034. III. Isaiah’s Activity At The Time Of Sennacherib’s Invasion Of Palestine
III ISAIAH’S ACTIVITY AT THE TIME OF SENNACHERIB’S INVASION OF PALESTINE 1. The Death of Sargon and Related Events The influence of Isaiah was potent, as long as Sargon lived, to check the plans of the pro-Egyptian party in Judah. Even the short-sighted nobles could realize that the weak king Shabataka, who had delivered over to Sargon the leader of the revolt at Ashdod, could give them no protection against the invincible Assyrian. His sudden death in 705 B. C. completely changed the situation. In every quarter of his empire great districts rose in revolt In Palestine plans for united action were at once begun. Perhaps at this juncture should be dated the short but vigorous fragment in chapter 14, which tradition ascribed to the death-year of king Ahaz.[45]
[45]
2. The Plea against the Egyptian Alliance (Isaiah 14:28-32; Isaiah 18; Isaiah 22:15-25) (1) A Warning to the Magnates of Jerusalem (Isaiah 28:1-29)
Samaria’s imminent (723 B.C.) destruction (Isaiah 28:1-4). Years ago, just before Samaria’s fall, I delivered this prophecy, announcing the fate soon to overtake that city of revelers: “Woe to beautiful Samaria, whose tower-crowned summit and vine-decked slopes remind one of a reveler whose flushed temples are wreathed by a chaplet of flowers! Her carousal is nearly over. Jehovah is about to send one who, like a destructive tempest or an overwhelming flood, shall sweep over her, dashing to earth her crown of pride. As quickly as one devours an early fig shall the rapacious Assyrian destroy the loveliness of Samaria. Her possible future (Isaiah 28:5-6). In the distant future, however, when Jehovah is the glory of his people, he will not only satisfy their craving for beauty, but will be the source of justice and valor.” .
Jerusalem (704 B.C.) no better than Samaria (Isaiah 28:7-8). Apply this prediction to yourselves, besotted nobles and leaders. Jerusalem to-day is an image of Samaria then. Even priest and prophet are reeling homeward from the sacrificial feast at which they have been plotting treason. The peevish complaint of the drunken magnates (Isaiah 28:9-10). When I, making my way into your midst, appealed once more in Jehovah’s name for faith in his protecting care and a rejection of entangling alliances, you said, in tipsy derision: “Whom does this fellow presume to teach? Are we newly weaned infants? He is forever prattling monotonously his wearisome advice!”[46]Isaiah’s retort (Isaiah 28:11-13). Let me warn you that Jehovah, whose servant you are mocking, will teach you through instructors whose words will sound just as intolerable, and whose power will be irresistible.
Only a policy based upon faith in God can be permanent (Isaiah 28:14-22). You rulers who scoff at divine protection, and think by your cunning but faithless diplomacy to save yourselves from destruction, and to prevent the Assyrian army from reaching you, let Jehovah remind you through me that he called our nation for some great purpose, that this purpose is unalterable, and that faith in him is our only safety. Any course of action which does not conform to justice and righteousness will be utterly useless. The judgment shall visit you repeatedly; you will understand it then only too well. The bed you are making will never fit you. Reluctantly will Jehovah have to carry out his decree of destruction upon his own people, if you persist in your evil course.
God’s methods with men—a parable (Isaiah 28:23-29). Let me utter a parable. Does not the farmer, with a wisdom which Jehovah himself has implanted, cast in the appropriate seed after plowing, and vary his mode of threshing in accordance with the grain? So Jehovah will deal with his people in the way which is best adapted to their character.
(2) Jehovah’s Purpose for Ariel, his Altar-hearth (Isaiah 29:1-24)
Jerusalem’s coming siege and sudden deliverance (Isaiah 29:1-8). Ho! Ariel, city of David and altar-hearth of God I let a year or two pass by; let such feasts as these run their accustomed round.[47] Soon shall the light-hearted people moan and bemoan[48] their fate, for Jerusalem shall be indeed an altar laden with victims. Besieged by a great army, humiliated and almost exhausted, thou shalt suddenly be delivered by Jehovah’s power. Thy enemies shall vanish like a dream; from their visions of spoil they shall be rudely awakened.
