[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]II Kings 19:35 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when the people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
It’s hard to read this without thinking about the people that died, their families, and their friends. I don’t pretend to understand the Old Testament at times like this. Yes, I see the symbolism, but can’t imagine the real pain felt by the mums, dads, and children back home in Assyria.
However, it’s certainly worth noting that when someone stands up against God’s people they are stepping into a risky position – God loves his children and is their sun (provision) and shield (protection).
In Psalm 121:5-6 it reads, “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, or the moon by night.
For people who lived in an agricultural community sunstroke was a real risk, and moon-stroke was another word for emotional distress.
God is saying that he is our shield from the external and internal enemies of our lives. If we put him first he will lead us to a place of continual safety in his presence.
Hezekiah and the citizens of Jerusalem (yerushalayim) – Eugene Peterson recognises a play on the words shalom and shalvah here – peace and prosperity – (prosperity of soul, being at ease in every moment and every situation) were trusting in God and nothing else.
The enemy were shouting, striving and fighting for more, the people of God were peaceful, patient, and working with what they had – under huge pressure.
Principle of Change 75 – trust and patience are our best assets.
Strength – Responsibility – when we take ownership of something we are “all in” and committed to the right behaviours and outcomes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]