I’d like to show you something today that is astounding! And it represents a “pattern” that appears again and again throughout Scripture.
One Bible writer tells us the “bad side” of a certain situation. And another Bible writer (equally inspired by the Holy Spirit) does not repeat that “bad side” at all. He instead presents the picture far more positively!
Now to Isaiah 36 again … King Hezekiah and the Assyrians. A godly Monarch and a heathen Despot, what a contrast! But once “good” King Hezekiah “caved” to the pressure of Assyria. He failed to trust God as he should have. For example, he “paid” tribute (bribe money) to Assyria … to buy their protection. To secure a “non-aggression” pact! Instead of fully leaning on the Lord!
“And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah THREE HUNDRED TALENTS OF SILVER and THIRTY TALENTS OF GOD. And Hezekiah gave him ALL THE SILVER that was found in THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, and in the treasures of the king’s house. At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.” 2 Kings 18:14-16, “robbing God’s House” to pay a polytheistic bully!
This is a lot of money! (Ten tons of silver and a ton of gold!) Millions if not billions in today’s currency!
A mistake made by Hezekiah!
But when Isaiah records these events, not a word of this is mentioned by the Prophet against his King!
In fact, Hezekiah handles an Assyrian threat admirable, faithfully … trusting God with all his heart. As we shall see in upcoming lessons.
The Kings historian is committed to accuracy in every detail. The Prophet Isaiah is determined to present the King in the “best light” possible.
Maybe Isaiah was practicing “in advance” Philippians 4:8 … “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are OF GOOD REPORT; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Wow!
The same type thing occurs in the Biblical account of King David’s sin with Bathsheba! The historian (again) tells it all, gory and sinful to the point of shame. While the Chronicler omits the whole story!
Wow again!
The point of today’s Lesson … tell it all when necessary. But when possible, be kind and forgetful and charitable!
Peter (of all people) wrote … “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: FOR CHARITY (LOVE) SHALL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.” 1 Peter 4:8
Amazing!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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