Outlines from Sermons by a London Minister 2 Kings 19:35 And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out… I. THAT THIS DELIVERANCE WAS MIRACULOUS, because — 1. It was foretold with absolute certainty (vers. 22, 23). Certainty is not an element in human plans. "Ye know not what shall be on the morrow" (James 4:14). 2. It is described as having been wrought by direct superhuman agency. II. THAT THE DELIVERANCE WAS WROUGHT BECAUSE OF THE CHARACTERS OF THREE MEN. 1. The character of Hezekiah. 2. The character of David (ver. 34). So that David's character had an influence in saving Jerusalem at this time. 3. The character of Sennacherib: From his words here recorded, his pride, his daring opposition to Jehovah are revealed.Therefore the narrative most impressively bears witness — 1. To the fact that God is influenced by human character in His government of the world. A God who would deal with His creatures without regard to their moral character would not command our reverence and love. What would be thought of a human ruler or father who acted thus? 2. That the administration of just punishment is compatible with, is indeed a necessary phase of, the purest benevolence. The angels of God are the most benevolent, because the most perfect, of God's creatures. But they can smite the transgressor as well as succour the afflicted. The removal of the instruments of tyranny from the earth is an act of pure benevolence. 3. That those who live morally above their age, will live beyond their age. David, although an imperfect man, lived upon a higher level of goodness than most of his contemporaries, therefore he has a part in the salvation of his much-loved city long after he ceased to reign in it. 4. He alone can turn the afflictions of life into blessings who has learned to pray. Hezekiah's prayer had much to do with averting the catastrophe which threatened his people. The message to him from God was, "that which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib, king of Assyria, I have heard." (Outlines from Sermons by a London Minister.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. |
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