Nehemiah 1

Nehemiah 1:1

Introduction

In the previous chapters the faithfulness of Hezekiah is shown. There we see his religious reforms. In this chapter we see his political performance. Here also come the tests. There are three of them: 1. the invasion of Sennacherib; 2. his disease to the verge of death; 3. the embassy of Babylon. In the first and second tests he remains standing, but in the third test he fails.

The history described in this chapter also occurs in 2 Kings 18-20 and in Isaiah 36-39. There the events are described in much more detail, while here we have a summary.

Measures of Hezekiah Against Sennacherib

The previous chapters have described events that bring joy to both the LORD and His people. In those chapters Hezekiah’s faithfulness to its domestic policy has been demonstrated. He has cleansed the temple, city, and land of idolatry and provided facilities to ensure that God’s service is maintained in His house and land.

After all these events, the stage changes. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, appears on the stage, that is, in the land of God (2 Chronicles 32:1). He invades Judah. Sennacherib is the king of a rapidly growing empire. The Assyrian army occupied Samaria and the northern part of Israel from the fourth to the sixth year of Hezekiah’s reign (2 Kings 18:9-12). Now he enters Judah. After the proofs of Hezekiah’s faithfulness, we see that in Sennacherib he is confronted with the powers of darkness.

This does not happen because God must discipline His people, because the people are dedicated to Him. God has another purpose with this invasion and that is to test the faith of Hezekiah. It is always beautiful when dedication to the Lord and His house comes, as evidenced by the removal from our lives of things that prevent it. But the life of faith also has other aspects than our service in the house of God. One of those aspects is that we live in a hostile world. We are being put to the test by the world. Then it becomes clear how we react to attacks from the enemy that come at us from outside.

Sennacherib sets his sights on the cities of Judah and he also sets his sights on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:2). When Hezekiah notices this, he consults with his officers and his warriors to cut off the supply of water from the springs which are outside the city (2 Chronicles 32:3). The first measure he takes against Sennacherib’s attack concerns the water supply. His first concern is that of drinking water. They work with all their might to cut off the springs and the stream, i.e. to hide them (2 Chronicles 32:4). The water should not come into the hands of the Assyrians, but should remain at the disposal of the inhabitants of the city (2 Chronicles 32:30). Water speaks of the Word of God in its cleansing and invigorating power. This is the first thing you need to have at your disposal in times of testing.

When the water supply is secured, this gives Hezekiah courage to take the next step. This concerns the restoration of the walls, the strengthening of the Millo and the making of weapons and shields (2 Chronicles 32:5). All these elements have to do with defense. The walls are a static, immobile defensive belt; the weapons and shields speak of a dynamic, mobile defense.

We can apply this as follows. There are rock-solid certainties in our faith, such as salvation through faith in Christ and the eternal salvation that comes with it. When the enemy attacks, we must always draw back behind the ‘wall’. However, the enemy also attacks when we seek the will of the Lord. Then we must use ‘the shield of faith’. This means that we say that we entrust ourselves to Him Who is never mistaken, even though sometimes we do not know what to do or why we have ended up in a certain situation. The abundance of weapons and shields speaks of the abundance of defenses against enemy attacks.

After Hezekiah himself has taken courage, he also speaks to the heart of the military officers he has appointed over the people (2 Chronicles 32:6). Speaking to the heart means speaking to comfort (cf. Rth 2:13). He calls them together in the square at the city gate. He speaks to them insistently: “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed” (2 Chronicles 32:7; cf. Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:9). They do not need to be impressed by the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him.

The enemy can seem powerful when they compare him to themselves. But they should not do that. They have to look at who are with them. Those who are with them cannot be seen with the natural eye. The heavenly hosts under the command of the LORD of the hosts are perceivable only through the eye of faith. Hezekiah sees them, just like Elisha sees them, while his servant only sees the powerful enemy. Elisha then says: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16), words spoken here by Hezekiah to the military officers.

Hezekiah also points out that Sennacherib relies on nothing but “an arm of flesh” (2 Chronicles 32:8; cf. Jeremiah 17:5). With this he indicates that the power (the arm) of Sennacherib is no more than ‘flesh’, that is to say weak and transient. Then he points out that on the side of Israel stands the LORD as the mighty Helper and Warrior. What can an insignificant man do against the Almighty God? Compared to Him, the power of Sennacherib disappears into nothingness.

