Isaiah 37:21
Then Isaiah the sonne of Amoz sent vnto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Wheras thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria: Isaiah 37:21 (KJV)
This verse is part of the historical account of King Hezekiah of Judah and the invasion of Jerusalem by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. Let’s explore the context and key themes found in this verse.
Historical Background: During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian Empire posed a significant threat to the kingdom of Judah. Sennacherib, the powerful king of Assyria, had already conquered many nations, including the northern kingdom of Israel. Now, he had set his sights on Jerusalem.
Prayer of Hezekiah: In the face of the impending invasion, King Hezekiah turned to the Lord in prayer. He sought the intervention and deliverance of God, recognizing that the nation of Judah was powerless against the might of the Assyrian army. Hezekiah’s prayer is recorded earlier in Isaiah 37, where he humbly appeals to God for salvation and protection.
Isaiah’s Message: In response to Hezekiah’s prayer, Isaiah, the prophet, conveyed a message from the Lord to the king. Isaiah assures Hezekiah that the Lord had heard his prayers and was aware of the threats made by Sennacherib. The verse emphasizes that it was Isaiah, the son of Amoz, who acted as the messenger of God’s response to Hezekiah. He said, ‘Fear not the words which thou hast heard.’
God’s Authority: The phrase “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel” emphasizes the divine authority behind Isaiah’s message. It indicates that the words being spoken were not mere human opinion but a direct communication from the Almighty God. This declaration underscores the trustworthiness and reliability of the message being delivered.
Overall, Isaiah 37:21 highlights the power of prayer and the role of God’s intervention in times of crisis. It demonstrates how King Hezekiah sought the Lord in prayer and received an assuring response through the prophet Isaiah. This verse serves as a reminder that, even in the face of overwhelming challenges, we can turn to God in prayer and trust in His faithfulness to provide guidance, protection, and deliverance.
