July 28, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

2 Kings 18:9-37 - This portion of this chapter speaks first of the deportation of the northern tribes of Israel.  Then the king of Assyria threatens Judah and Hezekiah gives him a bribe of gold and silver which didn't do him any good.  The Assyrian king adds to his intimidation of Hezekiah along with blasphemy against God. 

2 Kings 19 - Hezekiah asks for Isaiah's help and also goes to the Temple to spread out the threatening letter he got from the Assyrian king before the Lord.  Hezekiah knew that he wasn't only going to ask for the prophet's help, but he would approach God himself.  Isaiah sent God's response to Hezekiah and the angel of the Lord destroyed Assyria's army causing the king to return to his own country where his two sons assassinate him.

Psalm 46 - As you think of the many threats Israel had to face they were grateful that God was "a very present help in trouble" verse 1.  He removed any cause for fear and He reminded Israel to take time and "be still, and know" that God is God, verse 10.

Psalm 80 - Three times over in this Psalm the cry is made, "Restore us, O God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!" verses 3, 7, 19.  The Psalmist Asaph, knew that Israel had sinned again and again against the Lord and he called on the Lord to revive and restore His people to bring them to a place of favor with God.

Psalm 135 - In the first fourteen verses God is praised for His goodness and His sovereign control over His creation.  He saved His people many times.  The latter verses speak of the foolishness of idolatry and then a call is given to Israel and all God's people to bless Him and give Him fear and praise.