False Promises of Prosperity Part 1 of 2

The enemy often tries to deceive us with promises of prosperity. These promises are false because nothing good comes from the enemy. There are many ways that one can be deceived by these promises. Among them, the first way that comes to mind is when a young lady decides to strip to make money. She is lured in by the fast money and star status that being on stage promises give her. The decision partake in this occupation will have negative consequences. Another way that is more subtle is by trusting in ourselves for success and not believing that the Lord will take care of us. Many times in other posts, I have discussed the importance of not putting our trust in jobs, stock markets etc.

In 2 Kings 18:17-37, the enemy was trying to lure Israel in with false promises of prosperity as well. During Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib, an Assyrian king came against Judah and took all of their fortified cities. Hezekiah sent him gold and silver in an attempt to appease Sennacherib. The Assyrian king then sent messengers to Judah telling them that the Lord wouldn’t save them, they shouldn’t trust in God but pledge to Sennacherib. Sennacherib promises them prosperity in verses 31 and 32. Verse 31 says “Do not listen to Hezekiah; for thus says the king of Assyria;”Make peace with me by a present and come out to me; and every one of you eat from his own vine and every one from his own fig tree, and every one of you drink the waters of his own cistern” They are also promised land with grain, new wine, olive trees, the works. The guy was really laying it on. The people don’t answer him but instead they hold their peace. In the end, Sennacherib does not prevail but is defeated (see 2 Kings 19:35-37).

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