◄ Isaiah 37 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Isaiah’s Message of Deliverance Isaiah 37 is a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and total reliance on God in times of crisis. Despite the humanly insurmountable challenge, Hezekiah's heartfelt prayer and absolute faith in God result in a miraculous divine intervention, proving that God is sovereign and can deliver us from any adversity. Hezekiah's Desperate Prayer (Verses 1-4) After receiving a threatening letter from King Sennacherib of Assyria, King Hezekiah tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth, and goes to the Temple of the Lord. He sends messengers to Prophet Isaiah, expressing his despair and asking for divine intervention. God’s Assurance through Isaiah (Verses 5-7) The prophet Isaiah sends back a reassuring message to Hezekiah, saying that God will make Sennacherib hear a rumor that will draw him back to his land, where he will die by the sword. Sennacherib’s Renewed Threats (Verses 8-13) Despite God’s promise, King Sennacherib sends a new message, recounting his military victories and the impotence of gods of other nations to save their people. Hezekiah's Petition to God (Verses 14-20) Receiving the message, Hezekiah goes to the Temple and spreads the letter before God. He prays fervently, acknowledging God’s power and pleading for deliverance from Assyrian oppression to show all nations that God is the one true God. God's Response and The Prophecy against Sennacherib (Verses 21-35) Through Isaiah, God sends a message to Hezekiah, stating that He has heard his prayer. God gives a prophecy about the downfall of Sennacherib, affirming that Jerusalem will be spared. Sennacherib's Downfall (Verses 36-38) As God had promised, the Angel of the Lord slays 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in the night. Sennacherib retreats to Nineveh, where he is eventually assassinated by his sons. Isaiah 37 is a remarkable chapter in the Bible where we witness the raw desperation of King Hezekiah in the face of an impending Assyrian invasion, his passionate plea to God, and the Almighty's profound response to his servant's prayer. In this chapter, we see a wonderful portrayal of the power of prayer, the assurance of God's protection, and the downfall of the proud. Teaching Points Hezekiah's Humility and Faith When Hezekiah hears the threats from the Assyrian king, he tears his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth, and goes into the house of the LORD (Isaiah 37:1). This act of humility and faith sets the stage for divine intervention. Seeking Godly Counsel Hezekiah sends his officials to the prophet Isaiah, seeking a word from the LORD (Isaiah 37:2-4). This demonstrates the importance of seeking godly counsel in times of trouble. God's Assurance through Isaiah The LORD, through Isaiah, assures Hezekiah that He will defend the city and that the Assyrian king will not succeed (Isaiah 37:6-7). This promise highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Hezekiah's Prayer In response to further threats, Hezekiah prays earnestly to the LORD, acknowledging His power and asking for deliverance (Isaiah 37:15-20). This prayer is a model of trust and dependence on God. Divine Intervention God responds to Hezekiah's prayer by sending an angel to strike down the Assyrian army, leading to their retreat (Isaiah 37:36-37). This miraculous deliverance underscores God's ability to save His people. Practical Applications Turn to God in Crisis Like Hezekiah, we should turn to God first when faced with overwhelming challenges, trusting in His power and wisdom. Seek Godly Advice In difficult times, seek guidance from those who are grounded in God's Word, just as Hezekiah sought Isaiah's counsel. Pray with Faith Approach God with sincere and faith-filled prayers, believing in His ability to intervene in our circumstances. Trust in God's Promises Hold fast to the promises of God, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His word. People 1. Hezekiah Hezekiah is the king of Judah during the time of the Assyrian siege. He is depicted as a faithful and prayerful leader who seeks God's guidance and deliverance from the threat posed by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. In Hebrew, his name means "Yahweh strengthens." 2. Isaiah Isaiah is the prophet of God who provides counsel and reassurance to King Hezekiah. He delivers God's message of deliverance and judgment against the Assyrians. The name Isaiah means "Yahweh is salvation" in Hebrew. 3. Sennacherib Sennacherib is the king of Assyria, who threatens Jerusalem and mocks the God of Israel. He is portrayed as a powerful but arrogant ruler whose plans are ultimately thwarted by divine intervention. His name in Akkadian means "Sin (the moon god) has replaced the brothers." 4. Rabshakeh Rabshakeh is the chief cupbearer or high-ranking official of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. He is sent to deliver a message of intimidation and blasphemy against the God of Israel to the people of Jerusalem. The term "Rabshakeh" is a title rather than a personal name, meaning "chief of the princes" in Akkadian. 5. Eliakim Eliakim is the son of Hilkiah and serves as the palace administrator or steward under King Hezekiah. He is one of the officials sent by Hezekiah to consult with Isaiah. His name means "God will establish" in Hebrew. 6. Shebna Shebna is the scribe or secretary under King Hezekiah. He is also sent to consult with Isaiah regarding the Assyrian threat. His name means "vigorous" or "youth" in Hebrew. 