And for shields— Houbigant here reads precious things, instead of shields.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, We might have expected that all would be peace and safety after these good things that Hezekiah had done; but behold a dreadful storm arises. We may be in the way of duty, and yet exposed to severe sufferings. It was happy that Hezekiah was not interrupted before he had well proceeded in his work; and now, having God's blessing, he is better prepared to meet his violent foe.
1. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, invades his country with an army which threatened to swallow him up. His father had lately subdued Israel, and he hoped to find Judah as easy a prey.
2. Hezekiah, who perceived his design against Jerusalem, not having forces to meet him in the field, prepares wisely for the siege that he expected, by endeavouring to cut off all supplies of water from the besiegers, strengthening the city with new fortifications, and providing abundance of military weapons. Note; When danger threatens, it is prudent to prepare for it. We must trust God above all means, but never tempt him in the neglect of them.
3. The good thing assembles the people, and, while he marshals them under proper officers, encourages their hearts, and comforts them, that they may not think of surrender, but bravely stand in the evil day. The danger was great, and required boldness and courage; yet they need not be dismayed at this mighty and numerous host. Angelic legions, if needful, more numerous, should protect them; and, above all, God was with them, in power almighty, in faithfulness unchangeable; and therefore they might confidently expect the victory over their enemies. Note; (1.) Strong faith silences fear. (2.) No foes can stand before him who is the captain of our salvation; who, having already vanquished for us sin, death, and hell, will make us more than conquerors over them.
2nd, The account of this siege we had before, more at large, 2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19 Kings 19. The substance is here shortly summed up, of Sennacherib's blasphemy, Hezekiah's prayer, and God's gracious interposition to save him. It may teach us, (1.) The enmity of the natural heart against God and his people. (2.) The great enemy of souls especially labours to discourage us; knowing, that till our faith is shaken we cannot be moved. (3.) Railing and abuse are poor arguments; and sinners will find, that shortly their own tongues shall fall upon themselves. (4.) Prayer, in every distress, is the way to the door of hope. (5.) God covers the proud with confusion, and turns against themselves the sword which they draw upon others.
3rdly, Such a wonderful deliverance alarmed the neigh-hour-nations, and they with presents courted his favour who had God so evidently for his friend. God thus protected them from every enemy, and guided and guarded them as a shepherd does his flock. How happy, how honourable, how safe the soul, which dwells thus under the shadow of the Almighty!
4thly, Hezekiah's reign concludes gloriously, notwithstanding the fall which is here recorded.
1. Hezekiah's sickness and recovery, more largely treated of before, are here scarcely mentioned. But,
2. His sin and recovery have several particulars more than in 2 Kings 20. [l.] The embassy of the king of Babylon was intended not so much to congratulate him on his recovery or his victory, as to inquire into the wonder of the sun's going back at the prophet's word. [2.] He did not suitably improve his mercies; but, instead of being humbled before God, grew proud on the instances of his favour, and the honour and respect paid him by the neighbouring nations. Note; (1.) Though we can never repay the obligations that we owe to God, he expects at least the tribute of a grateful heart. (2.) Pride is the busy sin: even God's gifts and graces may afford a handle for self-complacence. We had need ever pray that God would clothe us with humility. [3.] His sin provoked the divine displeasure. Pride in God's people is especially offensive to him. [4.] His humiliation, in which the people joined him, prevented the immediate execution of the threatened judgments. Note; (1.) Heart-sins must be repented of, or they will destroy us. (2.) When God gives a spirit of humility, it is a proof of his reconciliation.
3. Hezekiah's days ended prosperously. His riches and treasures were greatly increased. The supply of the city with water from the stream of Gihon, is remarked among his noble works, many other of which, as well as a farther account of his goodness, are written in the books of Isaiah and Kings. Death at last removed him to a better crown; and the people, afflicted with the loss of so great and good a king, shewed him every distinguished honour, by laying him in the noblest sepulchre of his fathers, burning spices, and lamenting him with no feigned grief. Note; They who have lived reverenced and respected will in death be justly lamented.