King Hezekiah of Judah was as good as his father Ahaz was wicked. He did not let his people continue in idolatry but removed the high places and smashed their idols (3-4). Because he held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him, the Lord blessed him with great success (6-8).

However, Hezekiah lived in dangerous times. Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, was threatening the whole region, and Hezekiah saw God’s judgment fall on his next-door neighbor, King Hoshea (10-12). Until now, Hezekiah had refused to serve Shalmaneser (7). But finally, Shalmaneser attacked and captured the fortified cities of Judah (13). Then Hezekiah offered to pay tribute to Assyria. He had to give up all the glittering silver and gold of the temple and royal treasuries (14-16). Perhaps Hezekiah should have had more faith to resist Shalmaneser, believing that the Lord was with him. But he acted practically to protect the people under his care.

For everyone, earthly success comes and goes. An outward failure is not necessarily God’s punishment, but can be a sign of God’s love, as he disciplines us so we will not put our trust in gold and silver.
Application: Father, thank you for being with me in good times and in bad for your good purpose. Help me keep following you and not trust in money.
One Word: Hold fast to the Lord