offerings, and making confession to the LORD God of their fathers. 23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days: and they kept other seven days with gladness. 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah 'did give to the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven thousand sheep; and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves. 25 And all the congregation of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, and the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in Judah, rejoiced. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. 27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven. 10 (7) Heb. instruments of strength. (8) Heb. to the heart of all, &c. Isa. xl. 2. (9) Heb. lifted up, or, offered. (10) Heb. the habitation of his holiness. GREAT characters cannot be satisfied with little things; especially where much is to be done. Nor will good men cease their efforts after they have made a successful and hopeful beginning. The spirit of perseverance always marks a work of grace; and when the Lord begins, he will carry on and finish his designs. It was the pleasure of the Lord to effect a grand reformation in the kingdom of Judah in the reign of Hezekiah. He was the instrument chosen for the purpose of bringing it to pass. Under his hand, by the divine blessing, it was successfully accomplished. Thus the Lord will fulfil all his good pleasure, and carry into effect all the purposes of his mercy and grace. Having laid the foundation, Hezekiah next proceeded to extend the work. In this chapter you find him sending to all Israel and Judah, that they should come to the house of the Lord, and keep the passover unto the Lord (v. 1, 2). This was done by the unanimous consent of the king, princes, and all the congregation. Must we not all act in a similar way, in our humbler sphere, in following that which is good? When you begin to seek the Lord, ought you not to go on, and persevere? When you begin to bring yourself, your family, your house, your congregation, or your parish, into some orderly demeanour in the service of God; ought you to cease in some urgent beginnings, however pleasing or hopeful they may be? Should you not still go on and persevere till the desire of your heart be accomplished? And as a private Christian, ought you not still to follow after, to apprehend that for which you are apprehended of Christ? So acted Hezekiah. So have acted all great and good men, in all ages, in seeking to promote the salvation of man and the glory of God. And if the good hand of God be upon you, he will bless your efforts, and crown you with success. But, you are not to expect that all things will go on smoothly, without some trial. Were there not trials, the work would not be seen to be of God. Were there not difficulties, the love, and grace, and power of the Lord would not be so signally displayed. Hezekiah found some of these trials and difficulties in his course. Where do they chiefly lie? In the natural dislike of the heart of man to that which is good. When this godly and pious king sent his messengers throughout the kingdom to call his subjects to repent of their sins and to seek the Lord; exhorting them to turn again to the Lord, and he will return to you; and saying, Be not like your fathers; be not stiffnecked; but yield yourselves to the Lord (v. 5-10): how did they receive these kind and friendly admonitions? They laughed the messengers to scorn; and mocked them. Some, indeed, humbled themselves and sought the Lord. Now, this was a great trial; and must have been very painful to the heart of this good king. And have not all who seek to do good to others many trials also to endure? When the words of life come to any place, are not many disposed to mock and despise them? Are not numbers like these hardhearted sinners in the chapter before us? Is not Christ slighted? Is not the gospel disregarded? Are not the blessings of salvation set at nought? Some, indeed, there are, who humble themselves, and come to Christ, and find mercy. But, oh! how many reject his love, and perish in their sins, under the very sound of life and salvation! How stands the case with you? Are you like these hard-hearted, stiffnecked sinners? Or, do you humble yourselves before God; and crave the life of your soul through the blood of Christ? If they are blessed who hail the glad tidings of joy; are not they in a very fearful state who refuse the way of life? Be wise in time. Be wise in time. Take heed how you hear. For what a word is that: "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish!" (Acts xiii. 41.) CHAPTER XXXI. 1 The people is forward in destroying idolatry. 2 Hezekiah ordercth the courses of the priests and Levites, and provideth for their work and maintenance. 5 The people's forwardness in offerings and tithes. 11 Hezekiah appointeth officers to dispose of the tithes. 20 The sincerity of Hezekiah. TOW when all this was finished, all NOW the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. 2¶ And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD. 3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD. 4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. 5 And as soon as the commandment 'came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and 'honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly. 6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, VOL. II. they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid them by heaps. 7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left is this great store. 11 ¶ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare 7 chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared them, 12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next. 8 13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. 14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the porter toward the east, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the LORD, and the most holy things. 15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their 10 set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small: 16 Beside their genealogy of males, from three years old and upward, even unto every one that entereth into the house of the LORD, his daily portion for their service in their charges according to their courses; 17 Both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their charges by their courses; 18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, through all the congregation: for in their "set office they sanctified themselves in holiness: 19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of I their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites. 20 ¶ And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. 