Isaiah 36
BSB1 In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. 2 And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh, with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And he stopped by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. 3 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him. 4 The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? 5 You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? 6 Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. 7 But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’ is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar’? 8 Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! 9 For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? 10 So now, was it apart from the LORD that I have come up against this land to destroy it? The LORD Himself said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’" 11 Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall." 12 But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?" 13 Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria! 14 This is what the king says: Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you. 15 Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’ 16 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me. Then every one of you will eat from his own vine and his own fig tree, and drink water from his own cistern, 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own—a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 20 Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" 21 But the people remained silent and did not answer a word, for Hezekiah had commanded, “Do not answer him." 22 Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh.
Study Notes — Isaiah 36
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Isaiah 36
- Themes from Isaiah 36
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 36
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Sennacherib's invasion of Judah and his commander's verbal assault on Jerusalem, questioning the city's ability to withstand the siege (Isaiah 36:1-10). The commander, Rabshakeh, delivers a blasphemous and scornful message, mocking the idea of trusting in God for deliverance (Isaiah 36:7, 15, 18). The people of Jerusalem remain silent, but the officials report the incident to King Hezekiah, who tears his clothes and seeks God's help (Isaiah 36:11-22). Hezekiah's prayer and trust in God set the stage for God's miraculous intervention, which will be revealed in the next chapter.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah 36 is part of the larger narrative of Isaiah, which spans the reigns of several kings of Judah. This chapter fits within the historical context of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32. The chapter also contributes to the overall theological themes of Isaiah, emphasizing God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and redemption.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. It reminds us that our ultimate hope and security lie not in human strength or alliances but in God's power and presence. As we face our own challenges and battles, we can draw comfort from Hezekiah's example, seeking God's help and trusting in His deliverance.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah 36 tells the story of the Assyrian invasion of Judah and the confrontation between the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh, and the people of Jerusalem. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people, as well as the spiritual battle between trust in God and trust in human strength. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's power and presence, even in the face of overwhelming opposition, and to seek His help and deliverance in times of need (Isaiah 36:15).
Voices from the Church
“The Lord is our rock, our refuge, and our deliverer. He is the One who rescues us from the snares of the enemy and sets our feet upon the rock of salvation.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophet Isaiah teaches us that God's sovereignty is not limited by human events or the actions of nations. He is the One who ordains all things and brings them to pass according to His will.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Assyrian Invasion and the Confrontation (Isaiah 36:1-10) — The chapter begins with the Assyrian invasion of Judah and the confrontation between the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh, and the people of Jerusalem.
- The Blasphemous Message of Rabshakeh (Isaiah 36:11-15) — Rabshakeh delivers a blasphemous and scornful message, mocking the idea of trusting in God for deliverance.
- The Response of the People and Hezekiah (Isaiah 36:16-22) — The people of Jerusalem remain silent, but the officials report the incident to King Hezekiah, who tears his clothes and seeks God's help.
- The Spiritual Battle Between Faith and Unbelief (Isaiah 36:1-22) — The chapter presents a stark contrast between the faith of Hezekiah and the unbelief of the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh.
- The Foreshadowing of God's Deliverance (Isaiah 36:1-22) — The chapter foreshadows God's ultimate deliverance of His people, which will be revealed in the next chapter.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Isaiah 36 teaches that God is in control of all nations and events, ordaining all things according to His will (Isaiah 36:1-10).
- The Faithfulness of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, highlighting His role as the ultimate Deliverer and Savior (Isaiah 36:15).
- The Spiritual Battle
- The chapter presents a spiritual battle between trust in God and trust in human strength, as well as the clash between the true God and the false gods of the nations (Isaiah 36:7, 15, 18).
- The Nature of Salvation
- The chapter foreshadows God's ultimate deliverance of His people, which will be revealed in the next chapter, highlighting the importance of trust in God's power and presence.
Lessons from Isaiah 36
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the face of overwhelming opposition or challenges.
- The Dangers of Human Pride and Arrogance — The chapter warns us about the dangers of human pride and arrogance, highlighting the importance of humility and reverence for God.
- The Spiritual Battle Between Faith and Unbelief — The chapter presents a spiritual battle between trust in God and trust in human strength, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's power and presence.
- The Foreshadowing of God's Deliverance — The chapter foreshadows God's ultimate deliverance of His people, highlighting the importance of trust in God's power and presence.
- The Role of Faith in Overcoming Adversity — The chapter emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming adversity, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of challenges and opposition.
Themes from Isaiah 36
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us about God's sovereignty over all nations and events, ordaining all things according to His will.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His people, highlighting His role as the ultimate Deliverer and Savior.
- The Spiritual Battle — The chapter presents a spiritual battle between trust in God and trust in human strength, as well as the clash between the true God and the false gods of the nations.
