In his great distress Hezekiah went up to the Temple, and told God all
his trouble. And he said, "Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all
the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth." He said he
knew the gods of those nations could not save them, for they were no
gods, only wood and stone; but he trusted that God would save him and
his people, though they were far too weak to defend themselves against
this terrible king and his people.
God heard the good king's prayer, and sent him a promise that his enemy
should not even come before Jerusalem, nor shoot one arrow at it. And
God kept His word. The fierce soldiers of Sennacherib all lay down to
sleep one night, but they never woke up again. God sent His angel, with
a deadly blast, and all the army that wanted to destroy His people died
in one single night.
It was because they and their king had fancied God could not save His
people, that they died. And it was because Hezekiah prayed to the Lord
and tried to be good and holy, that no one could hurt him. Now try to
do like Hezekiah. If you are vexed, or if you are afraid, tell God all
about it, and ask Him to help you. And He will be quite sure to hear
and help you, if you will only speak to Him and tell Him what is in
your heart.
[Illustration: THE ANGEL SLAYING THE ASSYRIANS.--2 Kings 19:35.]