Day 79

2 Kings 16; 2 Kings 17; 2 Kings 18; 2 Kings 19

Ahaz reigns in wickedness in Judah. He offers his son in heathen sacrifice. He makes a new altar, destroys the brazen sea, and changes the method for sacrificing in the temple. Hoshea reigns in Israel and is subject to the Assyrians. The Israelites forsake the Lord, worship idols, serve Baal, and reject all that the Lord has given them. The ten tribes are carried away captive by the kings of Assyria. The land of Israel (Samaria) is repopulated by other people. Many forms of false worship are found among the Samaritans. Hezekiah reigns in righteousness in Judah. He destroys idolatry and breaks the brazen serpent made by Moses because the children of Israel burn incense to it. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, invades Judah. In a blasphemous speech, Rabshakeh asks Jerusalem to surrender to the Assyrians. Hezekiah seeks counsel from Isaiah to save Jerusalem. Isaiah prophesies the defeat of the Assyrians and the death of Sennacherib. Hezekiah prays for deliverance. Sennacherib sends a blasphemous letter. Isaiah prophesies that the Assyrians will be destroyed and that a remnant of Judah will flourish. An angel slays 185,000 Assyrians. Sennacherib is slain by his sons.