DAY 2: Judah (the Southern Kingdom) vs. Assyria
Imagine being confronted with a bully who seems wiling to do just about anything in order to get what he wants. How would you respond?
In the days of king Hezekiah, Judah was perhaps the most valuable piece of property on the planet. Sandwiched between the stronghold of Egypt and the Assyrian Empire, Judah was a significant trade route that connected three continents. When Hezekiah became king, he was upset that Assyria was controlling and receiving the financial benefits of this trade route, so he rebelled. The Assyrians swiftly responded, demanding a huge financial tribute from Hezekiah.
Hezekiah paid the tribute, but the Assyrians wanted more. They still wanted full control of Judah’s lands. King Hezekiah is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He knows that the Northern Kingdom of Israel has already fallen and the people were taken off into captivity. Now, some of Judah’s key cities were being overthrown as well. Only Judah’s capital city of Jerusalem remained. How would Hezekiah respond?
As you read today, consider this: What is the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
READING & JOURNALING:
What is the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make? As you wrestled with it, how did you eventually come to the decision that you made?
In what ways did this experience help you to grow individually? Were there any ways in which this experience helped you be able to help others?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Exodus 34:1 – 36:1
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, it’s not always easy for me to read about these ancient kings and recognize that some of the things they struggled with are some of the same things I struggle with. Today, I realize that Hezekiah had some really difficult decisions to make, and in the end he called on You and other godly people for wisdom. As difficult circumstances come my way, may I also come to You and other godly people for wisdom and direction. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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