- The Nature of Salvation — The chapter foreshadows God's ultimate deliverance of His people, highlighting the importance of trust in God's power and presence.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the role of faith in overcoming adversity, encouraging us to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of challenges and opposition.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Hezekiah's example in this chapter about trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness?
- How does the chapter's portrayal of the spiritual battle between faith and unbelief relate to our own experiences and struggles?
- What role does human pride and arrogance play in the chapter, and what lessons can we draw from this about our own attitudes and behaviors?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and faithfulness encourage and comfort us in the face of overwhelming opposition or challenges?
- What implications does the chapter have for our understanding of the nature of salvation and God's deliverance of His people?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Assyrian Invasion and the Confrontation (Isaiah 36:1-10)
| 36:1 | The chapter begins with the Assyrian invasion of Judah, led by Sennacherib's commander, Rabshakeh. |
| 36:2 | Rabshakeh stands by the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller's Field, and calls out to the people of Jerusalem. |
2. The Blasphemous Message of Rabshakeh (Isaiah 36:11-15)
| 36:11 | The people of Jerusalem ask Rabshakeh to speak in the Syrian language, so that the people on the wall will not understand. |
| 36:12 | But Rabshakeh refuses, saying that he has been sent to speak to the people of Jerusalem, not just to the officials. |
3. The Response of the People and Hezekiah (Isaiah 36:16-22)
| 36:16 | The people of Jerusalem remain silent, but the officials report the incident to King Hezekiah, who tears his clothes and seeks God's help. |
| 36:17 | Hezekiah sends his officials to Isaiah, asking the prophet to pray for the remnant that is left. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Isaiah 36?
The chapter is set during the reign of King Hezekiah, when the Assyrian Empire, led by Sennacherib, invaded Judah (Isaiah 36:1).
What is the significance of Rabshakeh's message in Isaiah 36?
Rabshakeh's message is significant because it represents the spiritual battle between trust in God and trust in human strength, as well as the clash between the true God and the false gods of the nations (Isaiah 36:7, 15, 18).
How does Isaiah 36 relate to the rest of the book of Isaiah?
The chapter is part of the larger narrative of Isaiah, which spans the reigns of several kings of Judah and emphasizes God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and redemption.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 36:1 → 2 Kings 18:13 | The Assyrian invasion of Judah is also recorded in 2 Kings 18:13, highlighting the historical context of the chapter. |
| 2 | Isaiah 36:7 → Psalm 115:2-8 | The idea of trusting in false gods is also addressed in Psalm 115:2-8, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in the true God. |
| 3 | Isaiah 36:15 → John 1:1 | The concept of God's sovereignty and faithfulness is also central to the Gospel of John, which emphasizes Jesus' role as the embodiment of God's presence and power. |
| 4 | Isaiah 36:16 → Hebrews 1:3 | The idea of God's faithfulness and deliverance is also addressed in Hebrews 1:3, which highlights Jesus' role as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. |
| 5 | Isaiah 36:18 → 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 | The Assyrian invasion of Judah is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:1-8, highlighting the historical context of the chapter. |
| 6 | Isaiah 36:20 → Psalm 2:1-6 | The idea of God's sovereignty over nations is also addressed in Psalm 2:1-6, which emphasizes God's role as the ruler of the nations. |
| 7 | Isaiah 36:22 → Isaiah 37:1-7 | The chapter sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention in Isaiah 37:1-7, which highlights God's faithfulness and deliverance of His people. |
| 8 | Isaiah 36:1-22 → Matthew 1:22-23 | The concept of God's sovereignty and faithfulness is also central to the Gospel of Matthew, which emphasizes Jesus' role as the fulfillment of God's promises and the embodiment of His presence and power. |
Sermons on Isaiah 36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in Isaiah - Part 1 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a message from the Lord about a coming battle and the loss of possessions. He then transitions to a section of the book of Isaiah, |
|
God Will Come Through for You by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that God will come through for us, even in the face of discouragement and trials, as illustrated by the story of King Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege. He |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 36
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 36 emphasizes the spiritual battle between faith and unbelief, as well as the clash between the true God and the false gods of the nations. Henry highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness, noting that the Assyrian invasion of Judah serves as a test of the people's faith and a demonstration of God's power. He also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the face of overwhelming opposition or challenges, and encourages believers to seek God's help and deliverance in times of need (Isaiah 36:15). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Contrast Between Faith and Unbelief
The chapter presents a stark contrast between the faith of Hezekiah and the unbelief of the Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh. While Hezekiah trusts in God, Rabshakeh scoffs at the idea of divine intervention.
The Use of Blasphemy and Intimidation
The Assyrian commander employs blasphemous language and intimidation tactics to break the spirits of the people of Jerusalem, highlighting the spiritual battle between light and darkness.
The Role of Human Pride and Arrogance
The chapter showcases the pride and arrogance of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, and his commander, Rabshakeh, demonstrating how human pride can lead to a false sense of security and a lack of reverence for God.