“When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. 2 He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. 3 They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the moment of birth and there is no strength to deliver them. 4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”
5 When King Hezekiah’s officials came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Tell your master, ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard—those words with which the underlings of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. 7 Listen! When he hears a certain report, I will make him want to return to his own country, and there I will have him cut down with the sword.’”
8 When the field commander heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah.
9 Now Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah, the king of Cush, was marching out to fight against him. When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah with this word: 10 “Say to Hezekiah king of Judah: Do not let the god you depend on deceive you when he says, ‘Jerusalem will not be given into the hands of the king of Assyria.’ 11 Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries, destroying them completely. And will you be delivered? 12 Did the gods of the nations that were destroyed by my predecessors deliver them—the gods of Gozan, Harran, Rezeph and the people of Eden who were in Tel Assar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath or the king of Arpad? Where are the kings of Lair, Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah?”
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: 16 “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God.
18 “It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste all these peoples and their lands. 19 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. 20 Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God.”
21 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria, 22 this is the word the Lord has spoken against him:
“Virgin Daughter Zion
despises and mocks you.
Daughter Jerusalem
tosses her head as you flee.
23 Who is it you have ridiculed and blasphemed?
Against whom have you raised your voice
and lifted your eyes in pride?
Against the Holy One of Israel!
24 By your messengers
you have ridiculed the Lord.
And you have said,
‘With my many chariots
I have ascended the heights of the mountains,
the utmost heights of Lebanon.
I have cut down its tallest cedars,
the choicest of its junipers.
I have reached its remotest heights,
the finest of its forests.
25 I have dug wells in foreign lands
and drunk the water there.
With the soles of my feet
I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.’26 “Have you not heard?
Long ago I ordained it.
In days of old I planned it;
now I have brought it to pass,
that you have turned fortified cities
into piles of stone.
27 Their people, drained of power,
are dismayed and put to shame.
They are like plants in the field,
like tender green shoots,
like grass sprouting on the roof,
scorched before it grows up.28 “But I know where you are
and when you come and go
and how you rage against me.
29 Because you rage against me
and because your insolence has reached my ears,
I will put my hook in your nose
and my bit in your mouth,
and I will make you return
by the way you came.30 “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah:
“This year you will eat what grows by itself,
and the second year what springs from that.
But in the third year sow and reap,
plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
31 Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah
will take root below and bear fruit above.
32 For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant,
and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.33 “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria:
“He will not enter this city
or shoot an arrow here.
He will not come before it with shield
or build a siege ramp against it.
34 By the way that he came he will return;
he will not enter this city,”
declares the Lord.
35 “I will defend this city and save it,
for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!”36 Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! 37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.
38 One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisrok, his sons Adrammelek and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped to the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son succeeded him as king.”– Isaiah 37
Isaiah 37 Meaning
Isaiah 37 is a chapter that takes us deep into a moment of crisis for the people of Judah. During this time, King Hezekiah faced a severe threat from the Assyrian king Sennacherib. The Assyrians were known for their brutal military campaigns and had already conquered many nations. Imagine the fear that gripped the hearts of the people seeing their king so distressed. Hezekiah’s actions, from tearing his clothes to donning sackcloth, show us how serious this situation was. He wasn’t just worried for himself; he was troubled for his people.
This chapter teaches us about the importance of turning to God in our moments of despair. Hezekiah, after hearing the threats of the Assyrian king, didn’t seek help from other nations or temples dedicated to foreign gods. Instead, he went straight to God’s house. When faced with trouble, we must remember where to go for help. Hezekiah’s decision serves as a powerful example for us today. It speaks volumes about faith and trust in God. When we experience hardship, we can also bring our concerns before the Lord, who listens and responds according to His will.
Isaiah 37 Commentary and Explanation
As we reflect on Isaiah 37, we find a narrative filled with emotional depth and spiritual significance. King Hezekiah was in a precarious situation, and the threats from Sennacherib were real and frightening. What Hezekiah did next was crucial. Instead of acting out of fear or frustration, he sought God in prayer. We read about his heartfelt plea, laid out in the presence of God. It is a reminder for us to come to God with our burdens and uncertainties.
Hezekiah’s prayer is both a cry for help and an acknowledgment of the greatness of God. He begins by recognizing God’s sovereignty and power. This reminds us that, no matter what we face, God is always greater than our fears. When we bring our worries before God, we, too, should remember how mighty He is—much bigger than any problem we might encounter. This part of the chapter showcases the belief that prayer works and that God is always listening. Just as He responded to Hezekiah, He responds to us when we earnestly seek Him.