How powerful words are is shown by the fact that the people “relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah”. Words are not value-free or neutral. Exchanges of words did result in violent confrontations. We can do both good and evil with words, promoting as well as ruining a work of the Lord. It is important that we as believers speak words that do good, words which benefits the other, something that encourages (Zechariah 1:13). That is how Hezekiah speaks.

Nehemiah 1:2

Introduction

In the previous chapters the faithfulness of Hezekiah is shown. There we see his religious reforms. In this chapter we see his political performance. Here also come the tests. There are three of them: 1. the invasion of Sennacherib; 2. his disease to the verge of death; 3. the embassy of Babylon. In the first and second tests he remains standing, but in the third test he fails.

The history described in this chapter also occurs in 2 Kings 18-20 and in Isaiah 36-39. There the events are described in much more detail, while here we have a summary.

Measures of Hezekiah Against Sennacherib

The previous chapters have described events that bring joy to both the LORD and His people. In those chapters Hezekiah’s faithfulness to its domestic policy has been demonstrated. He has cleansed the temple, city, and land of idolatry and provided facilities to ensure that God’s service is maintained in His house and land.

After all these events, the stage changes. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, appears on the stage, that is, in the land of God (2 Chronicles 32:1). He invades Judah. Sennacherib is the king of a rapidly growing empire. The Assyrian army occupied Samaria and the northern part of Israel from the fourth to the sixth year of Hezekiah’s reign (2 Kings 18:9-12). Now he enters Judah. After the proofs of Hezekiah’s faithfulness, we see that in Sennacherib he is confronted with the powers of darkness.

This does not happen because God must discipline His people, because the people are dedicated to Him. God has another purpose with this invasion and that is to test the faith of Hezekiah. It is always beautiful when dedication to the Lord and His house comes, as evidenced by the removal from our lives of things that prevent it. But the life of faith also has other aspects than our service in the house of God. One of those aspects is that we live in a hostile world. We are being put to the test by the world. Then it becomes clear how we react to attacks from the enemy that come at us from outside.

Sennacherib sets his sights on the cities of Judah and he also sets his sights on Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:2). When Hezekiah notices this, he consults with his officers and his warriors to cut off the supply of water from the springs which are outside the city (2 Chronicles 32:3). The first measure he takes against Sennacherib’s attack concerns the water supply. His first concern is that of drinking water. They work with all their might to cut off the springs and the stream, i.e. to hide them (2 Chronicles 32:4). The water should not come into the hands of the Assyrians, but should remain at the disposal of the inhabitants of the city (2 Chronicles 32:30). Water speaks of the Word of God in its cleansing and invigorating power. This is the first thing you need to have at your disposal in times of testing.

When the water supply is secured, this gives Hezekiah courage to take the next step. This concerns the restoration of the walls, the strengthening of the Millo and the making of weapons and shields (2 Chronicles 32:5). All these elements have to do with defense. The walls are a static, immobile defensive belt; the weapons and shields speak of a dynamic, mobile defense.

We can apply this as follows. There are rock-solid certainties in our faith, such as salvation through faith in Christ and the eternal salvation that comes with it. When the enemy attacks, we must always draw back behind the ‘wall’. However, the enemy also attacks when we seek the will of the Lord. Then we must use ‘the shield of faith’. This means that we say that we entrust ourselves to Him Who is never mistaken, even though sometimes we do not know what to do or why we have ended up in a certain situation. The abundance of weapons and shields speaks of the abundance of defenses against enemy attacks.

After Hezekiah himself has taken courage, he also speaks to the heart of the military officers he has appointed over the people (2 Chronicles 32:6). Speaking to the heart means speaking to comfort (cf. Rth 2:13). He calls them together in the square at the city gate. He speaks to them insistently: “Be strong and courageous, do not fear or be dismayed” (2 Chronicles 32:7; cf. Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:9). They do not need to be impressed by the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him.

The enemy can seem powerful when they compare him to themselves. But they should not do that. They have to look at who are with them. Those who are with them cannot be seen with the natural eye. The heavenly hosts under the command of the LORD of the hosts are perceivable only through the eye of faith. Hezekiah sees them, just like Elisha sees them, while his servant only sees the powerful enemy. Elisha then says: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16), words spoken here by Hezekiah to the military officers.

Hezekiah also points out that Sennacherib relies on nothing but “an arm of flesh” (2 Chronicles 32:8; cf. Jeremiah 17:5). With this he indicates that the power (the arm) of Sennacherib is no more than ‘flesh’, that is to say weak and transient. Then he points out that on the side of Israel stands the LORD as the mighty Helper and Warrior. What can an insignificant man do against the Almighty God? Compared to Him, the power of Sennacherib disappears into nothingness.

