The Overthrow of Tyrants

16 APRIL

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead. Isaiah 37:38

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Malachi 3

It is highly important to behold, as in a picture, the unhappy death of tyrants whom the Lord destroys without the agency of men. For when everything appears to be overthrown by a tyrant's violence, God exposes the tyrant with all his power to universal scorn. Sennacherib, who comes into Judea with a vast army, returns home with few soldiers. He is led in triumph, as it were, by God as the conqueror. But the matter does not end here, for Sennacherib is slain in the very heart of his own empire, in the metropolis, in the temple itself, where reverence defends the lowest person from the mob. He is slain, not by a foreign enemy, not by a people in a state of sedition, not by traitors, and not by servants, but by his own sons, that the murder might be even more disgraceful.

Observe that insatiable gluttons who freely wallow in the blood of others are often slain by their own followers. They are punished by those from whom they, above all others, ought to be safe. This is more shocking than if they are put to death by strangers. So God punishes the cruelty of those who, in their eagerness to enjoy power, did not spare even the innocent. Even from profane historians we find similar examples in which we may easily behold the judgments of the Lord. 

In addition, the insatiable ambition of Sennacherib receives its just reward because, while he is intent on extending his territories, he cannot secure peace in his own family by leading his children to live at peace. Out of his father's neglect and undue attachment to others, conspiracy arises. Not only is this tyrant slain, but his kingdom also is soon afterwards overthrown. In the meantime, so that his successor might not dare to make any attempt against the Jews, God keeps him busy within the country with internal problems.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: 

When have we despaired of tyrannical control over us, thinking we are powerless to combat it? How has God miraculously intervened, toppling evil rulers and opponents by methods we could never have imagined?

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke