1. Kings cannot escape trouble. Storms howl on mountain-tops when
sunshine gilds the plains (H. E. I. 47; P. D. 2142, 2143). 2. Neither
does piety prevent trouble. If it were an absolute evil, the
righteous would escape it; but it is often an angel in disguise
stooping to serve them. The best need discipline. The pious are often
more benefited by trouble than by joy (H. E. I. 116-142). 3. Trouble
may arise, not from our own wrong-doings, but from the wrong-doing of
others. Sennacherib's lawless ambition then troubled the whole earth.
God uses evil even to discipline His saints. He knew what Hezekiah
needed, and used Sennacherib to discipline him (H. E. I. 85).
4. Great troubles may be conveyed to us by insignificant means. A
letter only was received; but who can tell what trouble a letter may
convey? 5. Hezekiah's trouble was great. It included--(1.) _The
threatened loss of his kingdom._ He saw before him the loss of all
his greatness and honour. (2.) _Threatened captivity or death._
(3.) _Possible demolition of the royal city._ Jerusalem was dear to
every Jew. Especially so to Hezekiah, who had fortified and
beautified it. (4.) _The ruin and exile of his people._ (5.) _The
dishonour of Jehovah._ Sennacherib had insulted God. If Jerusalem
were taken, His holy and beautiful house would be profaned, His glory
tarnished, and His worship, which had been lately restored,
obliterated from the earth.