How powerful words are is shown by the fact that the people “relied on the words of Hezekiah king of Judah”. Words are not value-free or neutral. Exchanges of words did result in violent confrontations. We can do both good and evil with words, promoting as well as ruining a work of the Lord. It is important that we as believers speak words that do good, words which benefits the other, something that encourages (Zechariah 1:13). That is how Hezekiah speaks.

Nehemiah 1:3

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:4

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:5

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:6

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:7

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:8

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:9

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:10

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.

Nehemiah 1:11

Sennacherib Insults the LORD

Hezekiah has just finished his preparations and the servants from Sennacherib come to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 32:9). They speak the words of Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:10a). These are very different words from the ones Hezekiah has spoken. Hezekiah supported the people of God with his words (2 Chronicles 32:8), but Sennacherib wants to undermine and take away the trust of the people in Hezekiah and the LORD by his words (2 Chronicles 32:10b). If he can erode their confidence, they will lose courage and become an easy prey for him.

Sennacherib reminds the people through his servants, that Hezekiah surrenders them by his policy, to die by hunger and by thirst (2 Chronicles 32:11). Hezekiah deceives them by making them believe that the LORD their God will deliver them from his hand. What a folly of Hezekiah! They see with their own eyes what Hezekiah did with “His high places and His altars” (2 Chronicles 32:12), don’t they? Hezekiah has taken them all away and the LORD has not put a stop to it. Then it must be clear to them what a worthless God that is, Who cannot even stand up for Himself. Here we see that to the foolish unbelief of Sennacherib the LORD is no more than one of the many idols that the people have served.

Sennacherib wants to incite the people by pointing out to them what Hezekiah has taken from them and that he has limited their religion to one altar. But Sennacherib knows nothing of the hidden sources that the faith knows. Even today, people of the world and even in professing Christianity will say that it makes no sense being faithful to God and His Word. According to Sennacherib, serving the one God is meaningless. By the way, to him God is nothing more than an idol, from whom his altars have been taken away. But even though God’s power is not openly present at this time, Judah must know from his own history how God has always stood up for His people against powerful enemies.

In prideful, haughty language Sennacherib asks if they don’t know what he and his fathers have done with other peoples (2 Chronicles 32:13). With his big mouth, he asks the next question and that is whether the gods of those peoples were able to prevent him from conquering those lands. In his third question, he argues that none of the gods of the lands that his fathers banned managed to deliver his people from his hand. Therefore, as he brags, their God will not succeed in delivering His people from his hand (2 Chronicles 32:14). Here Sennacherib not only reduces God to an idol, but he speaks in contempt of Him as one of the slightest idols.

After this list of facts, the conclusion may be clear (2 Chronicles 32:15). The people should not be deceived by Hezekiah and not be inspired by what he says. Hezekiah is a liar. They should not believe him. The facts are clear, aren’t they? He points out once again – he doesn’t get tired of repeating it – that no one god has managed to protect his people and kingdom against the attacks of the Assyrians. All these peoples have been conquered by them. If those gods did not succeed, then certainly not their God.

The chronicler leaves it at this as far as the words that Sennacherib addressed to the people are concerned. His servants have spoken still other words “against the LORD God and against His servant Hezekiah” (2 Chronicles 32:16; 2 Kings 18:19-35). Again and again Sennacherib in his arrogance slanders the God of heaven and earth by comparing Him to his handmade gods of wood and stone. He also slanders His servant. He calls Hezekiah a deceiver. This is also said of the Lord Jesus (John 7:12; Matthew 27:63). It is an honor for Hezekiah to share as a companion of God in the reproach that the enemy inflicts upon Him (cf. Psalms 69:9; Luke 10:16).

If the desired effect of his words is not achieved, Sennacherib tries to get the people down by means of letters (2 Chronicles 32:17). These letters contain the same story. He repeats it again and again. Always saying the same thing does well in politics. The people will be brainwashed by it and will finally accept the lie as truth.

Sennacherib insults “the LORD God of Israel” by continuing to repeat that “the God of Hezekiah” will not be able to deliver them from his hand, any more than the gods of other nations have been able to do so. His servants support the message of the letter by loudly calling out their threats to the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 32:18). They want to break the resistance of the people through intimidation and then take the city.

2 Chronicles 32:19 summarizes how Sennacherib spoke about God. His conception of God will be fatal to him. The effect is the opposite of the goal Sennacherib has with his mocking language. The insult of the opponents makes God turn against these enemies, just as the prayer of His people makes Him work for His people.