The Dermott news., 1917-07-19

Psa. 4e:l
 Last weeks lesson was great pic ture of the reform of the nation. To- day we have another picture which needs to be carefully put before the children. It Is national picture of n ruler and the invasion of his country. In reality 1t reveals the principles which are the same today, and which affect the lives of boys and girls as we'll as men; the dangers, temptations. the need of prayer. the need of life of faith in God. the care of heavenly father. deliverance and victory. It is a great thing for any nation or any individual to have such a marvellous experience of Gods salvation. It oc- cured probably B. c. 701. the latter part of Hezekiah's reign. Assyria on the north was enlarging its borders ! and seeking to overcome Judea. Read parallel accounts in II Kings IS: II Chron 32 and Isa. 36 :37. We have on the Taylor cylinder an account by Sen- nacherib of the victory over Hezekiah, found In Nineveh in 1880 and now in the BrltlSh museum.
 l. The Situation. When the great Sargon died at Nineveh, the Syrian governments sought to assert their in- dependence. It was good time for Hezekiah also to assert his independ- ence. Accordingly they refused to pay the customary tribute to Assyria. For time Sennacherib was too busy at- tending to other portions of the em- pire to pay much attention to the city of Jerusalem. Later, however, he sub- dued the cities on the coast and threat ened Egypt itself.
 n. The Supplieation (vv. 20-22). God does things because we pray. There was more power in Hezekiahs prayer than there was in his army. Through his prayers he laid 1S5,0o0 of his enemies in the grave. Hezekiahs God saved his people out of the hand of Sennacherib (v. 19). God did It, One great reason why he heard Hezeklah's prayer was because 1t was for Gods own glory that Hezekiah asked (v. 19). One great reason why so many of our prayers are not answered Is because they are selfish-seeking our own qualification and not Gods honor (James 43 R. V). Rending his clothes and putting on sackcloth. He zekiah went to the house of God while his messengers sought out the prophe, Isaiah. From II Chron. g 20 we find that Isaiah joined with Hezekiah In his earnest prayer (Matt. 1S:19, 20). thus the king and prophet worked as well as prayed. They showed their faith by their work (James 2:11, 1S). At the same time they waited upon God for an answer, not because God was unwilling to bestow good things. or must be importuned, but that his gifts may bring the greater benefit. He sometimes delays his answer. thereby fitting us to receive them be- cause of the intensity of our desire and to appreciate the things he has to bestow. God is as ready to say to us as to Hezekiah. "Thy prayer Is heard" If we will not meet the condi- tions of prevailing prayer q John 8 20; John 5 IA; Rom. S:26.27).
 III. Gods Glorious Deliveranee (vv. 23-31). God permitted the Assyrians 10 attack and they thus imagined they were having their own will and could do as they pleased. but when his rod" had done its work, they found the diff ference. The God against whom they rayed guided them as with bride" and turned them back to Assyria. Sen norhArih aanSiIarAA httpca1f y,,nr m match for God (Ch. Is :23-25) but had to return like conquered beast of burden with Gods hook" in his nose and bridle on his lips. God al- lows the enemies of his people to so a certain length in order that his people may be humbled and seek him. Then he puts forth his hand and says. This far and no further" Jehovah gives us the same promise he gave Hezekiah, .I will defend this city" Is not the city of Jerusalem that God defends more safe than city defended by an army? tPsa. 46:5. 6; 27:D. God had promised David that his kingdom should not perish, for in 1t lay the hope of the world and his plans for
 
 cause of the people did God defend the city, but because of his oath. This is most dramatic picture. the mys- terious destruction of the Assyrian army (vv. 30. 36). The Lord sent his angel, literally his messenger" who applied his own plan for the accom- plishment of his purpose.
 There Is a sort of n grim irony in the ending of Sennacheribs career. He who had so defiantly asked. "Who arc they among all the gods of the country that have delivered their country out of mine hand." is led back to the house of his own god whom he imagines to be so potent to worship and in that very presence Is slain by the hands of one of his own sons. The importance of this event is shown by the fact that l 1t is referred to in three books of the l Bible and probably referred to anoth-