2 Kings now devotes three chapters to Hezekiah King of Judah. Remember how his father Ahaz was particularly wicked in sacrificing his son, worshipping idols and changing the worship of God. But Hezekiah was different and was the good king that Judah needed at this time. He did what was right, he removed the high places of false worship (v4), he trusted in God (v5), held fast to the Lord’s commands (v6) and experienced God’s blessing (v7-8).

Hezekiah reign through the destruction and exile of the northern kingdom of Israel (v9-12) which happened during the sixth year of his reign. Eight years later Jerusalem is threatened by King Sennacherib of Assyria (v13-18). The Assyrian representatives who are laying siege to Jerusalem taunt Hezekiah (v19-25) and encourages the people not to listen to him when he says the Lord will deliver them (v26-35). The people remain silent (v36) and Hezekiah is in despair (v37).

We see here one of the main tactics of Satan which is to undermine our faith in the Lord. There will always be voices encouraging us to doubt and not to trust the Lord. Those voices need to be confronted with the promises of God.