In verses that follow, God delivers a message to Hezekiah, assuring him of divine protection. This assurance is such a relief, isn’t it? We can imagine the weight being lifted off Hezekiah’s shoulders upon hearing this. We, too, can take comfort in knowing that God cares for us and is always present to help us through tough times. His promises to protect and guide us can fill our hearts with peace amidst chaos.
The unfolding drama between Hezekiah and Sennacherib echoes throughout scripture, reminding us of the battles we may face in our lives. These battles aren’t always physical; they can be emotional, spiritual, or relational battles that feel just as daunting. In those moments, reflecting on God’s faithfulness, as displayed in Isaiah 37, can be incredibly encouraging. We must remember that we are never alone; God fights for us, just as He did for the people of Judah.
Context of Isaiah 37
To truly appreciate Isaiah 37, we must understand the context of the events surrounding it. King Hezekiah reigned during a time when the kingdom of Judah was faced with external threats and internal struggles. The Assyrian Empire was expanding aggressively, aiming to conquer all the territories around them, including Judah. Hezekiah’s reign marked a significant moment of religious reform as he sought to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh after many years of idol worship.
This chapter comes on the heels of a political and military crisis where alliances were sought and fortunes were challenged. The Assyrian king sent messengers to Hezekiah, taunting him and his God, seeking to instill fear and doubt. These actions weren’t just political; they were personal attacks on Hezekiah’s faith and leadership. Understanding this backdrop helps us appreciate the weight of Hezekiah’s response.
Hezekiah’s reliance on God throughout this narrative reflects his character as a leader who prioritizes his people’s spiritual well-being. He was committed to God and sought to genuinely trust in God’s promises. It became a defining moment for his reign, showing us how critical it is for leaders and everyday individuals alike to depend on God during tumultuous times. As we reflect on current events, we can find parallels to Hezekiah’s situation, reminding us that crisis often paves the way for growth and reliance on faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Isaiah 37
Key elements of Isaiah 37 invite us to examine the themes of faith, desperation, and divine intervention. The chapter opens with King Hezekiah demonstrating utter despair, which resonates with many of us in moments of trouble; we, too, can feel crushed and at a loss. Yet, in that moment, he turns his heart toward God, and that is where the story begins to shift from hopelessness to hope.
In verses following his initial plea, God sends a message of hope through the prophet Isaiah. This encouragement filled Hezekiah and his people with renewed strength and faith. God’s promise to protect them from the Assyrians is a testament to His unwavering support. This reassurance is a reminder that God continually speaks to us through His Word, seeking to comfort and guide us.
Next, we notice the incredible display of God’s power. After the prayer of Hezekiah, we see God striking the Assyrian army. This event highlights God’s ability to act on behalf of His people. It assures us that no matter how powerful our adversaries may seem, they are nothing compared to God. We are encouraged to place faith in divine protection which can manifest in unexpected ways, reminding us to trust in God’s timing and methods.
Lessons From Isaiah 37
From Isaiah 37, several lessons emerge that resonate deeply with our lives today. The first is the importance of prayer. In a world filled with noise and distractions, carving out time to genuinely seek God through prayer creates a bridge between our troubles and His comforting presence. We find that prayer is more than just a ritual; it is a lifeline—a powerful connection to the Almighty.
Next, we learn about having faith when confronted with fear. There are moments when everything around us feels overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like giving up or surrendering to despair. But just like Hezekiah, we can respond with prayer and faith. Let’s remind ourselves that God is not only capable of providing help but longs to do so when we ask Him with boldness and sincerity.
Another lesson lies in the value of community. Hezekiah was not just acting for himself; his actions impacted the entire kingdom of Judah. In our lives, we have a unique opportunity to uplift and support one another in faith. As we face challenges, we can seek to encourage friends, family, or those in our community who are struggling. We can be vessels of support, comfort, and hope through our shared faith in God.
Finally, we reflect on the theme of God’s sovereignty. No matter how chaotic life seems, we can rest in the assurance that God sees and knows what we face. Trusting in His plans helps us navigate through challenges with a heart rooted in hope instead of despair.
Final Thoughts
Isaiah 37 invites us into a world filled with tension, fear, hope, and divine intervention. As we unpack its lessons, we are encouraged to approach God with our challenges, trusting that He hears us and will respond according to His purpose. Just as Hezekiah found comfort and strength in turning to God, so can we. Let us remember that prayer is not just our last resort but our first response.
As we walk through our own lives, may we carry the lessons of Isaiah 37 in our hearts. We can find hope in moments of crisis and lift our burdens to God in prayer, knowing He is ever present and ready to help.