Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?'" Where is the king of HamathThe phrase "Where is the king of Hamath" challenges the power and presence of the rulers of Hamath, a significant city-state in ancient Syria. Historically, Hamath was a prominent city located on the Orontes River, known for its strategic importance and wealth. The rhetorical question underscores the futility of earthly power against the divine will. In Hebrew, "Hamath" (חֲמָת) signifies a place of defense or fortress, yet even such strongholds are powerless before God’s sovereignty. This serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human authority when juxtaposed with the eternal dominion of God. the king of Arpad
"Arpad" was another city in northern Syria, often allied with Hamath. The mention of "the king of Arpad" highlights the collective downfall of regional powers that once stood against Assyrian expansion. Arpad, known in Hebrew as אַרְפַּד, was a fortified city, yet it too fell to the Assyrians. This illustrates the theme of divine judgment and the futility of resisting God’s plans. Historically, Arpad's fall was a significant event, symbolizing the collapse of resistance against Assyria, and by extension, against God’s ordained purposes. the king of the city of Sepharvaim
Sepharvaim, mentioned here, was a city whose exact location remains uncertain, though it is often associated with the region of Mesopotamia. The phrase "the king of the city of Sepharvaim" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Assyrian conquest, as well as the broader theme of divine retribution. In Hebrew, "Sepharvaim" (סְפַרְוַיִם) may imply a dual city or a city of books, suggesting a place of learning or significance. The rhetorical question serves to remind the audience of the ultimate futility of human wisdom and power when it stands in opposition to God. Hena, and Ivvah
The cities of "Hena" and "Ivvah" are less well-documented, yet their inclusion in this verse underscores the totality of the Assyrian conquest. "Hena" (הֵנַע) and "Ivvah" (עִוָּה) are believed to be regions or cities that were similarly subdued. Their mention serves to complete the picture of widespread defeat and the impotence of earthly kings against the backdrop of divine authority. This highlights the biblical theme that no place, regardless of its obscurity or perceived strength, is beyond the reach of God’s judgment and sovereignty. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of HamathHamath was a significant city-state in ancient Syria. Its king is mentioned to emphasize the power and reach of the Assyrian empire, which had conquered it. 2. King of ArpadArpad was another city in Syria, north of Hamath. Like Hamath, it fell to the Assyrians, demonstrating their military might. 3. City of SepharvaimThis city is often associated with the Assyrian conquests. Its mention here serves to remind the audience of the Assyrian threat. 4. HenaA lesser-known location, possibly a city or region, that was also conquered by the Assyrians. 5. IvvahAnother city or region that fell to the Assyrians, illustrating the extent of their conquests. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe mention of these conquered kings and cities highlights God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty in world affairs. The Futility of Human PowerThe Assyrian empire, despite its might, was ultimately powerless against God's will. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the supremacy of divine authority. Trust in God's DeliveranceJust as God delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians, He is able to deliver us from our own trials and challenges. Our trust should be in Him, not in human strength or alliances. Historical Context as a Faith BuilderUnderstanding the historical context of biblical events can strengthen our faith, showing how God has acted consistently throughout history. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical context of Isaiah 37:13 enhance our understanding of God's sovereignty? 2. In what ways can we see the futility of human power in today's world, and how should this influence our trust in God? 3. How does the deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrians encourage us in our personal struggles? 4. What other biblical examples can you think of where God demonstrated His power over nations? 5. How can understanding the historical context of biblical events strengthen our faith and trust in God's plan for our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 18-19These chapters parallel the events in Isaiah 37, providing a historical account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and the deliverance of the city. Isaiah 10:5-19This passage describes Assyria as the rod of God's anger, used to discipline Israel but ultimately subject to God's judgment. Psalm 46This psalm speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, which is relevant to the context of Jerusalem's deliverance. 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 Arpad, Arphad, Hamath, Hena, Ivah, Ivva, Ivvah, Sepharvaim, Sepharva'im, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:10-13 5937 rivalry Isaiah 37:11-13 5776 achievement 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 37:13 NIVIsaiah 37:13 NLTIsaiah 37:13 ESVIsaiah 37:13 NASBIsaiah 37:13 KJV
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