7. Joah Joah is the son of Asaph and serves as the recorder or chronicler under King Hezekiah. He accompanies Eliakim and Shebna to meet with Isaiah. His name means "Yahweh is brother" in Hebrew. Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central location in Isaiah 37, where King Hezekiah reigns and where the Assyrian threat is directed. It is the holy city of the Israelites and the location of the temple. In Hebrew, Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), often seen as a symbol of God's presence and the spiritual heart of Israel. 2. Lachish Lachish is mentioned as the place from which the Assyrian king Sennacherib sends his envoys to Jerusalem. It was a significant fortified city in Judah, known for its strategic military importance. The Hebrew name is "לָכִישׁ" (Lakhish). 3. Libnah Libnah is another city mentioned in the context of the Assyrian campaign. After leaving Lachish, Sennacherib moves to Libnah. It was a city in the Shephelah region of Judah. The Hebrew name is "לִבְנָה" (Livnah). Events 1. Hezekiah Seeks the LORD When King Hezekiah hears the report from his officials about the threats from the Assyrian king, he tears his clothes, covers himself with sackcloth, and goes into the house of the LORD (Isaiah 37:1). This act of tearing clothes and wearing sackcloth is a traditional Hebrew expression of mourning and repentance. 2. Hezekiah Sends Messengers to Isaiah Hezekiah sends Eliakim, Shebna, and the leading priests, also dressed in sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah, seeking his counsel and intercession (Isaiah 37:2). This reflects the Hebrew practice of seeking prophetic guidance in times of national crisis. 3. Isaiah’s Message of Assurance Isaiah responds to Hezekiah’s messengers with a message from the LORD, telling them not to be afraid of the words spoken by the Assyrian king’s servants. God promises to send a spirit upon the Assyrian king, causing him to hear a rumor and return to his own land, where he will fall by the sword (Isaiah 37:5-7). 4. The Assyrian Threat Renewed The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, sends a letter to Hezekiah, reiterating his threats and mocking the God of Israel, claiming that no god of any nation has been able to deliver their land from his hand (Isaiah 37:9-13). 5. Hezekiah’s Prayer Hezekiah takes the letter from the messengers, goes up to the house of the LORD, and spreads it out before the LORD. He prays earnestly, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and asking for deliverance so that all kingdoms of the earth may know that the LORD alone is God (Isaiah 37:14-20). 6. God’s Response through Isaiah Isaiah sends a message to Hezekiah, conveying the LORD’s response to his prayer. God declares that He has heard Hezekiah’s prayer and will defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David (Isaiah 37:21-35). 7. The Fall of the Assyrian Army The angel of the LORD goes out and strikes down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp. When the people arise early in the morning, they find all the dead bodies (Isaiah 37:36). This miraculous event demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness to protect His people. 8. Sennacherib’s Death Sennacherib, king of Assyria, departs and returns to Nineveh. While worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he is assassinated by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, who then escape to the land of Ararat. Esarhaddon, his son, succeeds him as king (Isaiah 37:37-38). This fulfills the prophecy given by Isaiah regarding Sennacherib’s fate. Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Kings 19 This parallel account provides additional details on Hezekiah's response and God's deliverance. Philippians 4:6-7 Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace in return. Psalm 46:1 Reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. James 5:16 Highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, emphasizing the importance of prayer in our lives. Prayer Points Pray for humility and faith to seek God first in times of trouble. Ask for wisdom to seek and discern godly counsel. Pray for a heart that trusts in God's promises and His ability to deliver. Thank God for His faithfulness and sovereignty over all situations. Intercede for those facing overwhelming challenges, asking for God's intervention and peace. As we reflect on Isaiah 37, may we be encouraged by Hezekiah's example to trust in the Lord, seek His guidance, and rely on His mighty power to deliver us from our own battles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does King Hezekiah's initial reaction to the threat from Sennacherib reflect his faith in God? 2. What does Hezekiah's prayer reveal about his understanding of God's nature? 3. How does this chapter illustrate the power and importance of prayer during times of crisis? 4. In what ways does God's response to Hezekiah's prayer demonstrate His love and protection for His people? 5. What can we learn from Isaiah's role as a prophet and a mediator in this chapter? 6. How does the downfall of Sennacherib illustrate the dangers of pride and blasphemy? 7. What are some of the key themes in this chapter, and how are they relevant to your own life? 8. How would you react to a situation like Hezekiah's, facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge? 9. Can you identify a situation in your life where you felt God's intervention, similar to the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians? 10. How can you apply Hezekiah's faith and dependence on God in your day-to-day life? 11. How does Isaiah 37 affirm the sovereignty of God, and how does this truth provide comfort in difficult times? 