Introduction: The Bible is replete with accounts of divine intervention, where God intervenes in human affairs to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His power. One such instance is recorded in 2 Kings 19:35, where God sends an angel to deliver the people of Jerusalem from a formidable enemy threat. But why did God send the angel in this particular instance? In this article, we’ll delve into the context of 2 Kings 19:35 and explore the reasons behind God’s intervention.
- Background of 2 Kings 19: 2 Kings 19 recounts the story of King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrians, a powerful empire of the ancient Near East, had laid siege to numerous cities in Judah, including the fortified city of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah sought divine guidance and sent a message to the prophet Isaiah, pleading for God’s intervention and deliverance.
- Threat of Destruction: The Assyrian army, under the command of King Sennacherib, had already conquered many cities in Judah and threatened to destroy Jerusalem as well. Sennacherib’s chief officer, the Rabshakeh, had taunted and blasphemed God, boasting of the Assyrians’ military might and mocking the faith of the Israelites.
- Hezekiah’s Prayer: In response to the Assyrian threat, King Hezekiah turned to God in prayer, seeking His intervention and deliverance. He spread out the threatening letter from the Assyrian king before the Lord in the temple and appealed to God for help. Hezekiah acknowledged God’s sovereignty and power, entreating Him to save His people and vindicate His name in the sight of the nations.
- Divine Response: In answer to Hezekiah’s prayer, God sent a message of reassurance through the prophet Isaiah, promising to protect Jerusalem and thwart the Assyrian invasion. In 2 Kings 19:35, we read that “that night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp.”
- Purpose of God’s Intervention: The sending of the angel in 2 Kings 19:35 served several purposes:
- Divine Judgment: God’s intervention resulted in the defeat and destruction of a significant portion of the Assyrian army, demonstrating His power to execute judgment upon the enemies of His people.
- Protection of His People: God’s action protected the inhabitants of Jerusalem from imminent destruction and preserved the city as a testimony to His faithfulness and deliverance.
- Vindication of His Name: By defeating the Assyrians and delivering Jerusalem, God vindicated His name and demonstrated His sovereignty over the nations, fulfilling His promises to His people.
Conclusion: The sending of the angel in 2 Kings 19:35 underscores the themes of divine intervention, protection, and judgment found throughout the Bible. In this instance, God responded to the prayers of His people and acted decisively to deliver them from their enemies. The story serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, power, and sovereignty, offering hope and encouragement to believers facing adversity and challenges in their own lives.
