Isaiah responds to the boasting of the Assyrian General by reminding Hezekiah that our God is not a local God who is only effective in the lives of those who believe in Him. The God of Israel is not one of a dozen or more options, all of equal value. The God of Israel is the one and only true God of the entire universe. Like gravity is a principle the rules in every place on the earth, so too God reigns in every place on earth. He’s not a God who gets his strength and abilities from those who worship him as the pagan god’s of the other people. He’s the God who created, sustains, and empowers, or disables everyone and everything in the universe. He’s the only all powerful one.
In Verse 27, Isaiah speaks for this omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God who is addressing his enemy, Sennacherib. He says, ‘I know your sitting down and your going out and your coming in…” As Dilday observes, this “…means that every step Sennacherib took, every word he said, was seen and heard by God, and his continued existence was possible only because God allowed it.”
Verse 35 says, “And that night ?the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.” it was good news for those who loved and feared God. It was frightening news for those who defied and rejected God. God’s omnipotence is a great joy to those who love him. To those who reject him, deny him, revile him, it must be the most frightening thing in the world.
On March 23, 1743, when “The Messiah” was first performed in London, the king was present in the great audience. It is reported that all were so deeply moved by the “Hallelujah Chorus” that with the impressive words, “For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth,” the whole audience, including the king sprang to its feet, and remained standing through the entire chorus. From that time to this it has always been the custom to stand during the chorus whenever it is performed.
The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. Forever and ever! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Chuck
“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5