Why her people cannot realize the message (Isaiah 29:9-16). Are you dazed by this message, O people? Are your eyes blinded to its significance? Is not Jehovah’s word a book which some of you will not read, while others cannot? Your religious attitude is wholly formal; no wonder that his dealings with you seem so wholly inexplicable. Your self-styled leaders, plotting in secret, seem to actually suppose that they are outwitting God. What stupid perversity! The future blessings of Israel (Isaiah 29:17-24.) The time will soon come when the land shall be marvelously fruitful, when all shall see and hear Jehovah’s will, when the common people shall have much joy, when tyrants and scorners and crafty men shall cease. He who was Abraham’s redeemer will not leave Israel to shame and fear. He will so manifest himself that all shall reverently receive instruction concerning him.
(3) The Utter Folly of Seeking an Alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1-33)
Egypt is a weak reed to lean upon (Isaiah 30:1-7). Woe to my rebellious sons who are cementing an alliance with Egypt in defiance of my will, seeking the protection of Tirhakah! Although he is active in despatching messengers from one end of his land to the other, yet nothing but shame will come to those who trust in his help. What is the use of sending ambassadors with costly gifts to brave all the dangers of the desert, in order that we may win the aid of such an inefficient people? Egypt’s help amounts to nothing; she is Madame Brag-and-stay-at-home. The sad consequences of the rebellious disposition of the people (Isaiah 30:8-17). Jehovah has bidden me write these prophecies down as a testimonial to the spirit of disobedience shown by my people. They wish to hear only congenial and pleasant oracles. “Do not dwell so much,” you say, “upon the Holy One of Israel and what he requires.” And now, since you prefer to rely upon your crooked policy, rejecting God’s word to you, this wilful sin, of so little moment in your own minds, shall bring disaster just as surely as a bulge caused by a breach in a lofty wall tends toward its sudden and awful collapse. Your destruction will be like that of a potter’s vessel,—so shattered that no fragment is found large enough to carry a live coal or hold a sup of water. Have I not repeatedly, in Jehovah’s name, urged that, by keeping aloof from entangling alliances, and by calmly relying upon him, you would show yourselves truly strong? But you reply, “No, we will fly from all danger on the swift horses of Egypt.” You shall fly indeed in a panic-stricken mob before a handful of pursuers, until your paltry remnant is left as solitary as a beacon on a hilltop. The blessings which a timely repentance might entail (Isaiah 30:18-26). Jehovah is waiting to see whether, after all, you will force him to execute judgment; he is listening for your cry of penitence. Though he may bring you to distress, yet he himself will be your teacher and guide. You will cast away with loathing your costly images. Then he will abundantly bless you with rain and rich crops, and well-fed oxen, and running streams. So bright and joyous will be that happy time that the moon will seem to shine with the brilliance of the sun, and the sun to be sevenfold brighter.
Jehovah must first destroy the Assyrian (Isaiah 30:27-33). Before the glorious prospect can be fulfilled, Jehovah must manifest himself in destructive might against the Assyrian. His aspect will be like a fierce tempest, and his righteous judgment resistless as a torrent, sifting nations like chaff, checking them as with a bridle; but, while his majestic voice is heard in the thunder and the stroke of his arm in the lightning, there will be a song of rejoicing among you, as at the Passover procession in honor of the Rock of Israel, for your foe he will destroy. Such a holocaust as he delights in shall be offered. The pyre is deep and wide, and the wood abundant Jehovah’s breath shall kindle it.
(4) Egypt’s Help in Contrast to that of Jehovah (Isaiah 31:1 to Isaiah 32:8)
Egypt is at best but human (Isaiah 31:1-3). When, notwithstanding my appeals, the alliance had been made, I uttered this last message: “Woe to those who put their trust in the horses and chariots of Egypt, as if the coming conflict was to be a mere measuring of strength between two empires. They forget Jehovah, and that he is carrying out an unchangeable purpose. If he chooses, both they and their helper shall perish.
