Isaiah 36:18

Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, 'The LORD will deliver us.' Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?

Study Bible

Do not let
This phrase is a direct command, indicating an attempt to exert control or influence over the listener. In the context of Isaiah 36, the Assyrian envoy is trying to undermine the confidence of the people of Judah in their king, Hezekiah, and ultimately in their God. The Hebrew root here suggests a prohibition or warning, emphasizing the urgency and seriousness of the message. Historically, this reflects the psychological warfare tactics used by the Assyrians to weaken the morale of their enemies.

Hezekiah
Hezekiah was the king of Judah during a time of great threat from the Assyrian empire. His name means "The LORD strengthens," which is significant in this context as it underscores the faith and reliance on God that Hezekiah exemplified. Hezekiah's leadership and reforms were pivotal in turning the people back to the worship of Yahweh, and his trust in God is a central theme in the narrative of his reign.

mislead you
The term "mislead" implies deception or leading astray. The Assyrian envoy is accusing Hezekiah of giving false hope to his people. In the Hebrew, the word carries connotations of causing someone to wander or stray, which is a common theme in the Old Testament when describing the spiritual state of Israel when they turn away from God. This accusation is meant to sow doubt and fear among the people of Judah.

when he says
This phrase introduces the specific claim or promise made by Hezekiah. It highlights the direct speech and personal assurance given by the king to his people. The historical context here is crucial, as it reflects the tension between the words of a faithful leader and the intimidating threats of a powerful enemy.

‘The LORD will deliver us.’
This declaration is a statement of faith and trust in God's power and willingness to save His people. The Hebrew word for "deliver" is often used in the context of salvation and rescue, particularly in situations of dire need. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be their protector and savior. The phrase is a testament to Hezekiah's faith and serves as an encouragement to the people to trust in God's deliverance.

Has any of the gods of the nations
This rhetorical question is designed to challenge the uniqueness and power of Yahweh compared to the gods of other nations. The Assyrians are attempting to equate the God of Israel with the idols of the surrounding nations, which historically were often seen as powerless in the face of Assyrian might. This reflects the common ancient Near Eastern belief in the territoriality of gods, where each nation had its own deity.

delivered his land
The phrase "delivered his land" refers to the protection and preservation of a nation's territory from conquest. In the ancient world, the ability of a god to protect its people was seen as a measure of its power. The Assyrian envoy is pointing out the failure of other gods to protect their lands as a way to undermine confidence in Yahweh's ability to do so.

from the hand of the king of Assyria?
The "hand" symbolizes power and control, and the "king of Assyria" represents the dominant military and political force of the time. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and brutal conquests, and their king was seen as an almost invincible figure. This question is meant to instill fear and resignation, suggesting that resistance is futile against such a formidable opponent. Historically, the Assyrian empire was indeed a significant threat, having conquered many nations and cities, which adds weight to their taunts.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. Known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whom Hezekiah trusts to deliver Judah from the Assyrian threat.

3. The King of Assyria
At this time, Sennacherib, who was expanding his empire and threatening Judah.

4. Assyria
A powerful empire known for its military might and conquests, posing a significant threat to the smaller kingdom of Judah.

5. Jerusalem
The capital of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian forces during this account.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Deliverance
Hezekiah's faith in God serves as a model for trusting in divine deliverance, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Futility of False Gods
The Assyrian king's challenge highlights the impotence of idols compared to the living God, encouraging believers to rely solely on Yahweh.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
This passage underscores God's control over world events, reminding us that no earthly power can thwart His plans.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's response to the threat includes prayer and seeking God's guidance, illustrating the importance of prayer in times of crisis.

Standing Firm in Faith
Despite external pressures and intimidation, Hezekiah's example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge us to trust God in our own difficult situations?

2. In what ways does the account of Isaiah 36-37 demonstrate the power and sovereignty of God over human affairs?

3. How can we apply the lesson of the futility of false gods to modern-day idols or distractions in our lives?

4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's strategy against the Assyrian siege, and how can we incorporate similar practices in our spiritual lives?

5. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege connect with other biblical themes of deliverance and faith, such as those found in the Psalms or the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of the Assyrian siege and Hezekiah's response, offering more context to the events in Isaiah 36.

Psalm 46
Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem during this time, emphasizing God's protection and power.

Isaiah 37
Continues the account, showing God's intervention and the eventual defeat of the Assyrian army.