Read Isaiah 36:1 through 38:22
In chess, the king is often most vulnerable piece on the board, his power measured mostly by the strength and size of his army. His pawns march forward, his knights leap into battle, and his bishops, rooks, and queen rush to-and-fro to capture opposing pieces in order to put the other king in check. But with a dwindling army, the king himself must hide behind his remaining pieces as his enemy advances. Unable to move without being captured, he is forced to surrender: checkmate!
In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. Then the king of Assyria sent his field commander with a large army from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem (Isaiah 36:1–2).
In chess terms, Sennacherib was the reigning world chess champion playing a first-timer—Hezekiah. Only an act of God could save Hezekiah from checkmate. That is just what happened when God swept away Sennacherib’s pieces and forced him to withdraw.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: When you feel like you are in checkmate, call on the tournament Director.
© by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802