11 minute read
A Tale of Two Kings
Gò0dNews for Everyone
A Tale of Two Kings
Advertisement
by Dr. Rob Debelak
The Book of Judges recollects “when there was no king in Israel each person did what was right in their own eyes” (17:6, Ch 19, 21:25). Even when there were rulers in the divided monarchy, most were unfaithful; of the thirty-nine kings in Israel and Judah (1 & 2 Kings), only eight did right in the eyes of the Lord. One such good leader was Hezekiah.
This Davidic descendent reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah. The northern realm of Israel had succumbed to Assyrian conquest, and now, the foreign menace threatened Jerusalem (Isaiah 36:1). Sennacherib sent his chief officer, the Rabshakeh, to Hezekiah’s envoy with a demand of surrender (36:2-20). He boldly attempts to shake Judah’s confidence by showing off his nation’s superior military might (36:4-6). As Sennacherib’s mouthpiece, he relays his king’s arrogance by mocking faith in twisting words (36:7, 10) and subsequently claiming the Lord is powerless (36:14-20). The taunts demean the Lord as no more able to deliver than any other god (36:19). Wisely, Hezekiah had instructed his representatives to remain silent, “not casting pearls before swine.” In humility, they report back (36:21-22), and the news they bear drives Hezekiah to prayer (37:1). Judah’s king sends word to God’s prophet (37:2-5), and God foretells the Assyrian leader’s demise (37:6-7).
Providentially, the political winds shift. The Rabshakeh returns to find his king engaged in a skirmish, distracting Assyrian forces from attacking Jerusalem (37:8-13). Messengers deliver Assyrian insult to Hezekiah regarding their unfinished business (37:9-13), and the enemy departs.
Hezekiah receives their message, reads it, and returns to prayer (37:14). He praises the majesty of God, affirming the Lord’s sovereignty (37:16). The false accusations of the adversary are neutralized, acknowledging the Lord as the God of all gods. Judah’s king asks that God be keenly aware of the enemy’s irreverence (37:17-19); they have impugned the Lord of all lords. His concluding petition is to rescue his nation, blessing all kingdoms of the earth with the knowledge that there is but one God (37:20).
God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer comes through His inspired messenger, Isaiah (37:21-35). Sennacherib’s arrogance in verbally attacking the Holy One of Israel will not go unanswered. Sennacherib trusted his military prowess without considering the true strength of God the Creator! The Lord will stifle Sennacherib’s feeble efforts at regional domination, and Jerusalem, the intended war-trophy, will endure—God Himself defending the city! With that, the enemy army is miraculously vanquished (37:36). Assyria’s king returns to his homeland emptyhanded. Tragically, Sennacherib, a foreign monarch, is given to empty idol worship, and in the house of his false god, he lost his life when betrayed by his sons (37:37-38). Sennacherib’s god did not protect him. In contrast to Hezekiah’s humility, Sennacherib’s blasphemy left him spiritually bankrupt, deprived of political victory, and alone in death—it had cost him everything. The would-be conqueror is conquered.
Two kings, two choices, two outcomes. How each king acts and worships in the narrative portrays options, each with consequences. Humility or arrogance, trust in God or self-reliance, and worship that is genuine or misguided? Through the stories of two kings, the antithetical ways of life and death are linked to faith and set before readers. The account poses choices for how we will govern our lives, inferring, if it were your name in the story, which example would you want as your resume?
About The Author
Dr. Rob Debelak is an Associate Professor of Bible in Lee University’s Online Program. He has taught at Lee University for over 25 years and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, TN.
