Isaiah
36 reminds me of the marriage relationship. We all have different
levels of friendships, some are acquaintances, some are dear friends
and some are family. We need different things from different people
and we give different priorities to them. We have financial
relationships with some, emotional relationships with others and time
commitments with still others, but the Bible is clear that we are to
have a unique relationship with our spouse. Genesis 2:24 explains
marriage this way, “That is why
a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and
they become one flesh“. It is
above and separate, it is a physical, financial, emotional and
spiritual oneness under God. It is more than a contractual
agreement, or a convenient living arrangement, it is two growing
together into one. In today’s chapter we have the southern tribe
of Israel, called Judah surrounded by the great army of Assyria,
ready for attack. So confident was the army that the king sent his
Field Commander to taunt and terrorize Judah into surrender. He asks
Judah’s representative a question designed to divide, “On
what are you basing this confidence of yours?
On whom are you depending?”
Married friend, on Whom is your marriage depending?
The
commander continues his speech with a desire to cause doubt. “You
are depending
on Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff, which pierces the hand of
anyone who leans on it!”
Israel had a long history of turning to Egypt in times of trouble,
but Egypt also took advantage and at times abused Israel. Next, the
commander mocks, “We are
depending on the LORD our God“;
insinuating that they need something more tangible to win. And he
offers a deal, “make a bargain
with my master, the king of Assyria… I will give you two thousand
horses“. Speaking loud enough
for all the people on the wall of the city to hear, he concludes with
a final blow to their confidence, “Furthermore…
The LORD himself told me to march against this country and destroy
it“. Marriage compromise can
sometimes look appealing, but there are dangers outside the walls.
The
Assyrian commander finally attacks Judah’s king Hezekiah as the
enemy. “Do not let Hezekiah
deceive you… Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD…
Do not listen to Hezekiah“.
This smooth talker offers an alternative to the battle, “Make
peace with me and come out to me. Then each of you will eat… and
drink… until I come and take you to… a land of grain and new
wine, a land of bread and vineyards“.
The commander
tips his hand as he concludes, “How
then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?”
Please notice their response. They do not debate with the tempter
and they do not engage him or try to convert him. “But
the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the
king had commanded, ‘Do not answer him’.”
Marriages are blown up for many reasons; often beginning with
answering when we should not. Hezekiah, the king of Judah reacts
with a deadly serious understanding that this battle requires God’s
protection. They “went to
Hezekiah, with their clothes torn, and told him what the field
commander had said“. Mark 10
discusses divorce and Jesus explains, “It
was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law“,
but He encourages us not to listen to “easy options”, “Therefore
what God has joined together, let no one separate“.
I base my confidence on the Word of God and His Holy Spirit!