1 As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord.
2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz.
3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth.
4 It may be that the Lord your God has heard all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.
5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah,
6 And Isaiah said to them, “Thus shall you say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.
7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.
8 The Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria fighting against Libnah, for he had heard that the king had left Lachish.
9 Now the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, “He has set out to fight against you.” When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered?
12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Telassar?
13 Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, the king of the city of Sepharvaim, the king of Hena, or the king of Ivvah?”
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.
15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord:
16 “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.”
17 Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God.
18 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their lands,
19 and have cast their gods into the fire. For they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed.
20 So now, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord.
21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Because you have prayed to me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria,
22 this is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him:
“She despises you, she scorns you—
the virgin daughter of Zion;
she wags her head behind you—
the daughter of Jerusalem.
23 “Whom have you mocked and reviled?
Against whom have you raised your voice
and lifted your eyes to the heights?
Against the Holy One of Israel!
24 By your servants you have mocked the Lord,
and you have said, With my many chariots
I have gone up the heights of the mountains,
to the far recesses of Lebanon,
to cut down its tallest cedars,
its choicest cypresses,
to come to its remotest height,
its most fruitful forest.
25 I dug wells and drank waters,
to dry up with the sole of my foot
all the streams of Egypt.
26 Have you not heard that I determined it long ago?
I planned from days of old
what now I bring to pass,
that you should turn fortified cities
into heaps of ruins,
27 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power;
they were dismayed and confounded;
they were like plants of the field
and like tender grass,
like grass on the housetops,
blighted before it is grown.
28 “But I know your sitting down and your going out and coming in, and your raging against me.”
29 Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.
30 “And this shall be the sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.”
31 And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.
32 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
33 “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it.”
34 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord.
35 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.
36 And the angel of the Lord went out and struck down a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
37 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home and lived at Nineveh.
38 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword. And after they escaped into the land of Ararat, Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.
The True Meaning of Isaiah 37
The book of Isaiah was written by the prophet Isaiah, who lived during the reigns of several Judean kings in the 8th century BCE. Isaiah was known for his powerful messages of judgment and hope, often delivered in poetic and symbolic language. A pivotal moment in the history of Judah as it faces a daunting threat from the Assyrian empire is witnessed in this chapter. The chapter recounts the events surrounding King Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s demands for surrender. Hezekiah’s faith and reliance on God ultimately shape the outcome of this crisis as we delve into this passage.
The chapter also highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and the power of prayer, as Hezekiah turns to the prophet Isaiah for counsel. We’ll see how God intervenes to protect Judah, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance that will come through the Messiah, as prophesied in other parts of Isaiah’s writings (Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-5).
Isaiah 37:1-4
A significant event unfolds in the story of King Hezekiah of Judah in Isaiah 37:1-4. The passage starts by setting the scene amidst a time of turmoil and distress. King Hezekiah learns of the threatening message sent by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, who was known for his brutal conquests and intimidating tactics. Upon hearing this distressing news, King Hezekiah’s immediate response is one of humility and seeking the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. He tears his clothes as a sign of mourning and goes into the house of the Lord to seek guidance.
This portion of the passage highlights the importance of seeking God in times of trouble and turning to Him for wisdom and direction. King Hezekiah’s humility in seeking the counsel of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah serves as a valuable lesson for believers today. It underscores the significance of approaching God with a contrite heart, acknowledging His sovereignty, and relying on His guidance in the face of adversity. This act of seeking divine intervention before taking matters into his own hands demonstrates King Hezekiah’s faith and dependence on God’s wisdom and power. God’s people face insurmountable challenges and oppression from enemies in the Bible, but find deliverance through faith and obedience to God’s commands, reflecting a recurring theme in this episode in a broader context. The story of Hezekiah seeking Isaiah’s counsel also resonates with passages such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which exhorts believers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all their ways, and He will make their paths straight.