Jehovah an ideal protector (Isaiah 31:4-5). “What a defender he would be! As undaunted as a lion calmly guarding his prey, though surrounded by a group of shouting shepherds; as tender and watchful as a tiny mother-bird hovering over her nest
He will gladly succor his repentant people (Isaiah 31:6-9). “O children of Israel, return to him against whom ye have sinned. As soon as you realize his true character, your hand-made idols of silver and gold will be cast away with contempt. Then you need not fear the Assyrian. Jehovah himself will fight in your behalf, for Jerusalem is his altar-hearth.”[49]
[49]
Judah under Jehovah’s care (Isaiah 32:1-8).[50][But he will never be contented with merely saving this nation from destruction. It will be transformed. Its king shall govern righteously; its officials of state shall give just judgments; every noble shall be a protector and comforter of the needy. Their moral perceptions shall be clear, and their expression of them prompt The true character of each man shall be recognized. The fool will expose himself by his atheism and his selfishness, and the knave will reveal his knavish[51] tricks and his impositions upon the defenseless poor, while the truly noble man will be known by his noble deeds.] [50] Many scholars regard this section as a later appendix, perhaps postexilic.
[51] The word rendered in A. V., “instruments,” sounds very much like the word for “churl.”
(5) A Warning to the Careless Ladies of Jerusalem (Isaiah 32:9-20) The light-hearted women will mourn over the ravaged land (Isaiah 32:9-14). Self-indulgent women of Jerusalem, careless of stern realities of the present or future, let me tell you that, in a little over a year, you will assume the garb of mourners, wailing for your ravaged vineyards and desolate fields and ruined city. The temple-hill shall become a lurking-place for wild beasts, a pasturage for flocks. The peaceful future (Isaiah 32:15-20). It is not Jehovah’s will, however, that this desolation be made permanent Under the renewing influence of his spirit, the land shall once more become fertile and its people righteous. They shall rest tranquilly and securely. First there shall be a destructive judgment, then a happy, industrious, and peaceful community.
(6) A Message to the Ethiopian Ambassadors,—Jehovah can Protect his People (Isaiah 18:1-7) Not many months passed before the report came to Palestine and Egypt that Sennacherib was collecting a mighty army to chastise us for our rebellion. Tirhakah did not delay to send ambassadors to Hezekiah announcing that his army would be in readiness, and encouraging the king to make a manful resistance. In the very presence of the king and court, I gave them this answer: The charge to the envoys of Ethiopia (Isaiah 18:1-3). Ah! ambassadors of that distant Ethiopia, where buzzing insects abound, who have come in swift skiffs of reed,[52] depart again to your people, tall and glossy of skin, universally feared, ever victorious, secure in their well-watered land, and say, “O dwellers upon the earth, when you hear the signal for battle, listen.” Jehovah is merely biding his time (Isaiah 18:4-7). For Jehovah has revealed to me that he is looking on in perfect quiescence, waiting while the Assyrian harvest matures. Just before it is fully ripe, when her plans of conquest seem to be complete, her hosts shall be cut down as branches are cut with knives; their dead bodies shall be left as carrion for unclean beasts and birds. Then Ethiopia shall pay homage to Jehovah on Mount Zion.
(7) The Downfall of Shebna, the Vizier (Isaiah 22:15-25)
Shebna to be disgraced, deposed, and banished (Isaiah 22:15-19). At last my pleadings had effect with the king. He began to have less faith in the alliance with Egypt. I was then directed to denounce his wily chief-minister, Shebna, the leader of those who had intrigued for Egypt, and who had been my constant opponent. Deeming himself secure against all hostility, he had even dared to have a stately sepulchre built on a prominent site near Jerusalem. Going thither, and confronting him, I said: “By what right do you, a man of foreign birth, assume to make yourself a sepulchre here? Jehovah will seize you, and carry you away, together with your splendid horses and chariots. The promise to Eliakim (Isaiah 22:20-23). You shall be deposed from your office, and Eliakim, one whom God approves, will be appointed in your place. He shall administer his trust for the good of his people, and shall have supreme authority, and shall confer honor upon his family. (His whole family, worthy and unworthy, shall be supported by the credit of his name, until by their abuse of trust it no longer supports them.)”
