Isaiah 36:7

Context:This verse is part of a historical account found in the book of Isaiah, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib sends his chief steward to deliver a message to King Hezekiah of Judah.

Sennacherib’s intention was to intimidate and discourage the people of Judah from putting their trust in God.

“But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God…”:Here, the chief steward is mocking Hezekiah’s faith in God. He challenges the validity and effectiveness of trusting in the Lord.

The Assyrians were known for their military might and conquests, and they were taunting the people of Judah, suggesting that their trust in God was futile.

“…is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away…”:The chief steward brings up Hezekiah’s religious reforms.

Hezekiah had initiated religious reforms in Judah, removing idolatrous practices and high places where false gods were worshipped.

The Assyrian representative implies that by dismantling these places of worship, Hezekiah had weakened the religious foundation of Judah.

“…and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?”:The chief steward further questions Hezekiah’s actions, insinuating that the removal of the high places and altars by Hezekiah would restrict the worship of the people to the central altar in Jerusalem.

This was intended to undermine Hezekiah’s authority and present his reforms as a limitation on religious freedom.

Overall, this verse showcases the tactics employed by the Assyrians to demoralize and discourage the people of Judah.

They aimed to diminish the faith and trust of the people in God and their king.

In response to this challenge, Hezekiah seeks counsel from the prophet Isaiah, and God reassures Hezekiah that He will protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion.

Ultimately, God delivers Judah from the hands of the Assyrians by sending an angel who destroys the Assyrian army, demonstrating His power and faithfulness.