Isaiah 37:20
Now therefore, O Lord our God, saue vs from his hand, that all the kingdomes of the earth may knowe, that thou art the Lord, euen thou onely. Isaiah 37:20 (KJV)
Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.
Isaiah 37 is part of a historical narrative that recounts the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, had conquered many nations and was now threatening Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. In this chapter Hezekiah seeks the prophet Isaiah’s counsel and prays to God for deliverance.
In verse 20 Hezekiah’s heartfelt prayer is recorded. Facing a formidable enemy and recognizing his own limitation, Hezekiah turns to God, saying, “Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.” He also asks that God hear his plea for the people who remain in the house of the LORD, that they be delivered from the hand of the king of Assyria. The prayer reflects a deep trust in the sovereignty of God, acknowledging that the Assyrian king’s power is insignificant compared to the power of the Lord.
Hezekiah’s plea is not based on his own strength or the strength of his army, but on an unwavering faith that God alone can save. He seeks deliverance not only for the sake of his people but also for the glory of God’s name, desiring that all the kingdoms of the earth may recognize that the LORD alone is God.
The lesson in faith that emerges from Isaiah 37:20 is clear: when faced with overwhelming challenges or enemies, believers are called to turn to God in prayer, acknowledge their limitations, and rely on God’s power and sovereignty. Trusting that God is able to deliver, believers can be confident that He will act for His glory and the vindication of His name.
God’s answer to Hezekiah’s prayer comes through Isaiah, who delivers a message of assurance. God promises to defend Jerusalem and to bring about the downfall of the Assyrian king. The promise is fulfilled when God miraculously delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian army.
In summary, Isaiah 37:20 records Hezekiah’s earnest prayer for deliverance from the hand of the Assyrian king, highlighting his trust in God’s power and his desire that the world recognize the LORD’s sovereignty. This passage serves as an inspiration for believers today to place their faith in God, seek Him in times of trouble, and trust that He alone can truly save and bring glory to His name.