Your Companion In Care Your Companion In CareCandies Get out of the same old routine and discover a new adventure. Life from a new perspective Get out of the same old routine and discover a new adventure.Your Companion In Care Your Companion In Care We offer services to keep you healthy and active. Creek • In- & Out-patient Rehabilitation • Specialized Therapy Programs • State-of-the-Art Equipment Academy • Skilled & Intermediate Care
SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support A Christ-Centered Classical Education SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Fair Rates and No Contracts• Customized Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated • Customized Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated • Customized Hours and Care Enrolling K4-12th Locally Owned & Operated 423-476-3312 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com 2016-2017 2017-201860 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN www.clevelandhelpinghands.com Helping Hands of Cleveland 60 25th Street NW, Ste. 3 Cleveland, TN 37311 423-476-3312 294 Old Eureka Rd., Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 790-5660 candiescreekacademy.com
SENIOR CARE SERVICES • Personal Care Support • Fair Rates and No Contracts • Customized Hours and Care Locally Owned & Operated www. Helping Hands of Athens 2314 Congress Parkway South Athens, TN 37303 423-405-5913 423-476-3312 60 25th St. NW Suite 3 Cleveland, TN clevelandhelpinghands.com
Joint Commission accredited
“Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 1.423-745-8181 | LCCA.com“Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 “Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 “Our help comes from The LORD, which made Heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 512951234 Frye St. | Athens, TN 37303
1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2.indd 1 8/17/15 10:21 AM
Study At Your Own Pace
1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2.indd 1 1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2.indd 1 1100182_718.07.15 Helping Hands 1.2.indd 1
LIBERTY BIBLE
COLLEGE & SEMINARY CONSERVATIVE SCHOOLS
THREE CONVENIENT
LOCATIONS THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS NOW OPEN IN FORT OGLETHORPE, GA! Fort Oglethorpe, GA (706) 406-2196 Ooltewah, TN (423) 238-4090 Cleveland, TN (423) 476-2160 THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Bible Study Company is an online study Bible and a social media community. Our mission is to study
scripture to live a praiseworthy life to God. Our hope 8/17/15 10:21 AM is a "Company" of believers will study scripture 8/17/15 10:21 AM 8/17/15 10:21 AM
which in turn, causes obedience and service to God. Pew-sitters will grow into disciples. Disciples then become teachers and bear fruit for Christ. Matthew :28
FREE CHIPS
DEGREES Through Corespondence
ASSOCIATE THROUGH PH.D. CREDIT FOR LIFE EXPERIENCE CONTACT US FOR A FREE CATALOG! lbcs.co | lcbands@gmail.com Bible Study Company
Studying scripture to live a
2520 KEITH STREET CLEVELAND, TN 37312 352.621.4991 praiseworthy life to God. www.biblestudycompany.com 423.339.6726 5480 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
FREE CHIPS & REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK
WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD
EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES
Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017
NOW OPEN IN FORT OGLETHORPE, GA! Fort Oglethorpe, GA (706) 406-2196 Ooltewah, TN (423) 238-4090 Cleveland, TN (423) 476-2160 FREE CHIPS & REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK $2 OFF WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD A $10 PURCHASE
EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES
Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017 Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017 2151 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS kidzdentists.com 38664170 423.473.7976
A $10 PURCHASE
Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited.
CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017
2151 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS kidzdentists.com 38664170 423.473.7976
At Shelter Insurance® we pride ourselves on helping folks like you get the right auto insurance coverage at the best rate possible. Call me today to see how you can take advantage of this winning combination from Shelter! 423.400.1042 423.310.3326 Dennis Anderson 423.476.3205 Agent Photo Agent Name Agent Address Agent Phone No. 4160 Ocoee St N 423-476-1300
1009 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 ShelterInsurance.com We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter. 1-800-SHELTER
& REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK
WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD
EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES
Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017
$2 OFF A $10 PURCHASE
Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited.
CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017
2151 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS kidzdentists.com 38664170 423.473.7976
FREE CHIPS & REGULAR FOUNTAIN DRINK
WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN 8" SUB, 12" SUB OR FULL SALAD
EXCLUDES CIABATTA TOASTIES
Not valid on delivery orders. Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited. CLU: 6002-B Expires: 06/31/2017
A $10 PURCHASE
Valid only at listed Quiznos®. Coupon must be surrendered at the time of purchase. One coupon per person per order. Value of promotional items may vary. May not be valid for custom orders or combined with any other offers. Taxes excluded. No cash value (unless prohibited by law, then cash value is $.005). No Substitutions. Void if copied or transfered and where prohibited.
CLU: 6004-A Expires: 06/31/2017
2151 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 Chad Eslinger, DDS Jason Blair, DDS J.Newman, DDS kidzdentists.com 38664170 423.473.7976