Isaiah 37
BSB1 On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. 2 And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz 3 to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. 4 Perhaps the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives." 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah, 6 who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’" 8 When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah. 9 Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? 12 Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? 13 Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’" 14 So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: 16 “O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. 17 Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to all the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. 18 Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all these countries and their lands. 19 They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. 20 And now, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are 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 that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you. 23 Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel! 24 Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. 25 I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. 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 should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble. 27 Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown. 28 But I know your sitting down, your going out and coming in, and your raging against Me. 29 Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’ 30 And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 31 And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root below and bear fruit above. 32 For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. 33 So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. 34 He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. 35 ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’" 36 Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. 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 Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.
Study Notes — Isaiah 37
- 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 37
- Themes from Isaiah 37
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Isaiah 37
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with King Hezekiah receiving a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, which leads him to seek God's help through the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah 37:1-7 records Hezekiah's prayer and Isaiah's encouraging response. In Isaiah 37:8-13, the Assyrian king sends a second, more menacing letter, but Hezekiah again seeks God's intervention, and Isaiah prophesies the Assyrian army's defeat. Isaiah 37:14-20 contains Hezekiah's prayer, and Isaiah 37:21-38 records God's response, promising to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army. The chapter concludes with the fulfillment of God's promise, as the angel of the Lord strikes down the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib is assassinated.
Context for the Chapter
Isaiah chapter 37 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Isaiah, which describes God's judgment on Judah and the surrounding nations, as well as His promise of redemption and restoration. The chapter is also part of the historical context of the Assyrian empire's expansion and the kingdom of Judah's struggles for survival. The events of this chapter are closely tied to the reign of King Hezekiah and the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Just as Hezekiah sought God's help, we should seek God's guidance and protection in our own lives, trusting in His faithfulness and promises. This is especially relevant in times of uncertainty or crisis, where we must rely on God's providence and care.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Isaiah chapter 37 tells the story of how God saved Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, threatened to destroy the city, but King Hezekiah prayed to God for help. God answered Hezekiah's prayer and sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian army. This chapter shows us that God is powerful and faithful, and that He will defend those who trust in Him. As seen in Isaiah 37:35, God promises to defend Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises.
Voices from the Church
“Faith is not a mere notion, but a living, active, and operative principle, which puts us into immediate contact with God, and makes us partakers of His power and wisdom.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The providence of God is not limited to the government of the world, but extends to the smallest particulars, so that nothing happens by chance, but all things are directed by His wise and sovereign will.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Hezekiah Receives the Assyrian Threat (Isaiah 37:1-7) — The chapter begins with King Hezekiah receiving a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, which leads him to seek God's help through the prophet Isaiah.
- Hezekiah's Prayer and Isaiah's Response (Isaiah 37:8-13) — Hezekiah prays to God, seeking His help and guidance, and Isaiah responds with a message of encouragement and promise.
- The Assyrian King's Second Letter (Isaiah 37:14-20) — The Assyrian king sends a second, more menacing letter, but Hezekiah again seeks God's intervention, and Isaiah prophesies the Assyrian army's defeat.
- God's Response to Hezekiah's Prayer (Isaiah 37:21-38) — God responds to Hezekiah's prayer, promising to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army, highlighting His sovereignty and power.
- The Fulfillment of God's Promise (Isaiah 37:21-38) — The chapter concludes with the fulfillment of God's promise, as the angel of the Lord strikes down the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib is assassinated.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all nations and kings, and that He determines the outcome of historical events. This is seen in Isaiah 37:21-38, where God promises to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army.
- Faith and Trust
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, as seen in Hezekiah's actions and prayers. This is evident in Isaiah 37:1-7 and Isaiah 37:14-20, where Hezekiah seeks God's help and guidance.
- Providence of God
- The chapter demonstrates God's providence, as He guides the course of events to achieve His purposes. This is seen in Isaiah 37:21-38, where God promises to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army.
