Isaiah 37:1–20

Introduction

Isaiah 37:1–20: Chapter 36 describes the attack of Judah’s fortified cities by the Assyrian emperor, Sennacherib, who demanded King Hezekiah’s surrender as his army surrounded Jerusalem. In today’s reading, King Hezekiah receives Sennacherib’s message and sends a message to the prophet Isaiah.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 37:16 GNT

[King Hezekiah prayed:] “Almighty LORD, God of Israel, seated above the winged creatures, you alone are God, ruling all the kingdoms of the world. You created the earth and the sky.”

Read

37 As soon as King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes in grief, put on sackcloth, and went to the Temple of the Lord. ² He sent Eliakim, the official in charge of the palace, Shebna, the court secretary, and the senior priests to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. They also were wearing sackcloth. ³ This is the message which he told them to give to Isaiah: “Today is a day of suffering; we are being punished and are in disgrace. We are like a woman who is ready to give birth, but is too weak to do it. ⁴ The Assyrian emperor has sent his chief official to insult the living God. May the Lord your God hear these insults and punish those who spoke them. So pray to God for those of our people who survive.”

⁵ When Isaiah received King Hezekiah’s message, ⁶ he sent back this answer: “The Lord tells you not to let the Assyrians frighten you by their claims that he cannot save you. ⁷ The Lord will cause the emperor to hear a rumor that will make him go back to his own country, and the Lord will have him killed there.”

⁸ The Assyrian official learned that the emperor had left Lachish and was fighting against the nearby city of Libnah; so he went there to consult him. ⁹ Word reached the Assyrians that the Egyptian army, led by King Tirhakah of Ethiopia, was coming to attack them. When the emperor heard this, he sent a letter to King Hezekiah ¹⁰ of Judah to tell him: “The god you are trusting in has told you that you will not fall into my hands, but don’t let that deceive you. ¹¹ You have heard what an Assyrian emperor does to any country he decides to destroy. Do you think that you can escape? ¹² My ancestors destroyed the cities of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and killed the people of Betheden who lived in Telassar, and none of their gods could save them. ¹³ Where are the kings of the cities of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?”

¹⁴ King Hezekiah took the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went to the Temple, placed the letter there in the presence of the Lord, ¹⁵ and prayed, ¹⁶ “Almighty Lord, God of Israel, seated above the winged creatures, you alone are God, ruling all the kingdoms of the world. You created the earth and the sky. ¹⁷ Now, Lord, hear us and look at what is happening to us. Listen to all the things that Sennacherib is saying to insult you, the living God. ¹⁸ We all know, Lord, that the emperors of Assyria have destroyed many nations, made their lands desolate, ¹⁹ and burned up their gods—which were no gods at all, only images of wood and stone made by human hands. ²⁰ Now, Lord our God, rescue us from the Assyrians, so that all the nations of the world will know that you alone are God.”

Reflect

What was Hezekiah’s message to Isaiah (verses 3–4)? What was Isaiah’s response (verses 5–7)? According to verses 8–13, what threat did the Assyrian emperor send to Hezekiah? What did Hezekiah do with the Assyrian emperor’s message (verse 14)? What was Hezekiah’s prayer (verses 15–20)? What do Hezekiah’s actions indicate about his faith?

Pray

Almighty God, you are the ruler of all the kingdoms of the world. In times of distress, you hear the prayers of those who cry out to you. Lord, you know what is on my heart this day. I humbly come before you, seeking your help and guidance, and trusting in your mercy and steadfast love. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 37:21–38: Isaiah sends Hezekiah the Lord’s response to his prayer.