The Lord Surrounds His People

In II Kings 19 we read that Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, surrounded Jerusalem and defied the covenant God of Israel through his servant and messenger, the Rabshakeh. King Hezekiah was desperate and despondent. Every indication was that Jerusalem would fall and that the people would be killed or enslaved. And the seductive words of the Rabshakeh were shaking the confidence and loyalty of the soldiers and people. But we also read that the Lord spoke to Hezekiah through His prophet Isaiah and told him that the mighty Assyrians would be miraculously turned back. Though the truth was invisible to Hezekiah and the people, the Lord had not abandoned His people and was, in fact, defending them in the midst of the enemy host. This truth had been expressed many times by Hezekiah's regal predecessor, David. Psalm 125, though not explicitly ascribed to David, expresses the truth revealed to Hezekiah and also revealed to you and me. As we make our way to the heavenly city, we walk through many dangers and in the face of those who are enemies of God and His people. But never has the Lord ever turned away from defending His people, and never will He. In fact, the Lord always surrounds His people. – Pastor Schlegel