Isaiah 37:6

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

Isaiah 37:6 (KJV)

Context

Isaiah 37:6 belongs to the account of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during King Hezekiah’s reign. Sennacherib’s representatives had delivered a boastful, threatening message to Jerusalem, belittling the power of the Lord. Hezekiah, distressed, sent officials to the prophet Isaiah to seek divine guidance. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria, making the threat to Judah even more urgent.

Meaning

Isaiah’s reply is a direct oracle from God: “Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.” The command not to fear rests not on circumstances but on God’s character and promise. The Lord has heard the blasphemous words, and He takes them personally. The phrase “Thus saith the Lord” underscores the authority and certainty of the message. The servants of the Assyrian king are the agents of blasphemy, yet their words cannot shake God’s purposes. The blasphemy is a direct affront to God’s honor, and He will act to defend His own name.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 2 Kings 19:6 confirms the same message, showing the consistency of the prophetic word. This verse also reminds readers that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers, and that He will defend His own name and His people.

Application

Believers today can trust God in the face of intimidating words and threats. The response to fear is to bring the matter to God in prayer and rest on His promises. We should not allow the words of others or difficult circumstances to shake our faith. Instead, we remain steadfast, knowing that God is with us and will uphold His name.

Reflection

God’s assurance to Hezekiah was later vindicated when He delivered Jerusalem. This verse calls us to faith over fear, trusting that God hears and will respond to blasphemy and threats against His people. It also highlights the role of the prophet as a messenger of God’s comfort and assurance.