord?

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