“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts” (v.5)
The true function of the prophet is to be the messenger of God. His work is to be God’s voice to all men, whether they be kings, lords, or commoners, he is to speak with the same Divine authority to all. But, he is not responsible to men, nor how men respond to his message, but only for its delivery.
The Lord had warned Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah not to trust in human help, but to rely on God alone. How strange that when Hezekiah was threatened by the Assyrian army, he went straight to God and prayed. But when the Babylonians came, complimenting him and giving gifts, he arrogantly showed them his entire wealth, thus becoming an easy target to take down.
Back in chapter 37 we saw Hezekiah healed from his deathbed and given 15 additional years of life by the grace of God. But, after Hezekiah was healed, his heart changed. In fact, 2 Chronicle 32:24–25 tells us that he allowed pride to take hold of him and he became boastful of the great blessings in his life. That pride led him to show the Babylonians all the treasures of Israel; and when they later invaded, they knew exactly where they were.
This chapter speaks to us about being careful to guard our hearts against pride. If we have become successful, or blessed beyond measure, don’t flaunt it or become boastful about it. Be grateful and give praise to the One who made it possible. Then seek the LORD for His direction over the stewardship of what you've been blessed with.
The Truth: “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)
The true function of the prophet is to be the messenger of God. His work is to be God’s voice to all men, whether they be kings, lords, or commoners, he is to speak with the same Divine authority to all. But, he is not responsible to men, nor how men respond to his message, but only for its delivery.
The Lord had warned Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah not to trust in human help, but to rely on God alone. How strange that when Hezekiah was threatened by the Assyrian army, he went straight to God and prayed. But when the Babylonians came, complimenting him and giving gifts, he arrogantly showed them his entire wealth, thus becoming an easy target to take down.
Back in chapter 37 we saw Hezekiah healed from his deathbed and given 15 additional years of life by the grace of God. But, after Hezekiah was healed, his heart changed. In fact, 2 Chronicle 32:24–25 tells us that he allowed pride to take hold of him and he became boastful of the great blessings in his life. That pride led him to show the Babylonians all the treasures of Israel; and when they later invaded, they knew exactly where they were.
This chapter speaks to us about being careful to guard our hearts against pride. If we have become successful, or blessed beyond measure, don’t flaunt it or become boastful about it. Be grateful and give praise to the One who made it possible. Then seek the LORD for His direction over the stewardship of what you've been blessed with.
The Truth: “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; assuredly, he will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)