3. Assurances that Jehovah will Defend his People (Isaiah 10-12; Isaiah 14:24-27; Isaiah 17:12-14) As soon as king Hezekiah, by appointing Shebna to the less important office of secretary, replacing him by Eliakim (Isaiah 36:3), had proved his loss of confidence in the policy of foreign alliance, and his desire to act as befitted one who ruled in the fear of Jehovah, Isaiah began to emphasize the certainty of divine protection. He still assumed that the situation was critical and the national distress acute, but inspired confidence by dwelling upon the impossibility of destruction, because Jehovah is still in need of Zion and all that it represents.
Hezekiah could not withdraw from his relations with the surrounding states of Palestine. The vassal king of Ekron, Padi, dethroned by his revolting subjects, had been sent to Jerusalem for safe keeping. This dangerous commission insured Assyrian attack. With energy and skill he strengthened the defenses of Jerusalem. The inscription of Sennacherib adds that he reinforced the garrison with a force of Arabs and other mercenaries. While these measures were being taken, we may suppose that the following oracles of encouragement were delivered.
(1) The Certain Overthrow of Assyria, Jehovah’s Tool (Isaiah 10:5-34)
Jehovah’s plan contrasted with Assyria’s purpose and claims (Isaiah 10:5-11). Behold the Assyrian, the instrument[53] by which I chastise nations which deserve punishment, commissioning him to conquer and subjugate for me. In his pride he forgets the source of his power, and is only bent on satisfying his own ambition for conquest, saying boastfully, “Am I not invincible? Are not the governors I appoint the equals in authority of any hereditary king? Have I not captured the strongest cities of Syria? If their deities could not save them, shall Jerusalem and her idols escape?”
[53] The expression “in whose hand” is meaningless, and spoils the parallelism.
Jehovah will punish such arrogance (Isaiah 10:12). Such insulting annoyance must be rebuked for the sake of Jehovah’s honor. When, therefore, his people have been sufficiently purified by chastisement, Jehovah will suitably punish the Assyrian’s pride. The Assyrian’s assertion of strength and wisdom (Isaiah 10:13-14). Again he ascribes his remarkable success to his own strength and wisdom, ignoring Jehovah’s guidance. “Moved by my sagacious insight,” he declares, “I change the boundaries of nations, secure their wealth, and remove their inhabitants, terror-stricken, with as much ease as one gathers eggs from an abandoned nest.”
He is but a tool (Isaiah 10:15). What an absurd claim that he is his own master! He is only Jehovah’s tool! Suppose that an axe or a saw were to boast of its sharpness or strength apart from its user, or that a cane should try to brandish the man who owns it. The effect of Jehovah’s putting forth of power (Isaiah 10:16-19). Jehovah will exhibit his power by stripping the Assyrian of his greatness, so that he shall be as a sick man who has lost his strength. Though his armies may seem as numerous and mighty as a forest, Jehovah’s flame will so consume them in a single day that a child may count those that are left. The remnant will be steadfastly loyal (Isaiah 10:20-23). Convinced at last of Assyria’s true place, the “remnant” of my people shall steadfastly rely upon Jehovah alone; for although, as our fathers said, Israel is to be as numerous as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of this people shall return. Jehovah’s righteous judgment is decreed. The disciples therefore need not fear Assyria (Isaiah 10:24-27). So then, O fellow-disciples, do not fear this approaching foe, even though he may treat you as harshly as Pharaoh did your fathers in the land of Egypt. In a little while Jehovah’s judgment will be completed by his destruction. He will smite Assyria as Ephraim smote the Midianites at the rock of Oreb. He will overthrow her even as the hosts of Pharaoh were overthrown at the raising of Moses’ rod. And then his burdensome tribute and the subjection to his authority shall cease forever. The rapid and resistless advance of the Assyrian toward Jerusalem (Isaiah 10:28-32). He will surely advance upon Jerusalem. I seem to see his rapid and resistless march straight down from the north through the passes of Benjamin.[54] He has reached Ai and passed by Migron. Before he attempts to get through the pass of Michmash, he stores his surplus baggage. At Geba he bivouacs for the night. Now the road is easy and short. The inhabitants of Ramah and of Saul’s Gibeah flee in terror. O daughter of Gallim, shriek aloud; listen and fear, O Laishah; take up the cry, O Anathoth. The inhabitants of Madmenah and Gebim hurriedly gather their possessions for instant flight He does not halt until, at Nob, he overlooks the city, and brandishes his clenched hand in anger against Mount Zion.