12. Compare Sennacherib's perspective on God to that of Hezekiah's. How does their understanding of God influence their actions and outcomes? 13. How can you cultivate a prayer life like Hezekiah's in your personal spiritual journey? 14. How does God’s prophecy against Sennacherib reassure you of God’s justice? 15. How does the chapter encourage you to handle fear and intimidation from a biblical perspective? 16. Can you recall a moment when you were forced to face your pride like Sennacherib? How did you respond? 17. How does this chapter help us understand the role and importance of prophecy in the Bible? 18. How can you apply the message of God's protection in Jerusalem to your current situation or community? 19. How does Hezekiah’s plea for God to be glorified in Isaiah 37:20 influence your motivations in prayer? 20. How can you use this chapter as a guide to pray for those in leadership, like Hezekiah, who face difficult decisions? Topics 1. Hezekiah Seeks the LORD (Isaiah 37:1-4) In response to the threats from the Assyrian king, Hezekiah tears his clothes and covers himself with sackcloth, a traditional Hebrew sign of mourning and repentance. He goes to the house of the LORD, seeking divine intervention. He sends messengers to the prophet Isaiah, asking for prayer and guidance, acknowledging the dire situation as a "day of distress" (Hebrew: יוֹם צָרָה, yom tsarah). 2. Isaiah's Prophecy of Deliverance (Isaiah 37:5-7) Isaiah reassures Hezekiah's messengers with a prophecy from the LORD, stating that he should not fear the words of the Assyrian king. The LORD promises to send a spirit (Hebrew: רוּחַ, ruach) upon the Assyrian king, causing him to return to his own land where he will fall by the sword. 3. Sennacherib's Threat Renewed (Isaiah 37:8-13) The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, sends a letter to Hezekiah, reiterating his threats and mocking the God of Israel. He boasts of his past conquests and questions the ability of any god to save Jerusalem from his hand, reflecting the Assyrian belief in their own invincibility. 4. Hezekiah's Prayer (Isaiah 37:14-20) Hezekiah takes the letter from the messengers, goes to the house of the LORD, and spreads it before the LORD. In a heartfelt prayer, he acknowledges the LORD as the one true God, creator of heaven and earth, and pleads for deliverance so that all kingdoms of the earth may know that the LORD alone is God. 5. The LORD's Answer through Isaiah (Isaiah 37:21-35) The LORD responds to Hezekiah's prayer through Isaiah, declaring that He has heard Hezekiah's prayer. The LORD pronounces judgment on Sennacherib, emphasizing His sovereignty and the futility of Sennacherib's pride. The LORD promises that the Assyrian king will not enter Jerusalem, and He will defend the city for His own sake and for the sake of David, His servant. 6. The Fall of the Assyrian Army (Isaiah 37:36-38) The angel of the LORD (Hebrew: מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, mal'akh YHWH) strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to a miraculous deliverance for Jerusalem. Sennacherib returns to Nineveh, where he is later assassinated by his own sons, fulfilling the prophecy given by Isaiah. This event underscores the power and faithfulness of the LORD in protecting His people. Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty and Power Isaiah 37 emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over nations and kings. In verse 16, Hezekiah prays, "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." This highlights the Hebrew concept of God's omnipotence and His role as the Creator, underscoring His ability to control the fate of nations. 2. Prayer and Dependence on God The chapter illustrates the importance of seeking God in times of crisis. Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat is to turn to prayer, as seen in verse 15: "And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD." This theme reflects the Hebrew understanding of prayer as a means of expressing trust and reliance on God's intervention. 3. God's Deliverance and Protection God's promise to deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege is a central theme. In verse 35, God declares, "I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David." This assurance of divine protection is rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His faithfulness. 4. Judgment Against Pride and Blasphemy The chapter addresses the consequences of pride and blasphemy, particularly in the context of Sennacherib's arrogance. In verse 23, God asks, "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!" This theme reflects the Hebrew understanding of God's holiness and the seriousness of defying Him. 5. Fulfillment of Prophecy Isaiah 37 highlights the fulfillment of God's prophetic word. In verse 33, the prophecy states, "He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here." The subsequent events confirm the accuracy of God's word, reinforcing the theme of His faithfulness to His promises. 6. The Role of the Prophet The chapter underscores the role of the prophet as a messenger of God's word. Isaiah's involvement in delivering God's message to Hezekiah, as seen in verse 6, "Isaiah said to them, 'Tell your master that this is what the LORD says...,'" highlights the Hebrew tradition of prophecy as a means of divine communication and guidance. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions