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With God on Your Side, Who Can Be Against You? A Reflection on 2 Kings 19:35

Updated: Feb 20


With God on Your Side Who Can Be Against You

A triumphant angel stands resolute atop a rocky peak, gleaming in ornate armor and wielding twin swords, embodying victory against the defeated army below a golden sky.
A triumphant angel stands resolute atop a rocky peak, gleaming in ornate armor and wielding twin swords, embodying victory against the defeated army below a golden sky.

In life, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable. Whether it's a difficult personal situation, a battle at work, or a troubling circumstance, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But there is a powerful truth in the story of King Hezekiah and the angel of the Lord in 2 Kings 19:35 that can inspire us to hold on to faith and trust in God's sovereignty. The verse says:

“And that night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies.” (2 Kings 19:35, NIV)


This dramatic moment in Scripture reveals just how mighty God is, and how, when walking in His will, we are never truly alone in the face of adversity.


The Context of the Battle

At this point in history, King Hezekiah of Judah was facing a grave threat from the mighty Assyrian army. King Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, had already conquered many nations, and now he set his sights on Judah. Hezekiah knew that his nation was no match for the powerful Assyrians, and fear and panic spread throughout his kingdom.

But Hezekiah did not turn to despair. He turned to God. He sought the Lord in prayer, asking for divine intervention. Hezekiah’s prayer can be found in the previous verses, where he boldly calls upon God to deliver Judah from the hand of the Assyrians, recognizing that it is only by God’s power that they could be saved.


God’s Power to Deliver

In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sent a clear message through the prophet Isaiah, telling the king not to fear. God promised to protect Judah and defeat the Assyrian army. In the very next chapter, we see how God made good on His promise.

In one night, the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the people of Judah awoke the next morning, they found that their enemies had been completely defeated—not by the sword of man, but by the direct intervention of God.


This miraculous act reveals an important truth: when God is on your side, there is no enemy too powerful to defeat. No situation is too dire for God to overcome. What seemed like an overwhelming obstacle was easily crushed by God’s mighty hand.


The Power of God on Our Side

The message here is clear: with God on your side, nothing is impossible. The Lord who fought for Hezekiah is the same Lord who fights for you today. Whatever battles you may be facing—whether they are external battles with the world or internal struggles within your own heart—God has the power to intervene and bring victory.


It’s easy to feel small and insignificant in the face of life’s challenges. But we must remember that the God who defeated armies with a single strike is on our side. When we face seemingly insurmountable odds, we can be encouraged by the words of Romans 8:31, which says:


“If God is for us, who can be against us?”


This powerful question challenges us to remember the truth of God’s strength and the certainty that He is greater than any force or difficulty we may face. When we walk in faith and trust in God’s plans, we can stand firm, knowing that victory is already secured.


Trusting God Through the Storms

The story of Hezekiah and the angel is not just about physical battles—it’s about spiritual assurance. Life often presents storms, but we don’t face them alone. God is our protector, our provider, and our strength. We can have confidence in His ability to work all things together for our good, just as He did for Hezekiah and the people of Judah.

When we are tempted to doubt, remember that God is never outmatched. He can bring peace in the midst of chaos and victory when defeat seems certain. Just as He delivered Judah, He will deliver you.


Encouragement for Today

Whatever you are facing today, take comfort in the fact that the same God who sent an angel to destroy 185,000 enemies in one night is with you. He knows your struggles, He sees your pain, and He is more than able to fight on your behalf. Trust in His promises, stand firm in faith, and know that with God on your side, nothing is impossible.


In moments of fear, doubt, or discouragement, remember the words of Isaiah 41:10:


“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”


God is always faithful, and His power is unmatched. You are never alone in the battle, and with God, who can stand against you? Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and watch as He moves mightily on your behalf.


Conclusion

The story of 2 Kings 19:35 reminds us of the awe-inspiring power of God to defeat even the most formidable enemies. It encourages us to trust in His ability to deliver us from every trial and to have unwavering confidence that, with God on our side, no weapon formed against us shall prosper. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that God is bigger than any obstacle you face—and He is fighting for you.

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