21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. But WE have seen the commencement of Hezekiah's career. We have seen, in part, the progress of his glorious reformation. there are many more matters yet to be contemplated. He has established the worship and service of Almighty God. He has taught the people the good and right way. He has found all orders willing to co-operate with him in his pious and godly undertaking. What is the next step to be pursued? The destruction of idolatry, and the more effectual provision to be made for the regular order of divine worship. Let us attend to these matters. First, the destruction of idolatry. In all cases of great reformation, there are two things always to be borne in mind. These are, the inculcation of what is right; and the putting away what is wrong. Without Without these things being done, there can be, properly speaking, no true reformation; especially in the things of God. What is it that calls for such measures? Clearly, the prevalence of error, and the abounding of impiety. Till both these be removed, things cannot be replaced in their proper order. Both must go together. You cannot do with one without the other; nor can the one supersede the other; nor must the one be put before the other. Now, how is error to be set aside, but by the promulgation of truth? It is the light of the truth which scatters the darkness of error and sin. How are men to become acquainted with the truth, but by the Word of God? That is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts down every opposing enemy; whether ignorance, superstition, error, or sin. Nothing can be done without the Word of God. Nothing can be known aright without the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hence, when Hezekiah began this glorious work, he began to spread abroad the truth of God. So taught the prophets the word of the living God. Christ himself came to bear witness of the truth, as well as to die for our souls. The apostles, in preaching the everlasting gospel, always based their doctrines upon the Word of God. When Luther shook the haughty towers of the Vatican, it was by the artillery of heaven. He opened, he explained, he preached, he translated, he printed, he scattered abroad the pure Word of God. The same path was trodden by our own blessed reformers. When the Word of God spread throughout this land, the darkness of popish superstition and idolatry vanished; and men once more, after the lapse of ages, began to read the Word of heaven in their own tongue, and to worship God in spirit and in truth. And when this is the case, then, Secondly, all other things will come in their due order. When men are once zealous for the truth, they will be zealous for God; zealous against sin; and zealous for holiness. A pure worship will certainly spring from the true reception of the pure truth. That, again, will lead to a holy zeal in suppressing vice, and destroying every false and wicked way; and, at the same time, in upholding and maintaining every thing which is right and good. Look at Hezekiah. See how he uproots idolatry, and sets forward the service of God. See others, in their day, how they did the very same. See others, at the present time, exactly pursuing the same path. And when a sinner is turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, is not that a work of grace producing a thorough reformation? How does that work begin? How is it carried on? How is it brought to its happy effect? By the Spirit and Word of the living God. The Word sets forth the truth: the Spirit makes it effectual. When the Word and Spirit of God reach the heart, then is produced the new creature. Old things pass away, and all things become new. The sinner is brought into a new world. He becomes altogether quite another character; and he henceforth lives to the praise and glory of God. CHAPTER XXXII. 1 Sennacherib invading Judah, Hezekiah fortifieth himself, and encourageth his people. 9 Against the blasphemies of Sennacherib, by message and letters, Hezekiah and Isaiah pray. 21 An angel destroyeth the host of the Assyrians, to the glory of Hezekiah. 24 Hezekiah praying in his sickness, God giveth him a sign of recovery. 25 He waxing proud is humbled by God. 27 His wealth and works. 31 His error in the ambassage of Babylon. 32 He dying, Manasseh succeedeth him. A FTER these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought 'to win them for himself. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem, 3 He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city and they did help him. 4 So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water? 5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance. 6 And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and 'spake comfortably to them, saying, 7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: 8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. 9 After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying, 10 Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whercon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? Il Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it? 13 Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of other lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand? 14 Who was there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand? 15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? 16 And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah. 17 He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand. 18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city. 19 And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of man. 20 And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. 21 ¶ And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. 22 Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side. 23 And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and 10 presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth. 24 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he "gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 12 26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. 27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of 13 pleasant jewels; 28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks. 29 Moreover he provided him cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance: for God had given him substance very much. 30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 Howbeit in the business of the "ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to enquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart. 32 ¶ Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his "goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the 16 chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead. withstand or surmount them all. Some of Hezekiah's trials arose from the indisposition of his ungodly subjects to assist him in his pious designs. They mocked his messengers, and laughed them to scorn. The work, however, proceeded notwithstanding; because it was of God. But, these were not all his trials. A powerful and daring enemy springs up from without. The proud and haughty king of Assyria comes up and invades the kingdom. Because he had vanquished other lands, he thought to swallow up Judah also. Full of boasting and pride, he railed against Hezekiah, mocked his piety, and spake against the Lord. How exceedingly distressing must all this have been to this pious and holy man! (v. 1—19.) Never think you are out of the reach of trials, whilst you are on this side heaven. You cannot have much to do in the Lord's ways, without finding that there will be enemies and dangers on every side. Satan cannot endure the spread of the gospel, or the salvation of souls. When men are asleep in their sins, he will let them alone. As soon as they begin to see their danger and seek to serve the Lord, he will try by every means to keep them back. Some will mock and despise. Some will even laugh them to scorn. Some will hinder and prevent. Some will hate and persecute. In short, in a thousand ways will that great adversary seek to stay the work of God, and turn souls aside from the way of life and peace. : But you should never be discouraged. Behold Hezekiah. He used every means for safety; but he trusted in the Lord alone for deliverance. Hear how he encouraged the people. "Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him for there be more with us than with him with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles" (v. 7, 8). There the people stayed. Hear, again, how he prays. True faith will always lead to effectual prayer. Did the king of Assyria speak against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth? The king and the prophet prayed and cried to heaven. Nor did they cry in vain. The Lord heard |