“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria […] With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV)
During the early years of Hezekiah’s reign, he was politically successful. He freed his country from Assyrian domination and conquered territory from the Philistines. In the fourth year of his reign, an Assyrian army marched against Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. (This kingdom was part of Israel; Hezekiah ruled over the other part, called Judah.) After three years, Samaria was captured and many of its inhabitants were deported.
In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, the Assyrians returned, this time to conquer Judah. This was a serious threat. Hezekiah did everything he could to protect his people: he tried to buy off the attackers, sabotaged their water supply, strengthened the city walls, made large numbers of weapons, and appointed military officers. When all this was done, he assembled his army to encourage them. They all knew that the Assyrian army was far stronger. But, Hezekiah said, the Assyrians did not have God on their side! That was a crucial advantage for Israel.
The people gained confidence from what Hezekiah said. Their king set a good example by taking responsibility while also trusting in God’s help.
The balance between “trusting in God” and “taking personal responsibility” can be complicated. How do you deal with that balance?