[54] The last four words of verse 27, “because of the anointing,” make no better sense in the Hebrew than in the English. The text is certainly corrupt. Perhaps it should read, “There cometh up from the north the Destroyer” (Smith), or “He hath come up into Benjamin” (Mitchell). His sudden destruction (Isaiah 10:33-34). But, just at the moment of his triumph, Jehovah shall strike him down. The lofty Assyrian cedars, like a forest for multitude, shall be cut down by one more majestic still.
(2) The Messianic Age to Follow Assyria’s Downfall (Isaiah 11:1-16) The royal scion of David’s line (Isaiah 11:1). The Assyrian cedar sends forth no shoot from its withered stump, but out of the stock of the almost ruined Davidic family I see a fair and fruitful Branch sprouting, an ideal king. His characteristics (Isaiah 11:2). By Jehovah himself he shall be endowed with the perfect qualities of a ruler,—wisdom and insight, prudence and heroism, acquaintance with God’s will and a willingness to do it. Their practical manifestation (Isaiah 11:3-5). Taking delight in every manifestation of true character, and endowed with keen discernment, he shall not judge from appearances, nor from testimony, nor will he tolerate any abuse of justice. The wicked will have cause to fear him, for righteousness shall be his garment. The reign of peace (Isaiah 11:6-9). Then shall begin an era of peace, when even nature will be redeemed, when wild animals will lie peaceably at the side of their natural prey, so docile that they will follow a little child. Side by side will the cow and bear, with their young ones, graze. Even the poisonous serpent will become the harmless playfellow of the child. The spirit that prompts to destruction shall be unknown in Palestine, for every one shall know Jehovah. The whole world will seek this king (Isaiah 11:10). Then shall the whole world give honor to the habitation of the king, for they shall come up to him to receive instruction. The return of the exiles (Isaiah 11:11-12). [In that day Jehovah shall, for the second time, put forth his power to redeem his people from many different countries, signaling the nations to restore the scattered exiles.
Samaria and Judah shall co-operate (Isaiah 11:13-14). After the restoration, all internal strife between the two kingdoms shall entirely cease. Uniting their forces, the reconciled brethren shall pounce upon the Philistines on the west, and plunder the desert tribes. They shall subdue their neighbor nations, so that by Israel’s supremacy the world may be made to serve Jehovah. The miraculous highway for the journey (Isaiah 11:15-16). Jehovah shall miraculously prepare a passage-way for the returning exiles from Egypt and Assyria by drying up the arm of the Red Sea, and by so dividing up the great Euphrates that one may walk across in sandals. ] (3) Two Hymns of Thanksgiving (Isaiah 12:1-6) A song of faith (Isaiah 12:1-3). Then, O redeemed community, you shall sing. “I will praise thee, O God, for now that thy anger is turned thou dost comfort me. God has been my helper; I will give him my trust. Let us constantly rejoice in his presence.” A song of praise (Isaiah 12:4-6). “Praise Jehovah, hallow his name, magnify him among men. Sound his praise, for he hath wrought wondrous things. Great is he in power and goodness, a friend and protector in your midst.”
(4) Two Fragments concerning Assyria’s Destruction (Isaiah 14:24-27; Isaiah 17:12-14)
It is in accordance with Jehovah’s world-plan (Isaiah 14:24-27). Surely it is my sworn purpose to break the power of the Assyrian on the hills of Canaan, so as to free my people from this galling tribute and stern authority. I do this in pursuance of my eternal plan for the universe; it is necessary for the good, not merely of Judah, but of the world. My purpose is fixed; it cannot be altered.
