In the name of the King – God’s power at work

Week 3: Power that Preserves and Restores

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: 2 Kings 18–25

Pilot text

2 Kgs 19:35-36
35 And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh.

2 Kgs 22:10-13
10 Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 11 Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. 13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Introduction:
These chapters trace Judah’s final years, highlighting moments of remarkable deliverance alongside inevitable decline. Hezekiah’s prayer brings supernatural rescue. Josiah’s rediscovery of the Book of the Law sparks reform. Yet despite these revivals, long-term disobedience leads to exile. God’s power is seen in preservation, answered prayer, and righteous judgment. Even in national collapse, His purposes continue.

Discussion Point

• Where do we see Christ? Hezekiah’s intercession points toward Christ’s greater intercession (Heb 7:25; Rom 8:34). How does Christ stand in the gap for us?
• Where do we see salvation? The Passover under Josiah foreshadows Christ our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7-8; John 1:29). How does this connect to redemption?
• Where do we see ourselves? In seasons of threat, reform, or failure, where do we recognise our own need for God’s preserving power?

Closing thoughts:

The final chapters of 2 Kings show both dramatic deliverance and devastating exile. Hezekiah prays, and God intervenes powerfully, demonstrating that prayer invites divine action. Josiah discovers the Book of the Law and initiates reform, showing that renewal begins with rediscovering God’s Word. Yet the consequences of long-term disobedience still unfold.
These events point us to Christ. Hezekiah’s intercession foreshadows Jesus, who continually intercedes for His people (Heb 7:25). The restored Passover anticipates Christ as our Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice secures eternal deliverance (1 Cor 5:7-8).
Where are we in this story? Some are facing overwhelming opposition and need confidence that God still intervenes. Others sense spiritual decline and need rediscovery of the Word. Still others wrestle with the consequences of past decisions. God’s power at work includes preservation, conviction, and ultimate restoration.
Even exile does not cancel covenant. In the name of the King, God preserves a remnant and prepares the way for redemption. His power remains active, even when circumstances appear to collapse.

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

• A friend facing intense workplace hostility wonders whether prayer makes any difference. How does Hezekiah’s example speak to that concern?
• Someone believes that past failures have permanently disqualified them from divine usefulness. How does God’s power in preservation challenge that conclusion?