Isaiah 37:17
Isaiah 37:17 in Multiple Translations
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.
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
Incline thine ear, O Jehovah, and hear; open thine eyes, O Jehovah, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to defy the living God.
Let your ear be turned to us, O Lord; let your eyes be open, O Lord, and see: take note of all the words of Sennacherib who has sent men to say evil against the living God.
Please listen with your ears, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see. Listen to the message that Sennacherib has sent to insult the living God.
Encline thine eare, O Lord, and heare: open thine eyes, O Lord, and see, and heare all the wordes of Saneherib, who hath sent to blaspheme the liuing God.
Incline, O Jehovah, Thine ear, and hear; open, O Jehovah, Thine eyes and see; and hear Thou all the words of Sennacherib that he hath sent to reproach the living God.
Turn your ear, LORD, and hear. Open your eyes, LORD, and behold. Hear all of the words of Sennacherib, who has sent to defy the living God.
Incline thy ear, O LORD, and hear; open thy eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to reproach the living God.
Incline, O Lord, thy ear, and hear: open, O Lord, thy eyes, and see, and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he hath sent to blaspheme the living God.
So, Yahweh, please listen to what I am saying, and look at what is happening! And listen to what Sennacherib has said to insult you, the all-powerful God!
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 37:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Isaiah 37:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַטֵּ֨ה
יְהוָ֤ה
אָזְנְ/ךָ֙
וּֽ/שְׁמָ֔ע
פְּקַ֧ח
יְהוָ֛ה
עֵינֶ֖/ךָ
וּ/רְאֵ֑ה
וּ/שְׁמַ֗ע
אֵ֚ת
כָּל
דִּבְרֵ֣י
סַנְחֵרִ֔יב
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
שָׁלַ֔ח
לְ/חָרֵ֖ף
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
חָֽי
הַטֵּ֨ה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אָזְנְ/ךָ֙
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
וּֽ/שְׁמָ֔ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
פְּקַ֧ח
pâqach
H6491
to open
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עֵינֶ֖/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
וּ/רְאֵ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
וּ/שְׁמַ֗ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
סַנְחֵרִ֔יב
Çanchêrîyb
H5576
Sennacherib
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁלַ֔ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/חָרֵ֖ף
châraph
H2778
to taunt
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
חָֽי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 37:17
הַטֵּ֨ה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אָזְנְ/ךָ֙
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
וּֽ/שְׁמָ֔ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
פְּקַ֧ח
pâqach
H6491
"to open"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to open, like opening your eyes or ears to something new. It can also mean being observant and aware of your surroundings. In the Bible, it is used to describe physical and spiritual awakening.
Definition: 1) to open (the eyes) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (the eyes) 1a2) to open (the ears) 1b) (Niphal) to be opened
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: open. See also: Genesis 3:5; Psalms 146:8; Proverbs 20:13.
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עֵינֶ֖/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וּ/רְאֵ֑ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וּ/שְׁמַ֗ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
סַנְחֵרִ֔יב
Çanchêrîyb
H5576
"Sennacherib"
N-proper
Sennacherib was an Assyrian king who lived during the Divided Monarchy period. He was the son of Sargon and father of Esarhaddon, and attacked Judah during King Hezekiah's reign. His name means Sin multiplied brothers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.18.13; father of: Adrammelech (H0152H), Sharezer (H8272) and Esarhaddon (H0634); also called Sargon at Isa.20.1; Also named: sar.gon (סַרְגוֹן "Sargon" H5623) § Sennacherib = "Sin multiplied brothers" (Sin = the moon) son of Sargon, father of Esarhaddon, and king of Assyria from 705-681 BC; attacked Judah during the reign of king Hezekiah and Judah was delivered when in response to the prayer of Hezekiah an angel smote 185,000 Assyrian soldiers
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Sennacherib. See also: 2 Kings 18:13; 2 Chronicles 32:9; Isaiah 36:1.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁלַ֔ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לְ/חָרֵ֖ף
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
אֱלֹהִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
חָֽי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Isaiah 37:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Hezekiah’s Prayer
15And 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.
17Incline 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.
18Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all these countries and their lands. 19They 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 6:40 | Now, my God, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. |
| 2 | Psalms 17:6 | I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words. |
| 3 | Isaiah 37:4 | 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.” |
| 4 | Psalms 74:22 | Rise up, O God; defend Your cause! Remember how the fool mocks You all day long. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 3:12 | For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” |
| 6 | Psalms 10:14–15 | But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found. |
| 7 | Psalms 71:2 | In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me. |
| 8 | Psalms 130:1–2 | Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy. |
| 9 | Psalms 74:10 | How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
| 10 | Psalms 79:12 | Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord. |
Isaiah 37:17 Summary
[In Isaiah 37:17, Hezekiah is praying to God and asking Him to pay attention to the threats of Sennacherib, which is a powerful example of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, as seen in verses like Psalms 46:1-3, where God is described as a refuge and strength in times of trouble. Hezekiah is saying, 'God, please hear and see what's going on, and please act on our behalf.' This is a great model for us to follow when we're facing our own challenges and threats, and we can trust that God will hear and answer our prayers, just like He did for Hezekiah. We can also remember that God is our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalms 62:6, and that He will never leave us or forsake us, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Hezekiah's prayer in Isaiah 37:17?
Hezekiah's prayer is a demonstration of his faith and trust in God, as seen in Isaiah 37:17, where he asks God to hear and see the threats of Sennacherib, and is reminiscent of Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:52, where he also asks God to hear and answer the prayers of His people.
Why does Hezekiah ask God to 'incline Your ear' and 'open Your eyes' in Isaiah 37:17?
Hezekiah is using a figure of speech to express his desire for God to pay close attention to his prayer and to the threats of Sennacherib, much like the psalmist does in Psalms 102:2, where he asks God to incline His ear to his cry for help.
What is the meaning of 'defy the living God' in Isaiah 37:17?
To defy the living God means to openly challenge or disrespect God, as Sennacherib is doing through his threats and boasts, which is a stark contrast to the reverence and awe that God's people are called to have, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:21, where Moses commands the Israelites to fear and reverence God.
How does Isaiah 37:17 relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on prayer?
Isaiah 37:17 is an example of the Bible's teaching on the importance of prayer and seeking God's face, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 29:12-13, where God promises to hear and answer the prayers of those who seek Him with all their heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can, like Hezekiah, express my faith and trust in God in the face of challenges and threats?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God, and avoid defying or disrespecting Him in my thoughts and actions?
- What are some things that I can pray about, like Hezekiah, and ask God to hear and see, and how can I trust that He will answer my prayers?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, use figures of speech and passionate language to express my desires and longings to God in prayer?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 37:17
Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hear,.... The prayer which Hezekiah was now presenting to him, as also the reproach of the enemy: open thine eyes, O Lord, and see; the letter he spread before him, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 37:17
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God. Incline thine ear . . . open thine eyes - singular, plural.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 37:17
17. open thine eyes … and see] The Hebr. has “thine eye,” which is probably a better reading than “thine eyes” in 2 Kings 19:16. So “who hath sent” is more correct than “who hath sent him” (the messenger). to reproach the living God] as in Isaiah 37:4.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 37:17
Incline thine ear - This is evidently language taken from what occurs among people. When they are desirous of hearing distinctly, they incline the ear or apply it close to the speaker.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 37:17
14-20. The insulting message above noted was in the form of a letter, which Hezekiah piously spread before the Lord in the temple — an act of prayer passing at length into vocal utterance, (Isaiah
Sermons on Isaiah 37:17
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2. the Revivalist by David Matthews | David Matthews preaches about God's divine methods in choosing leaders and servants for the Church, highlighting the wisdom in selecting the weak and despised to confound the might |
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I Will Veil Myself in You by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the need for those who have backslidden or grown cold in their faith to return to God. It highlights the importance of basing our faith on God's character an |
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The Case for a Good Conscience by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a believer. A good conscience enables consistency in one's walk with God and promotes unity and |
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Blessedness of Brokenness by Tom Palmer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the audience to write down five statements that describe their personal relationship with God. The statements range from "All of me, no |
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Why Would God Have Mercy on Us by Ralph Sexton Sr. | Ralph Sexton Sr. emphasizes the profound mercy and grace of God, questioning why God chooses to show compassion to humanity despite our unworthiness. He highlights the importance o |
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Prayer and Character and Conduct by E.M. Bounds | E.M. Bounds emphasizes the profound connection between prayer, character, and conduct, asserting that prayer governs our actions and shapes our inner character. He explains that wh |
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Holiness and Prayer by E.M. Bounds | E.M. Bounds emphasizes that true prayer is rooted in holiness and obedience to God, highlighting that it is not merely the act of saying prayers but rather the prayers of those who |