When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes and put on burlap and went into the Temple of the LORD. And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the court secretary, and the leading priests, all dressed in burlap, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 2 Kings 19:1-2

After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the LORD’s Temple and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the LORD … . 2 Kings 19;14-15a.

Words of accusation, of threat. The human instinct – my instinct – is to respond in kind only more so, to escalate, to threaten back.

Hezekiah had better instincts. To turn to the LORD. To seek wisdom. To pray.

The result was Hezekiah never had to respond. The LORD did it for him, both in words, and in actions.

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer about King Sennacherib of Assyria. And the LORD has spoken this word against him:

“The virgin daughter of Zion despises you and laughs at you. The daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head in derision as you flee. Whom have you been defying and ridiculing? Against whom did you raise your voice? At whom did you look with such haughty eyes? It was the Holy One of Israel! …” 2 Kings 19:20b-22.

The outcome was utter deliverance.  The threats were never fulfilled.  The enemies were defeated.  Hezekiah never had to argue, debate, threaten, posture, defend or demand.

LORD, may my first instinct always be to turn to You rather than react. May I see my source as being You rather than some vain concept of wit. May I put my trust in You, regardless of the threat or the outcome.

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