Isaiah 37: 21-22 Then Isaiah, son of Amoz, sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, this is the word the Lord has spoken against him.
Scripture clarifies God’s fairness to all; he does not show partiality. Hezekiah was one of the righteous kings of Judah who ruled for twenty-nine years. From the inception of his rulership, Hezekiah resolved to restore his nation to pure worship and devotion to God alone. Hezekiah had many enemies, and they tested him. Despite his powerful position as king, Hezekiah also realized that his abilities were limited and needed God’s assistance. Isaiah 37:21-22 is God’s response to Hezekiah; the keywords that caught my attention are “BECAUSE YOU HAVE PRAYED!”
King Hezekiah’s gesture was humility, realizing that there was a Greater Ruler and King of all nations who would intercept Sennacherib’s threat! The gesture was prayer; he sought the Lord’s assistance. In this age, our kingship manifests our accomplishments, titles, positions in society or jobs, wealth, skills, gifts, talents, or degrees. But we wrestle, not flesh and blood; there are things that only God can intercept.
Here is God’s promise to another king who humbled himself before God in worship and prayer: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place” (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).
The lesson from King Hezekiah is to seek God first, whether we can solve the issues or not. God desires to be considered first in everything; see Psalm 37: 3-7. There are things God will respond to BECAUSE WE HAVE PRAYED (Matthew 7:7-8, James 4:1-3); thus, breakthroughs, results, and answers are contingent on our praying. Other kings who humbled themselves through prayer were David, Jehoshaphat, Solomon, and King Jesus. Prayer is an aspect of humility.