This passage sets the foundation for the unfolding narrative of how God intervenes in the face of the Assyrian threat and delivers Judah. It emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, and seeking God’s wisdom in times of trouble. As we delve deeper into the subsequent verses in Isaiah 37, we witness God’s divine intervention unfolding and bringing ultimate victory to his people in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.
Isaiah 37:5-7
Isaiah replied to King Hezekiah’s officials, “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.’” 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.’”
This section of the verse showcases the interaction between King Hezekiah’s officials, the prophet Isaiah, and King Hezekiah. Hezekiah was facing a great threat from the powerful king of Assyria, Sennacherib, who had sent his messengers to threaten and mock the people of Judah and their God. King Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah in response to this threat, and Isaiah reassured him with a message from the Lord. Isaiah conveyed the message that God would intervene in the situation and cause Sennacherib to retreat and ultimately be defeated.
This passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on Him in times of trouble. King Hezekiah demonstrated faith by turning to the prophet Isaiah for a message from God. The Lord’s promise to protect His people and defeat their enemies resonates throughout the Bible, showing that God is faithful to those who trust in Him. This encounter between Hezekiah, Isaiah, and the Lord not only resulted in the deliverance of Judah from the Assyrian threat but also serves as a powerful example of how God’s plans ultimately prevail over the schemes of the enemy.
Furthermore, the mention of Sennacherib in this verse is significant as his defeat at the hands of God fulfills the prophecy given in Isaiah 37:7. Sennacherib’s boastful and blasphemous threats against God’s people led to his downfall, illustrating the consequences of defying the Almighty. This event serves as a reminder that no earthly king or power can stand against the sovereign authority of God. It also emphasizes the importance of humility and reverence before the Lord, as demonstrated by Hezekiah seeking God’s intervention through Isaiah. Isaiah 37:5-7 conveys a powerful message about the faithfulness of God in protecting His people, the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of trouble, and the ultimate defeat of those who oppose the Almighty. The story of Hezekiah, Isaiah, and the defeat of Sennacherib serves as a timeless reminder of God’s sovereignty and the victory that belongs to those who put their trust in Him.
Isaiah 37:8-13
King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian king’s representatives exchange messages in Isaiah 37:8-13. The Assyrian representatives delivered a threatening letter from King Sennacherib boasting of his conquests and warning Hezekiah not to trust in his God to deliver him from the Assyrian siege. The mention of the Assyrians in this context is significant because they were a formidable military power known for their ruthless conquering of nations.
Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian threat was to seek the counsel of the prophet Isaiah. This demonstrates Hezekiah’s faith and reliance on God in times of trouble. He did not respond to the Assyrians in fear or hastily, but instead turned to the Lord for guidance and support. This is a powerful reminder for us today to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in the face of challenges and threats that come our way.
The Assyrian king’s arrogance and blasphemy in challenging the God of Israel are evident in this passage. It reflects a recurring theme in the Bible where earthly rulers and powers exalt themselves above God, only to be ultimately humbled by His sovereign power. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God’s judgment upon those who defy Him, from Pharaoh in Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon.
Hezekiah’s decision to take the threatening letter to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord is a powerful act of faith. Instead of being consumed with fear or anxiety, he chose to lay his fears before God and seek His intervention. This demonstrates Hezekiah’s trust in God’s ability to deliver him from the Assyrian threat. Similarly, we are encouraged in the Bible to cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Hezekiah’s response serves as a model for us to follow in times of trouble, uncertainty, or danger. Rather than relying on our own strength or giving in to fear, we can turn to God in prayer, seek His counsel through His word, and trust in His faithfulness to deliver us. God ultimately proved faithful to Hezekiah by sending a message through Isaiah assuring him of the Assyrians’ defeat, which came to pass when the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp (Isaiah 37:36). This serves as a powerful testimony to the sovereignty and power of God over all earthly powers and a reminder that those who trust in Him will never be put to shame.