- Covenant Faithfulness
- The chapter highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in His defense of Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David. This is evident in Isaiah 37:35, where God promises to defend Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David.
Lessons from Isaiah 37
- The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter teaches us the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This is seen in Hezekiah's actions and prayers, as he seeks God's help and guidance.
- God's Sovereignty Over Nations — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and kings, as He determines the outcome of historical events. This is seen in Isaiah 37:21-38, where God promises to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as Hezekiah's prayers are a key part of the chapter. This is evident in Isaiah 37:1-7 and Isaiah 37:14-20, where Hezekiah seeks God's intervention.
- God's Faithfulness to His Promises — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in His defense of Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David. This is evident in Isaiah 37:35, where God promises to defend Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David.
- The Ultimate Defender of God's People — The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate defender of God's people, who delivers believers from the power of sin and death. This is seen in the context of God's covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people.
Themes from Isaiah 37
- Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This is seen in Hezekiah's actions and prayers, as he seeks God's help and guidance.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and kings, as He determines the outcome of historical events. This is seen in Isaiah 37:21-38, where God promises to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army.
- Deliverance and Salvation — The chapter highlights God's power to deliver and save His people, as seen in the destruction of the Assyrian army. This is evident in Isaiah 37:21-38, where God promises to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army.
- Covenant and Promise — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in His defense of Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David. This is evident in Isaiah 37:35, where God promises to defend Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David.
- Prayer and Intercession — The chapter highlights the importance of prayer, as Hezekiah's prayers are a key part of the chapter. This is evident in Isaiah 37:1-7 and Isaiah 37:14-20, where Hezekiah seeks God's intervention.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Hezekiah's example about trusting in God's promises and providence?
- How does the chapter illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and kings?
- What role does prayer play in the chapter, and what can we learn from Hezekiah's prayers?
- How does the chapter point to Christ as the ultimate defender of God's people?
- What are some ways we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and circumstances?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Hezekiah Receives the Assyrian Threat (Isaiah 37:1-7)
| Isaiah 37:1 | The chapter begins with King Hezekiah receiving a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, which leads him to seek God's help through the prophet Isaiah. |
| Isaiah 37:2 | Hezekiah sends his officials to Isaiah, who encourages them to trust in God's promises and providence. |
2. Hezekiah's Prayer and Isaiah's Response (Isaiah 37:8-13)
| Isaiah 37:8 | The Assyrian king sends a second, more menacing letter, but Hezekiah again seeks God's intervention, and Isaiah prophesies the Assyrian army's defeat. |
| Isaiah 37:9 | Hezekiah prays to God, seeking His help and guidance, and Isaiah responds with a message of encouragement and promise. |
3. God's Response to Hezekiah's Prayer (Isaiah 37:21-38)
| Isaiah 37:21 | God responds to Hezekiah's prayer, promising to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army, highlighting His sovereignty and power. |
| Isaiah 37:22 | God emphasizes His faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in His defense of Jerusalem for the sake of His servant David. |
4. The Fulfillment of God's Promise (Isaiah 37:36-38)
| Isaiah 37:36 | The angel of the Lord strikes down the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib is assassinated, fulfilling God's promise to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army. |
| Isaiah 37:37 | The chapter concludes with the fulfillment of God's promise, highlighting His power and sovereignty over nations and kings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Isaiah chapter 37?
The chapter is set in the context of the Assyrian empire's expansion and the kingdom of Judah's struggles for survival, during the reign of King Hezekiah and the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32.
What is the significance of Hezekiah's prayer in the chapter?
Hezekiah's prayer is a key part of the chapter, demonstrating his faith and trust in God, and seeking God's help and guidance in the face of the Assyrian threat. This is evident in Isaiah 37:1-7 and Isaiah 37:14-20.
How does the chapter point to Christ as the ultimate defender of God's people?
