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.'" Behold, I will put a spirit in himThis phrase begins with "Behold," a term often used in Scripture to draw attention to something significant or divine. It is a call to the listener to pay close attention to what God is about to do. The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to focus on the forthcoming divine action. In this context, it emphasizes God's direct intervention in the affairs of men, underscoring His sovereignty and omnipotence. The phrase "I will put a spirit in him" indicates God's control over the hearts and minds of individuals, even those who oppose Him. The Hebrew word for "spirit" is "רוּחַ" (ruach), which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. Here, it signifies an influence or disposition that God will instill in the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. This divine influence will lead to a change in his plans, demonstrating that God can direct the thoughts and actions of even the most powerful rulers. It is a reminder of Proverbs 21:1, which states, "The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will." so that he will hear a rumor
The phrase "so that he will hear a rumor" suggests that God will use ordinary means, such as news or reports, to accomplish His divine purposes. The Hebrew word for "rumor" is "שְׁמוּעָה" (shemu'ah), which can mean a report, news, or tidings. This indicates that God can use even seemingly insignificant events or information to fulfill His will. Historically, this refers to the news of a threat or disturbance elsewhere that would distract Sennacherib and cause him to withdraw from his siege of Jerusalem. It highlights the providence of God in orchestrating events to protect His people. and return to his own land
The phrase "and return to his own land" signifies the outcome of God's intervention. The Assyrian king, who had come to conquer and destroy, would instead retreat. The Hebrew word for "return" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), which means to turn back or return. This action is not just a physical movement but also a reversal of intentions and plans. It underscores the futility of opposing God's will and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. Historically, this was fulfilled when Sennacherib returned to Assyria without capturing Jerusalem, as recorded in Assyrian annals and corroborated by archaeological findings. and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land
The final phrase, "and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land," reveals the ultimate judgment that God will bring upon Sennacherib. The Hebrew word for "fall" is "נָפַל" (naphal), which means to fall, lie, or be overthrown. This indicates a violent and decisive end. The phrase "by the sword" suggests a death in battle or by assassination, which historically occurred when Sennacherib was killed by his own sons, as recorded in 2 Kings 19:37. This serves as a sobering reminder of the justice of God and the fate of those who defy Him. It also reassures the faithful that God will protect and vindicate His people, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable threats. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian threat. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah. 2. SennacheribThe King of Assyria, who threatened Jerusalem and mocked the God of Israel. His military campaigns were a significant threat to the kingdoms of the region. 3. IsaiahThe prophet who conveyed God's messages to Hezekiah, providing guidance and assurance during the Assyrian crisis. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which was under siege by the Assyrian army. It was a focal point of God's deliverance in this account. 5. The Assyrian ArmyThe formidable military force led by Sennacherib, known for its conquests and brutality. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of the rise and fall of nations. He uses them according to His purposes and can bring them down as He wills. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer. This demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of crisis. Trust in God's PromisesDespite overwhelming odds, God's promise to Hezekiah through Isaiah was fulfilled. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to His word. Divine InterventionGod intervenes in human history to protect His people and accomplish His purposes. This encourages believers to have faith in God's active role in their lives. The Consequences of PrideSennacherib's downfall serves as a warning against pride and arrogance, reminding us of the importance of humility before God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Hezekiah and Sennacherib illustrate God's control over world events, and how can this understanding impact our view of current global situations? 2. In what ways does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for handling personal crises in our lives? 3. How can we apply the lesson of trusting in God's promises when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges today? 4. What are some modern examples of pride leading to downfall, and how can we cultivate humility in our own lives to avoid similar outcomes? 5. How does the theme of divine intervention in Isaiah 37 encourage us to recognize and rely on God's presence and power in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19This chapter parallels Isaiah 37, providing a detailed account of the same events, including Hezekiah's prayer and God's response through Isaiah. Isaiah 10:5-19Discusses the arrogance of Assyria and God's plan to use and then judge them, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty over nations. Psalm 46A psalm of trust in God's protection, often associated with the deliverance of Jerusalem from Assyrian threats. People Adrammelech, Amoz, Assyrians, David, Eliakim, Esarhaddon, Haran, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Sharezer, Shebna, TirhakahPlaces Ararat, Arpad, Assyria, Cush, Egypt, Gozan, Hamath, Haran, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Libnah, Mount Zion, Nineveh, Rezeph, Sepharvaim, Telassar, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Bad, Behold, Blast, Cause, Caused, Cut, Death, Ears, Fall, Giving, Hears, News, Report, Return, Rumor, Rumour, Spirit, Sword, TidingsDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:7 5064 spirit, emotional Isaiah 37:6-7 8833 threats Library Where to Carry Troubles
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.'--ISAIAH xxxvii. 14. When Hezekiah heard the threatenings of Sennacherib's servants, he rent his clothes and went into the house of the Lord, and sent to Isaiah entreating his prayers. When he received the menacing letter, his faith was greater, having been heartened by Isaiah's assurances. So he then himself appealed to Jehovah, spreading …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Triumph of Faith
'And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15. And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, 16. O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth. 17. Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear; open Thine eyes, O Lord, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations, …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was Ready to Die. He Attempts to Kill Himself. He Commands Antipater to be Slain.
1. Now Herod's distemper became more and more severe to him, and this because these his disorders fell upon him in his old age, and when he was in a melancholy condition; for he was already seventy years of age, and had been brought by the calamities that happened to him about his children, whereby he had no pleasure in life, even when he was in health; the grief also that Antipater was still alive aggravated his disease, whom he resolved to put to death now not at random, but as soon as he should …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and Salvation for Us.
1. Christ not only the minister, but also the author and prince of salvation. Divine grace not obscured by this mode of expression. The merit of Christ not opposed to the mercy of God, but depends upon it. 2. The compatibility of the two proved by various passages of Scripture. 3. Christ by his obedience truly merited divine grace for us. 4. This grace obtained by the shedding of Christ's blood, and his obedience even unto death. 5. In this way he paid our ransom. 6. The presumptuous manner in which …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Concerning the Lord's Supper
There are two passages which treat in the clearest manner of this subject, and at which we shall look,--the statements in the Gospels respecting the Lord's Supper, and the words of Paul. (1 Cor. xi.) Matthew, Mark, and Luke agree that Christ gave the whole sacrament to all His disciples; and that Paul taught both parts of it is so certain, that no one has yet been shameless enough to assert the contrary. Add to this, that according to the relation of Matthew, Christ did not say concerning the bread, …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 37:7 NIVIsaiah 37:7 NLTIsaiah 37:7 ESVIsaiah 37:7 NASBIsaiah 37:7 KJV
Isaiah 37:7 Commentaries
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