It will be sudden and complete (Isaiah 17:12-14). Listen to the noise of the advancing hosts of Assyria, recruited from many nations. It is like the roaring of the surging sea. Though they seem like an overwhelming flood, Jehovah will rebuke them with his voice of thunder. They flee, they scatter and perish. At eventide all are in fear of them; before morning they have disappeared. So Jehovah does to those who would plunder his people.
4. The Crisis at Jerusalem (Isaiah 22:1-14; Isaiah 33; Isaiah 36; Isaiah 37)
2 Kings 18:13-16. Sennacherib, in the year 701 B. C., marched with a huge army to the west. Advancing along the Mediterranean coast, he soon received the submission of half the petty princes of Palestine. Proceeding to Philistia, he captured Ashkelon. Passing on to Ekron, he not only besieged that city, but inflicted a defeat at Eltekeh upon an Egyptian army sent to its relief. Meanwhile a detachment of the army had been despatched to Judah. It was irresistible and destructive. It captured forty-six “cities,” a huge body of prisoners, and a vast amount of spoil. Hezekiah was shut up in Jerusalem “like a bird in a cage.” At this juncture, overpowered by fear, the king, his people, and his mercenaries, submitted, and sued for pardon. Sennacherib laid upon him a very heavy fine. According to the Assyrian report, he even forced Hezekiah to send some of his own family to the harem of his conqueror. The troops departed. The city, although stripped of its treasures, seemed secure from further danger. A thrill of reckless joy swept over the people. They gave themselves up to unrestricted feasting and merriment The prophet Isaiah, however, who felt no sympathy with this outbreak, uttered this warning word:
(1) Jerusalem’s Indifference to God Invites Further Judgment (Isaiah 22:1-14) The prophet’s distress at the popular expressions of joy (Isaiah 22:1-4). What, O citizens, do you mean by this demonstration on the house-tops? Is it a time for joy, when our deliverance has been so ignoble? Your warriors have not been slain in battle, but ignominiously taken prisoners. Alas! I am overcome by inconsolable anguish. The future day of calamity (Isaiah 22:5-7). For I see still before us a day of tumult and trampling and confusion,[55] when the Assyrian auxiliaries shall lay siege to the city, when your most fertile valleys shall be full of troops.
[55] A series of three remarkable assonances in the Hebrew. Their readiness to do anything but trust Jehovah (Isaiah 22:8-11). A while ago, when you realized the defenseless condition of Judah, with what zeal you inspected the armories, carefully examined the defects in the wall of the citadel, arranged for a good water supply, and tore down houses, in order to strengthen the wall! All this you did, but you were regardless of Jehovah’s relation to the welfare of the city. This sin unpardonable (Isaiah 22:12-14). The danger in which we stand should have impelled you all to mourning and fasting and reflection; but what do I see?—riotous mirth and feasting. Truly Jehovah assures me that your sin is inexpiable.
(2) Sennacherib’s First Demand—Isaiah’s Promise (Isaiah 36:1 to Isaiah 37:8)
Soon after receiving, at Lachish, the submission and tribute of Hezekiah, for some reason, not altogether clear, Sennacherib determined after all to take possession of Jerusalem. He sent several officers with a small army to demand its unconditional surrender. To the Judean representatives the Assyrian spokesman urged that Egypt could not be depended upon, and that Hezekiah had offended his own deities. He also set forth the extreme folly of resisting the demands of a king who was not only powerful, but commissioned by Jehovah, Israel’s god. When entreated to discuss the subject in the Aramean tongue, he preferred to make his plea in Hebrew, so that the multitude could understand, and said:
“Listen, O people; let not Hezekiah persuade you that he or his god can deliver you from our power. Make peaceable submission now, and you shall dwell in peace and safety until we conclude our campaigning, and remove you to a better land. How can you possibly escape? Is there a single country whose god has delivered it from our hand?” The people kept silence, and the representatives of king Hezekiah brought him the words. Dismayed and despairing, he sent a notable deputation to Isaiah, saying, “This is a day of distress and chastisement and rejection. We cannot meet this crisis by our wisdom. Will not Jehovah rebuke these insolent words by delivering us?” The prophet replied: “This is Jehovah’s message. Ignore these boastful words. Sennacherib shall not harm thee. I will so fill him with a spirit of uneasiness that he shall hear a mere rumor of Tirhakah’s approach, and hurry homeward, there to meet with a violent death.” So Hezekiah refused the demand of Sennacherib, and the envoys departed to inform him.
