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, Now Sennacherib received a reportThe phrase "Now Sennacherib received a report" introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative. Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, is a historical figure known for his military campaigns and conquests. The Hebrew root for "received" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but understanding and processing information. This report signifies a turning point, as it brings news that could alter Sennacherib's plans. Historically, Assyrian kings were well-informed through a network of spies and messengers, emphasizing the importance of intelligence in ancient warfare. that Tirhakah, the king of Cush
"Tirhakah, the king of Cush," refers to a significant historical figure. Tirhakah was a ruler of the Cushite dynasty in Egypt, known for his military prowess. The mention of Cush (modern-day Sudan and southern Egypt) highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time. The Cushites were a formidable power, and their involvement in the conflict with Assyria underscores the widespread impact of Sennacherib's campaigns. The Hebrew term for Cush (כּוּשׁ, Kush) often denotes a land of great wealth and military strength, adding weight to the threat perceived by Sennacherib. was marching out to fight against him
The phrase "was marching out to fight against him" indicates a proactive military movement. The Hebrew verb for "marching" (יָצָא, yatsa) conveys a sense of purposeful action and determination. This movement by Tirhakah suggests a strategic alliance or intervention, aiming to counter the Assyrian threat. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such military maneuvers were common as nations sought to protect their interests and expand their influence. This phrase sets the stage for a potential confrontation, highlighting the tension and uncertainty of the period. When he heard it
"When he heard it" reflects Sennacherib's reaction to the news. The repetition of the verb "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama) emphasizes the impact of the report on Sennacherib. In the biblical narrative, hearing often precedes decisive action, indicating that Sennacherib is now compelled to respond. This moment captures the vulnerability of even the most powerful rulers when faced with unexpected challenges. It serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the ever-present need for wisdom and discernment. he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying
The action "he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying," reveals Sennacherib's strategic response. The use of messengers (מַלְאָךְ, malak) was a common practice in ancient diplomacy and warfare, allowing leaders to communicate quickly over long distances. This decision to send messengers indicates Sennacherib's desire to maintain pressure on Hezekiah, the king of Judah, despite the new threat from Tirhakah. It reflects the Assyrian king's determination to assert his dominance and control the narrative. In the broader biblical context, this moment foreshadows the unfolding of God's plan and the ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem, reminding believers of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in times of crisis. Persons / Places / Events 1. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and attempts to conquer Jerusalem. His pride and defiance against God are central themes in this account. 2. TirhakahThe king of Cush (modern-day Sudan and parts of Egypt), who was advancing to engage Sennacherib in battle. His movement is a pivotal event that influences Sennacherib's actions. 3. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. He is a central figure in the account, representing reliance on God. 4. CushA region in Africa, south of Egypt, known for its powerful kingdom during this period. The mention of Tirhakah, king of Cush, highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time. 5. AssyriaA dominant empire during this period, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is part of Assyria's broader strategy of conquest. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat exemplifies a deep trust in God's sovereignty. In times of crisis, believers are encouraged to rely on God's power and wisdom rather than their own understanding. The Futility of Human PrideSennacherib's arrogance and defiance against God serve as a warning against pride. Scripture consistently teaches that human pride leads to downfall, while humility before God brings blessing. God's Protection and DeliveranceThe account highlights God's ability to protect and deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats. Believers can find assurance in God's faithfulness and His promises of deliverance. The Role of Prayer in CrisisHezekiah's prayerful response to the Assyrian threat underscores the importance of seeking God in times of trouble. Prayer is a powerful tool for believers to align their hearts with God's will and seek His intervention. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the report of Tirhakah's advance impact Sennacherib's strategy, and what does this reveal about the role of external circumstances in God's plan? 2. In what ways does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serve as a model for believers facing their own challenges today? 3. How does the account of Isaiah 37:9 illustrate the theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs, and what other biblical examples support this theme? 4. What lessons can we learn from Sennacherib's pride and eventual downfall, and how can these lessons be applied to our own lives? 5. How does the account of God's deliverance in Isaiah 37 encourage believers to trust in His protection, and what other scriptures reinforce this message of divine faithfulness? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19This chapter parallels Isaiah 37 and provides additional context and details about Sennacherib's campaign and Hezekiah's response. Isaiah 36The preceding chapter sets the stage for the events of Isaiah 37, detailing the Assyrian threat and the initial interactions between Sennacherib and Hezekiah. 2 Chronicles 32Offers another account of Hezekiah's reign, emphasizing his faith and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat. Psalm 46Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem, this psalm reflects themes of divine protection and the futility of human arrogance against God's power. 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 Attack, Cush, Cushite, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fight, Forth, Heareth, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Judah, Marching, Messengers, News, Received, Report, Representatives, Saying, Tirhakah, Tirha'kah, WarDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:9 5408 messenger 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 37:9 NIVIsaiah 37:9 NLTIsaiah 37:9 ESVIsaiah 37:9 NASBIsaiah 37:9 KJV
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