Jerusalem- When The Enemy Attacks Series

Series: Biblical Cities- Jerusalem [#10]

JERUSALEM- WHEN THE ENEMY ATTACKS

Matthew 23:37

Introduction:

We are continuing in our Series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Tonight, we are going to study the city that is 1st on the list- Jerusalem. Jerusalem is mentioned 811 times in the Bible. Currently, there are 3 different Religions that consider Jerusalem to be a holy site- Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

Matthew 23:37

Once the Kingdom of Israel was divided, all of the Kings of Israel; and most of the Kings of Judah allowed the people and sometimes led the people in worshipping foreign gods. This angered God and led Him to allow their enemies to destroy them. Although most of the Kings did evil, there were a few Kings of Judah that led the people in the ways of the Lord- King Hezekiah was 1 of those good Kings.

2 Chronicles 31:20-21

2 Chronicles 32:1

The enemy…

1. Does not discriminate.

It is important that we understand that the enemy is going to attack us regardless of who we are. The Assyrians had already conquered Israel and had taken many captives to Assyria; but why would God allow the Assyrians to attack Judah? Hezekiah was leading the people in a way that pleased God.

All people deal with the attack of the enemy. We are all tempted. We all go through difficult times and situations. The key in this story is how we go through these difficult times. Do we go through it on our own or through God?

2 Chronicles 32:2-5

The enemy…

2. Searches for weaknesses.

Hezekiah knew that an attack was imminent; so he began to deal with physical weaknesses in the City. He had the water blocked off outside of the City. Hezekiah knew that removing the Assyrian’s access to water would make things more difficult for them. He also had the damaged walls repaired and added towers on it. He then built an additional wall for protection. He had many weapons and shields made. He was ready for an attack.

The enemy is always looking for weaknesses in our lives. He looks for areas of your life that are damaged and tries to get into your life from there. He tries to make you forget or not care about the Armor of God that you have as a Christian. He wants you to set down your offensive weapon- The Word. Are you prepared for spiritual attacks? God has equipped you with everything you need.

2 Chronicles 32:6-8

The enemy…

3. Works hard to discourage you.

It is obvious that the people had heard about the Assyrians and how they were taking over the world. King Hezekiah had to appoint military leaders which tells us that he did not already have them in place. The King brought the people together and told them to be strong and courageous. Although the people were scared, King Hezekiah reminded them that it did not matter how big the Assyrian army was. They had God on their side.

2 Chronicles 32:9-19

The enemy…

4. Wants you to doubt God.

King Sennacherib sent messengers and wrote letters to the people in Jerusalem that he had defeated everyone else’s gods and that their God was no match for him. The messengers even spoke in Hebrew instead of Aramaic. The goal was to make them doubt God.

Conclusion:

2 Chronicles 32:20-22

King Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out in prayer and God heard their prayer; and gave them victory.