Isaiah 37:14-20
King Hezekiah receives a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib in Isaiah 37:14-20. This letter challenges Hezekiah’s faith in the Lord, claiming that the gods of other nations were unable to save them from the Assyrian conquest. Upon receiving this letter, Hezekiah goes to the house of the Lord and spreads the letter before the Lord, seeking His intervention and protection in the face of this daunting threat.
This section of the verse shows Hezekiah’s unwavering trust in the power and sovereignty of God. Instead of panicking or trying to come up with a human solution to the threat of the Assyrian army, Hezekiah turns to prayer and seeks divine help. This is a powerful example of faith and reliance on God in the face of adversity, demonstrating the importance of seeking God’s guidance and protection in times of trouble.
The story of Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat is a significant one in the history of Israel. The Assyrian Empire was a formidable force that had already conquered many nations in the region, and now they were at the gates of Jerusalem, threatening to destroy the city. Despite the overwhelming odds, Hezekiah chooses to trust in the Lord rather than in his military might or alliances with other nations. This shows a strong belief in the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to protect His people. Isaiah the prophet delivers a message from the Lord to King Hezekiah in response to his prayer in Isaiah 37:21-29. The Lord reassures Hezekiah that the Assyrian army will not enter the city of Jerusalem nor shoot an arrow there. This is a powerful display of God’s protection and faithfulness to His people.
This section highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance and listening to His voice through His prophets. Hezekiah’s reliance on Isaiah as a spiritual advisor and messenger of God shows the significance of having wise counsel and guidance in times of need. It also emphasizes the role of prophets in delivering God’s messages to His people and the importance of heeding those messages for protection and guidance.
The Lord further assures Hezekiah that Sennacherib will not even come near the city walls but will return the way he came, and that he will fall by the sword in his own land. This prophecy is fulfilled when the angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp, causing Sennacherib to retreat and eventually be assassinated by his own sons (Isaiah 37:36-38).
This miraculous intervention by God not only saves Jerusalem from destruction but also serves as a powerful demonstration of His ultimate authority and sovereignty over all nations and rulers. It is a reminder that no enemy is too great for God to overcome, and that those who trust in Him will be delivered from even the most formidable threats. The story of Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat in Isaiah 37 serves as a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and God’s faithfulness to His people. It demonstrates the importance of seeking God’s guidance in times of trouble, relying on His protection, and obediently following His word through his chosen messengers. This narrative provides timeless lessons on the nature of faith, the significance of divine intervention, and the assurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem.
Isaiah 37:21-29
The verses in Isaiah 37:21-29 narrate King Hezekiah’s powerful plea for deliverance from the Assyrian threat. The passage begins with Isaiah relaying God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer, reassuring him that Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, will not even enter the city of Jerusalem or shoot an arrow there. This comforting message underscores the importance of seeking God’s help in times of trouble and believing in His power to intervene on behalf of His people.
The next section of the verses contains a poetic imagery describing the downfall of the mighty Assyrian army. God asserts His authority over the nations, emphasizing that he will ultimately bring about the defeat of Sennacherib and his forces. This declaration serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to work miracles to protect His chosen people. It highlights the theme of trust and reliance on God’s promises, rather than human strength or strategies. The prophecy further unfolds with vivid depictions of the Assyrian army’s destruction as the passage progresses. Imagery of the angel of the Lord smiting the camp of the Assyrians alludes to divine intervention in a supernatural and awe-inspiring way. This imagery emphasizes the idea that God fights on behalf of His people and ensures that justice prevails over tyranny and evil. It serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and protecting His faithful followers. The verses in this passage also point to the contrast between the fate of the Assyrians and the salvation of Jerusalem. While the Assyrians faced humiliation and defeat due to their arrogance and defiance of God, Jerusalem was spared and preserved because of Hezekiah’s humility and prayerful dependence on God. This stark juxtaposition encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of disobedience and pride, as well as the blessings of obedience and humility before God. This passage in Isaiah echoes the overall narrative of God’s faithfulness to His people throughout history in the broader context of the Bible. It reflects the recurring theme of God’s deliverance of His chosen ones from their enemies, a theme that is evident in accounts such as the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites (Exodus 14) and the triumph of David over Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The story of Hezekiah’s deliverance serves as a reminder of God’s unfailing protection and the importance of trusting in Him completely, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Isaiah 37:30-35
The prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful prophecy to King Hezekiah in Isaiah 37:30-35. The verse reads, ““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. Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah will take root below and bear fruit above. 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. 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. The Lord declares that he will not enter this city; he will return the way he came. ‘I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant! King Hezekiah receives a prophecy of assurance and salvation in the face of the impending threat from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib in this section. The Lord promises a miraculous sign – the people of Judah will have enough food to sustain them for the next few years without needing to sow or reap. This sign serves as a tangible demonstration of God’s faithfulness and provision for His people in times of trouble. It is a reminder that even in the midst of adversity, God remains in control and is able to provide for His children in ways that surpass human understanding.
