Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to all the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hearThis phrase is a heartfelt plea from Hezekiah, the king of Judah, during a time of great distress. The Hebrew word for "incline" is "natah," which conveys the idea of bending or stretching out. It suggests a deep yearning for God’s attention and intervention. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kings were often seen as distant and unapproachable, but Hezekiah’s prayer reflects a personal relationship with God, emphasizing His accessibility and willingness to listen. The repetition of "O LORD" underscores the covenantal name of God, Yahweh, reminding us of His faithfulness and sovereignty. open Your eyes, O LORD, and see
The request for God to "open Your eyes" is a metaphorical expression, as God is omniscient and does not need physical eyes to see. The Hebrew verb "pāqaḥ" means to open or to unseal, suggesting an unveiling or revelation. This plea is rooted in the belief that God is not only aware of human affairs but is actively involved in them. In the historical context, Judah was facing the threat of the Assyrian army, led by Sennacherib. Hezekiah’s prayer is a call for divine intervention, trusting that God sees the plight of His people and will act on their behalf. listen to all the words that Sennacherib has sent
The phrase "listen to all the words" highlights the specific nature of Hezekiah’s prayer. He is not merely asking for general assistance but is bringing a particular grievance before God. The historical context is crucial here; Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had sent a message full of blasphemy and threats against Judah. The Hebrew word for "listen" is "shama," which implies not just hearing but understanding and responding. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a righteous judge who hears the cries of His people and responds to injustice. to defy the living God
The term "defy" comes from the Hebrew word "charaph," meaning to reproach or taunt. Sennacherib’s actions were not just an affront to Judah but a direct challenge to God Himself. The phrase "the living God" is significant; it contrasts the true God with the lifeless idols worshiped by the Assyrians. This designation of God as "living" emphasizes His active presence and power in the world. In the broader scriptural context, this is a recurring theme where God demonstrates His supremacy over false gods and human arrogance. Hezekiah’s prayer is a declaration of faith in God’s ability to vindicate His name and deliver His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah who is seeking God's intervention against the Assyrian threat. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to restore proper worship in Judah. 2. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, who has sent a message defying the God of Israel and threatening Jerusalem. His arrogance and blasphemy are central to the conflict in this passage. 3. JerusalemThe city under siege by the Assyrian army. It is the focal point of Hezekiah's prayer and God's deliverance. 4. IsaiahThe prophet who conveys God's messages to Hezekiah and the people of Judah. He plays a crucial role in reassuring Hezekiah of God's power and faithfulness. 5. The LORD (Yahweh)The living God whom Hezekiah calls upon for deliverance. His response to Hezekiah's prayer demonstrates His sovereignty and power over all nations. Teaching Points God Hears and SeesHezekiah's prayer reminds us that God is attentive to our cries. We can confidently bring our concerns to Him, knowing He is aware of our circumstances. Defying GodSennacherib's defiance serves as a warning against arrogance and blasphemy. It highlights the importance of reverence and humility before God. Faith in CrisisHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat models faith and reliance on God during times of crisis. We are encouraged to seek God's guidance and deliverance in our own challenges. God's SovereigntyThe passage underscores God's ultimate authority over nations and rulers. It reassures us that no earthly power can thwart His plans. Prayer as a WeaponHezekiah's prayer is a powerful example of how prayer can be a spiritual weapon against the forces that oppose God's people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hezekiah's approach to prayer in Isaiah 37:17 inspire you to bring your own concerns to God? 2. In what ways does the account of Sennacherib's defiance and downfall challenge you to examine your own attitudes towards God's authority? 3. How can the example of Hezekiah's faith in crisis encourage you in a current situation where you feel overwhelmed? 4. What other biblical examples of God's deliverance can you think of that reinforce the message of God's sovereignty in Isaiah 37:17? 5. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer as a spiritual weapon in your daily life, based on Hezekiah's example? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19This chapter provides a parallel account of the events in Isaiah 37, offering additional details about Hezekiah's prayer and God's response. Psalm 121This psalm emphasizes God's watchful care and protection, echoing Hezekiah's plea for God to "open Your eyes" and see their plight. Daniel 6Daniel's prayer and deliverance from the lions' den parallel Hezekiah's reliance on God in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. 1 Peter 5:7This verse encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God, similar to Hezekiah's act of laying his concerns before the Lord. 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 Behold, Defy, Ear, Evil, Incline, Insult, Listen, Mock, Note, O, Open, Reproach, Sennacherib, Sennach'erib, Taunt, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:17 1080 God, living
1205 God, titles of Isaiah 37:14-17 5893 insults Isaiah 37:14-20 5292 defence, divine
8031 trust, importance
8611 prayer, for others 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 37:17 NIVIsaiah 37:17 NLTIsaiah 37:17 ESVIsaiah 37:17 NASBIsaiah 37:17 KJV
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