In this account we see Hezekiah s faith rise and lead Judah to an absolute trust in Jehovah s protection. Such faith resulted in the complete humbling of the mighty Assyrian army. The opposition of Sennacherib presents the pattern of all who oppose God s rule for their lives. This selfishness prodded Sennacherib to mock and insult the Lord God Almighty. Notice how selfishness appeared in Sennacherib s behavior.
Selfishness appears as . . .
He had told Hezekiah that if tribute was paid then the Assyrian army would leave Judah. He had no concern, sensitivity for anyone except himself. Sennacherib s envoys sneered at Hezekiah s faith and insinuated that the King s actions of restoration would provoke God s punishment. Sennacherib s taunts are similar to those heard today when brethren remain steadfast in their loyalty to God but are mocked by those seeking to move the lines of doctrine. Sennacherib s taunts basically said that Hezekiah s reforms and efforts to follow God s Law in a strict observance were impractical and would anger God.