The chapter points to Christ as the ultimate defender of God's people, who delivers believers from the power of sin and death, as seen in the context of God's covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 37:1 → 2 Kings 18:1-3 | The events of this chapter are also recorded in 2 Kings 18:1-3, which provides additional historical context. |
| 2 | Isaiah 37:10 → 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 | The chapter is also alluded to in 2 Chronicles 32:1-8, which provides further insight into the reign of King Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat. |
| 3 | Isaiah 37:21 → Psalm 46:1-11 | The promise of God's defense and deliverance is reminiscent of Psalm 46:1-11, which celebrates God's power and protection over His people. |
| 4 | Isaiah 37:35 → Isaiah 49:1-26 | The chapter's emphasis on God's faithfulness to His covenant promises is also seen in Isaiah 49:1-26, which highlights God's commitment to His people and His plan of redemption. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:36 → Matthew 1:1-17 | The destruction of the Assyrian army is a foreshadowing of the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom, as seen in Matthew 1:1-17. |
| 6 | Isaiah 37:1-7 → John 1:1-14 | The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and power is also seen in John 1:1-14, which highlights Jesus Christ as the ultimate expression of God's power and wisdom. |
| 7 | Isaiah 37:10 → Romans 8:28-39 | The promise of God's defense and deliverance is also seen in Romans 8:28-39, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and care for His people. |
| 8 | Isaiah 37:21 → Hebrews 1:1-14 | The chapter's emphasis on God's faithfulness to His covenant promises is also seen in Hebrews 1:1-14, which highlights Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate defender of God's people. |
| 9 | Isaiah 37:35 → Revelation 19:1-21 | The chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and power is also seen in Revelation 19:1-21, which describes the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom. |
| 10 | Isaiah 37:36 → Revelation 20:1-15 | The destruction of the Assyrian army is a foreshadowing of the ultimate defeat of evil and the establishment of God's kingdom, as seen in Revelation 20:1-15. |
Sermons on Isaiah 37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t |
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Prevailing Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of evangelism in Africa and Scotland, where they would spend several weeks before making any invitations to allow people to be con |
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The Power of Prayer by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness and power of God when facing difficulties. He calls upon God, acknowledging His ability to overco |
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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, |
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Confidence by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God as the great pilot who can bring things into existence and command the hosts of heaven. The preacher encourag |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 37:14 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the descendants of Jacob and their journey out of Egypt. He highlights the encounter between Balaam and King Balak, where Balaam |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 37:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing things in their eternal light rather than getting caught up in temporary discomfort. He highlights how we often beco |
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An Old Testament Revival - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | This sermon focuses on the story of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through faith, prayer, and taking action. Hezekiah's lif |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 52 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having our spiritual eyes opened to see what is happening in our lives, the world, and our churches. He highlights the nee |
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Your Battle Is the Lord’s (See 2 Chronicles 20:15) by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the battles we face are ultimately the Lord's, not ours. He draws from 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat and his people seek God in the face o |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Isaiah 37
Matthew Henry's commentary on Isaiah 37 emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. He notes that Hezekiah's example demonstrates the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's guidance and help. Henry also highlights God's sovereignty over nations and kings, as seen in the destruction of the Assyrian army, and emphasizes the significance of God's covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people. He encourages believers to trust in God's power and providence, and to seek His help and guidance in times of need, as seen in Isaiah 37:1-7 and Isaiah 37:14-20. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Hezekiah's Faith
Hezekiah's actions demonstrate his faith in God, as he seeks God's help and trusts in His promises. This is evident in his prayer in Isaiah 37:15-20, where he asks God to defend Jerusalem.
God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's control over historical events, as He determines the fate of the Assyrian army and the kingdom of Judah. This is seen in Isaiah 37:21-38, where God promises to defend Jerusalem and destroy the Assyrian army.
The Importance of Prayer
Hezekiah's prayers are a key part of the chapter, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's help and guidance in times of need. This is evident in Isaiah 37:1-7 and Isaiah 37:14-20, where Hezekiah seeks God's intervention.