2 Chronicles 32:18
“They called this out with a loud voice in the language of Judah to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them, so that they might take the city.”
The enemy was a day away. They were one of the dominant armies of the day. They had a record of brutality. Ignoring their warnings would increase the harsh treatment. This is a frightening situation.
The enemy was attacking their faith. This was going straight to their confidence. Verses 11 and 12 say, ‘Is Hezekiah not misleading you to give yourselves over to die by hunger and by thirst, saying, “The LORD our God will save us from the hand of the king of Assyria”? Is it not the same Hezekiah who removed His high places and His altars, and said to Judah and Jerusalem, “You shall worship before one altar, and on it you shall burn incense”?’ If one wasn’t solid in faith this could rock them.
This reminds me of Satan’s lie in Genesis, “Has God not said?” Attacking God’s words. If the enemy can discredit God’s Word, then they’ve won much. I can recall doubts as a young believer. What I learned from those lessons was to table the doubts. God would answer them in His time. He has given enough credence to His Word so we can be confident.
This is spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6 speaks much about that. The weapons mentioned are the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit and the shoes of the gospel of peace. Paul follows this list with the importance of prayer.
A description of these weapons would be beneficial. The shield of faith is much like what was said earlier. When a doubt arises, table it knowing God will give us sufficient answers in His time. We believe He will be enough. The belt of truth speaks of the Word of God, but also being truthful. The sword of the Spirit is the bible, so I’ll address that there. Truth and truthfulness are important. Being truthful is easier when words are limited. Proverbs 10:19 says, “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” The breastplate of righteousness covers our hearts with the knowledge that we are righteous in Christ. The devil can’t condemn us. The helmet covers our minds with the fact we are saved. This was revolutionary to me as a young believer. We can know we are saved. The sword of the Spirit is the bible. We rest on it. We use it to guide and for comfort. Then there are the shoes of the gospel. Wherever we go we bring the gospel with us. We speak of God’s blessings and His good news. Lastly there is prayer. We can ask Him anything at any time.
The armor God gives is amazing. He teaches us to walk safely in Him. In Ephesians 6 it says to stand. When the attack comes, it doesn’t say to advance, but to stand. Like the watchman on the walls in today’s passage, they are to stand and observe.
God fights our battles. We have to trust Him. Whatever the outcome He has got us. He had Judah. The enemy comes with his bluster. God helps us to stand against it.
Lord, thank You for Your armor. Thank You that You fight our battles. Help us to stand firm.