Isaiah 37:1-38

Isaiah: God controls the nations

God defends *Jerusalem

Isaiah Chapter s 31 to 39

Norman Hillyer

Chapter 37

Hezekiah asks Isaiah for advice

v1 When king Hezekiah heard the report from his three officials, he was extremely *upset. Because of his despair, he tore his clothes and he put on *sackcloth. Then he went into the *Temple of the *Lord.

v2 The king sent Eliakim (who managed the palace) and Shebna (the Chief Minister in the government) to the *prophet Isaiah son of Amoz. Several of the older priests were with the officials. They were all wearing *sackcloth.

v3 They gave the king’s message to Isaiah. The message was, ‘This is a terrible time that upsets us all. And the enemy’s words have insulted the *Lord. Our nation is too weak to oppose the *Assyrian army. In fact, the situation is as people say, “Children are ready to be born. But the mother has no strength to bring them to birth.”

v4 Isaiah, will the *Lord your God take note of the *Rabshakeh’s words? And will God answer his insults? The *Rabshakeh has received orders from his master the king of Assyria to laugh at the *Lord God. Please pray for the people who are still here in *Jerusalem.’