Isaiah 37:38

“And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.”

Isaiah 37:38 describes a significant event in the history of Assyria, a powerful empire in ancient times. To understand the context, let’s delve into the preceding verses.

In Isaiah 37, the Assyrian king Sennacherib had invaded the land of Judah and laid siege to the city of Jerusalem. He had sent a threatening letter to King Hezekiah of Judah, boasting of his victories and mocking the God of Israel. In response, King Hezekiah sought the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prayed for deliverance.

Isaiah assured King Hezekiah that God would protect Jerusalem and cause Sennacherib to retreat. Isaiah prophesied that Sennacherib would not even shoot an arrow into the city or besiege it. Instead, God would send a spirit, and Sennacherib would hear a rumor that would prompt him to return to his own land.

Now, in verse 38, the focus shifts to the fate of Sennacherib. The passage states that as Sennacherib was worshipping in the house of Nisroch, his god, his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, attacked him with a sword and killed him. Following this act, Adrammelech and Sharezer fled to the land of Armenia, and Esarhaddon, another one of Sennacherib’s sons, ascended to the throne.

This account signifies a divine judgment upon Sennacherib. Despite his arrogant boasts and his army’s strength, God intervened and brought about his downfall. It is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty and His ability to protect His people.

The incident mentioned in Isaiah 37:38 also serves as a reminder that even the mighty rulers of the earth are subject to God’s authority and can face the consequences of their actions. Sennacherib, who had oppressed and threatened God’s people, faced a tragic end at the hands of his own sons.

Overall, this passage showcases God’s faithfulness to His promises and His ability to bring about justice. It is a testament to the power and providence of God, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.