The prophecy also speaks of a remnant that will come out of Jerusalem and Mount Zion, symbolizing a small group of survivors who will remain steadfast in their faith amidst the chaos and destruction. This remnant signifies the idea of God preserving a faithful few who will continue to worship and honor Him, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Throughout the Bible, the concept of a remnant is prevalent, emphasizing God’s commitment to preserving a holy lineage or group of people for His purposes. The prophecy declares that the Assyrian king will not succeed in his plans to conquer Jerusalem. Despite his threats and military might, God will intervene on behalf of His people. This assurance serves as a testament to the power and sovereignty of the Lord over earthly kingdoms and rulers. It demonstrates that no human adversary can stand against God’s divine protection and defense of His chosen ones. This theme of God’s protection and deliverance can be seen in various accounts throughout the Bible, such as the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) or Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6). Isaiah 37:30-35 provides a profound message of hope, trust, and victory in the midst of adversity. It reveals God’s faithfulness to His people, His ability to sustain them through difficult times, and His ultimate power over all circumstances. This passage encourages believers to place their trust in the Lord, knowing that He is able to deliver them from any situation and bring about His purposes according to His will.
Isaiah 37:36-38
The angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp in Isaiah 37:36-38. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. 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.”
This passage is a powerful demonstration of God’s sovereignty and protection over His people. God intervenes dramatically by sending His angel to strike down 185,000 soldiers in a single night in the face of the threat posed by the Assyrian army led by King Sennacherib. This miraculous deliverance highlights the theme of God’s power and faithfulness in protecting His chosen ones. It also serves as a reminder that no earthly power can stand against the Almighty God when He decides to act on behalf of His people.
The defeat of the Assyrian army and the subsequent assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons are significant events in the history of Israel. Sennacherib’s failed siege of Jerusalem was a turning point that not only saved the city but also affirmed the authority and protection of God over His people. The downfall of Sennacherib fulfilled the prophecy given by Isaiah earlier in the book (Isaiah 37:21-35), proving once again the reliability and truth of God’s word.
The assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons is a grim reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly power and the consequences of pride and defiance against God. It echoes the biblical theme that those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Matthew 23:12), and serves as a cautionary tale for all who oppose God or seek to place their trust in human strength rather than in Him. This passage from Isaiah 37 teaches us valuable lessons about the sovereignty, power, and faithfulness of God, as well as the inevitable downfall of those who come against His people. It is a reminder to trust in God alone for deliverance and to always remain humble before Him, acknowledging His supremacy and providence in all circumstances.
After Isaiah 37
The king’s messengers returned with Sennacherib’s defiant response. The Assyrian king mocked the God of Israel, boasting of his conquests. Yet, the reverend Hezekiah took the letter to the temple, spreading it before the Lord. He cried out to the Almighty, pleading for deliverance. The prophet Isaiah brought a word of hope in that dark hour. The Lord would defend Jerusalem, and Sennacherib’s army would not enter the city. That very night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib retreated in shame, only to meet his end at the hands of his own sons. The people of Judah were spared, but the reverend knew their trials were not over. The next chapter would reveal the true cost of this victory.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.