“They kept silent; they didn’t say anything, for the king’s command was, ‘Don’t answer him’” (Isaiah 36.21).

Am I trusting in the LORD if such trust is never tested? The Bible teaches me that the LORD will protect His children who are relying on Him. Either I rely on the LORD or rely on someone or something else. The ancient king of Judah, Hezekiah, stands for the people of Judah. They will face captivity in the second part of Isaiah (chapters 40-66). Therefore, we are at a place of transition (chapters 36-39). The oppressor Assyria makes way for another oppressor in Babylon. 

Isaiah 36 presents a desperate and dangerous time for the people of God. Will they trust in the LORD to deliver them from Assyria? More specifically, will their king trust in the LORD? The answer is complicated. Chapters 36 and 37 provide a positive example of trust and subsequent victory. However, chapters 38 and 39 record Hezekiah’s failure to trust and subsequent defeat. Then, captivity looms large for the nation. 

Hezekiah faces an invasion from a foreign enemy, personal terminal illness, and a visit from a future foreign enemy in these next four chapters. Will he trust in the LORD? He does so during the first two tests and finds great victory. But pride gets the better part of him during the third test. This leads to a great defeat in his life.

The choices I make today must reflect the fact that I believe God is enough. He is able to deliver me through the storms of life. All hope may seem lost on several fronts of my life, but I cling to Him. The royal emissary from Assyria is speaking lies and stoking fear. He well represents Satan and his work in my life. When he whispers, “Will the LORD rescue you from my power?” The answer is resoundingly, “Yes! I will trust in Him!” The people were commanded to keep silent until the King might hear from the LORD. Often, I don’t understand what is happening to me. But I am still. I know that God is …that God will deliver me. I will trust in Him!