“Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered? Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my predecessors deliver them—the gods of Gozan, Harran, Rezeph and the people of Eden who were in Tel Assar? “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands.” – 2 Kings 19:11-12, 17-18 NIV

The king of Assyria seems to be trying to scare away king Hezekiah with his victories over the many gods he has claimed victory over with his conquests of nations past and is claiming that the God of Israel will be like the other gods. The king of Assyria clearly believes that God won’t be enough to protect the nation of Israel. The difference is unlike the other “gods”, the God of Israel is the one true God of the universe, its creator, its maker, its sustainer, and its provider, with infinite power, and has dominion over all. Hezekiah recognizes this even if the king of Assyria doesn’t and continues to trust that God will deliver him out of the time of trial and hardship even if it seems difficult. We need to remember that God is the same for us and he is trustworthy in trial and can allow us not to be scared by the enemies scare tactics.

Here is an uplifting passage that this reminded me of:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV