1. Hezekiah prayed to the LORD (1-20)

Although powerless before the field commander, Hezekiah was a man of faith. Sending to Isaiah, he mentions the ridicule against the living God. Isaiah told him not to be afraid. Wanting to move on to Cush, Sennacherib then sent a letter comparing God to idols; it was a fatal mistake. Hezekiah took the letter to the temple and prayed to the LORD. He knew who God is: the LORD Almighty, whose throne is symbolized as a mercy seat (Ex 25:22 ESV). No throne is above that throne, and no power is greater. Prayer is a mighty weapon! In Jesus we too may approach this throne (Heb 4:16).

2. "Because you have prayed to me..." (21-38)

Isaiah gave the LORD's clear answer: a rebuke and judgment on Sennacherib, who ridiculed the living God. The LORD defended his people, sending an angel to crush Assyria's army, and assassinating its king by means of patricide. The LORD answers prayer and defends his name.