(3) Jerusalem’s Security against the Treacherous Foe (Isaiah 33:1-24)
Woe to the faithless Sennacherib (Isaiah 33:1). Woe to you, O treacherous and aggressive foe, for you shall be paid in kind when your hour cometh! An appeal to Jehovah (Isaiah 33:2-6). O Jehovah, be thy people’s defense and strength. Thou canst readily scatter and spoil our enemies. To fear thee is our true wisdom and a pledge of our deliverance from all evil.
Judah’s distressing condition (Isaiah 33:7-12). Behold the warriors of Assyria boasting, our ambassadors in distress, the land laid waste, the perfidious Sennacherib, the disheartened country! What a sad prospect! But Jehovah resolves to assert himself, and scatter these invaders, whose very breathings of passionate vengeance shall be fires to consume them. The judgment and its diverse effects (Isaiah 33:13-16). Note this act of judgment, you that are far away or near. To those in Zion who have constantly scorned my teachings, it brings only terror. “How,” they exclaim, “can we live in the presence of such a God, who is a consuming fire?” Absolutely secure are the truly righteous in thought, word, and deed. They inhabit a fortress which can never be starved into surrender. The coming age (Isaiah 33:17-24). In the coming day the King for whom we all are looking shall be seen in his beauty. We shall be reminded by contrast of this time of terror, of how officers exacted the tribute, and of how they surveyed the city. No more will the speech of the fierce invaders grate upon our ears. Jerusalem, the center of our worship, shall be peaceful and unharmed, protected by Jehovah; for he is our Judge, Lawgiver, and King, and he will be also our Deliverer. Jerusalem has been as helpless as a ship with tacklings loosed, and mast unshipped, and sails unspread; but soon her people shall seize upon abundant spoil; even the cripples shall bear their share. There shall be in her no more sickness, for all shall have their sins forgiven.
(4) Sennacherib’s Second Demand, Hezekiah’s Prayer, and Isaiah’s Confident Prediction of Jerusalem’s Security (Isaiah 37:9-35) As Isaiah had predicted, the Assyrian monarch soon heard that Tirhakah was advancing against him with a great army. Jerusalem was one of the strongest fortresses in Western Asia. Not wishing to run the risk of leaving it in his rear, he made one last effort to subdue it by intimidation. A second demand was sent “Do not be deceived into thinking that your god can deliver you out of my hand. What nation or what king has ever been saved in that way?”
It was a supreme crisis. A refusal to surrender meant a terrible revenge, if the angry king returned.
Hezekiah received the letter, and, taking it to the temple, prayed that Jehovah would hear these reproaches and boasts, and deliver his nation from the Assyrian’s clutches for his own name’s sake.
Then Isaiah brought to him this word of God: “Hear the answer to your appeal. Jerusalem, undefiled, laughs you, O Assyrian, to scorn;[56] she defies you. Against whom have your reproaches been uttered and your pride expressed but against Israel’s Holy One! When you boast of the ease with which you have triumphed over obstacles of every sort, can it be that you do not know that it was all because I conferred upon you the power? All that you do is under my control. To prove it, I will force you, like an unruly animal, back to your place. This, O Hezekiah, shall be your sign; For two years the regular operations of agriculture will be suspended, then prosperity will come. The promises that I have so often reiterated shall then be fulfilled. Meanwhile this king shall not besiege the city at all. He shall return as he came; for I will defend Jerusalem for my sake, and in order to fulfil the promises given to David.”
“Thee she despises and at thee is mocking—Zion, the virgin!
(5) The Final Catastrophe (Isaiah 37:36-38)
While Sennacherib’s main army was on the borders of Egypt, a sudden pestilence broke out which caused 185,000 to die in one night. Affrighted by such an evil-omened event, the king withdrew in haste to Assyria, making no further attempt to subdue Jerusalem. Some twenty years later he was murdered, while at worship, by his own sons.