The fact that Hezakiah orders a national observance of the Passover at Jerusalem is a noble attempt to unify the northern and southern kingdoms. The Assyrians, vigilant against signs of revolt do not see the harm of Hebrews in the northern kingdom resorting to a religious rite in Jerusalem. For the Judeans, going to the capital, instead of celebrating in the home, is unprecedented. The Assyrians do not anticipate the nationalist feeling about Passover. The Chronicler describes the frantic efforts to build up the defenses of Jerusalem in response to the imminent Assyrian attack led by Sennacherib. To his people Hezakiah speaks “Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him; for there is one greater with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” According to the Chronicler, the Lord sent an angel which cut off all the mighty men… in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. The Chronicler admits that this good king was not quite free from fault. “God left him to try him.” But, Hezakiah dies having done very well. What will Jesus have to say about a God who leaves us or who tries us?
The fact that Hezakiah orders a national observance of the Passover at Jerusalem is a noble attempt to unify the northern and southern kingdoms. The Assyrians, vigilant against signs of revolt do not see the harm of Hebrews in the northern kingdom resorting to a religious rite in Jerusalem. For the Judeans, going to the capital, instead of celebrating in the home, is unprecedented. The Assyrians do not anticipate the nationalist feeling about Passover. The Chronicler describes the frantic efforts to build up the defenses of Jerusalem in response to the imminent Assyrian attack led by Sennacherib. To his people Hezakiah speaks “Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him; for there is one greater with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” According to the Chronicler, the Lord sent an angel which cut off all the mighty men… in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. The Chronicler admits that this good king was not quite free from fault. “God left him to try him.” But, Hezakiah dies having done very well. What will Jesus have to say about a God who leaves us or who tries us?
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