ANGEL DESTROYS AN ENTIRE ARMY

The Assyrian Empire had conquered Israel’s ten-tribe kingdom. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, now desired to conquer the two-tribe kingdom of Judah. He began taking Judah’s cities one by one. But it was Jerusalem that he desired the most. Sennacherib had no idea that God was guarding Jerusalem.

Sennacherib, the king of Judah, was paid a large sum of money to leave Jerusalem alone. Despite accepting the money, Sennacherib sent his powerful army to attack Jerusalem. The people of the city were terrified as the Assyrians got closer and closer. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ Hezekiah told them. The Assyrians are powerful, but God will make us even stronger.’

Sennacherib dispatched his messenger, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to mock the people. ‘God cannot help you,’ said the Rabshakeh as he stood outside the city. Don’t be duped by Hezekiah. There is no god who can keep you safe from us.’

Hezekiah enquired of God what he should do. ‘Don’t be afraid of what the Rabshakeh says,’ God replied. Sennacherib will not be able to take Jerusalem.’ Sennacherib then sent Hezekiah some letters. ‘Just give up,’ said the letters. God is unable to save you.’ ‘Please, God, save us, so that everyone will know that you are the only true God,’ Hezekiah prayed. ‘The king of Assyria will not come into Jerusalem,’ God said. ‘I will defend my city.’

Sennacherib was confident that Jerusalem would soon be his. However, God sent an angel to where the soldiers were camped outside the city one night. The angel slaughtered 185,000 soldiers! King Sennacherib lost his most powerful soldiers. He was forced to return home defeated. God delivered on his promise to protect Hezekiah and Jerusalem.