Truly, O LORD,
This phrase begins with an acknowledgment of truth and sincerity in prayer. It reflects a deep recognition of God's sovereignty and the reality of the situation. The use of "O LORD" signifies a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing a personal relationship and trust in His power and authority. This invocation is a common feature in Hebrew prayers, showing reverence and dependence on God.

the kings of Assyria
The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the ancient Near East during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Known for their military prowess and brutal conquests, the Assyrian kings, such as Tiglath-Pileser III, Shalmaneser V, Sargon II, and Sennacherib, expanded their territory significantly. The mention of "kings" highlights the continuity and succession of Assyrian rulers who pursued aggressive expansion policies. This historical context underscores the threat faced by Judah and the significance of divine intervention.

have laid waste
This phrase describes the destructive actions of the Assyrian kings. The term "laid waste" implies complete devastation and ruin, often associated with the Assyrian military campaigns. Archaeological evidence supports the widespread destruction caused by the Assyrians, as seen in the ruins of cities they conquered. This devastation was not only physical but also psychological, as it instilled fear in the hearts of surrounding nations.

all these countries
The Assyrian Empire's conquests included numerous nations and territories, such as Israel, Aram (Syria), and parts of Mesopotamia. The phrase "all these countries" indicates the vastness of Assyrian domination and the comprehensive nature of their campaigns. This widespread conquest fulfilled earlier prophecies about Assyria's rise as a tool of judgment against nations, including Israel (Isaiah 10:5-6).

and their lands.
The mention of "lands" emphasizes the territorial aspect of Assyrian conquests. It highlights the loss of sovereignty and control experienced by the subjugated nations. This phrase also reflects the biblical theme of land as a divine gift and inheritance, which was a central aspect of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The loss of land due to Assyrian aggression serves as a backdrop for understanding the need for divine deliverance and restoration, themes prevalent in the prophetic literature.

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book and serves as a messenger of God, delivering His words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem.

2. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during the time of Isaiah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people.

3. Assyria
A powerful empire during the time of Isaiah, known for its military conquests and its role as a significant threat to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

4. Sennacherib
The king of Assyria who led military campaigns against Judah, including the siege of Jerusalem.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to the events of Isaiah 37, where King Hezekiah and the people faced the threat of Assyrian invasion.God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite the power and might of earthly kingdoms like Assyria, God remains sovereign and in control. Believers can trust in His ultimate authority over all nations and events.

Faith in Times of Crisis
Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat serves as a model of faith and reliance on God. In times of crisis, believers are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and trust in His deliverance.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's prayer in response to the Assyrian threat demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of prayer. Believers are reminded of the power of prayer to bring about divine intervention.

God's Faithfulness to His People
The deliverance of Jerusalem highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Believers can find assurance in God's promises and His commitment to protect and preserve His people.

Judgment and Mercy
While God used Assyria as an instrument of judgment, He also showed mercy to Jerusalem. This dual aspect of God's character calls believers to recognize both His justice and His grace.(18) Of a truth, Lord . . .--The facts of Rabshakeh's induction are admitted, but the inference denied, on the ground that the cases were not parallel. The gods of the nations had been cast into the fire (an alternative to their being taken as trophies for the temples of Asshur and Ishtar), but this could never happen to Jehovah, of whom there was no graven image, and He would show that He alone was ruler of the earth and of the heavens.

Verse 18. - Of a truth, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations. This was a stubborn fact, which it was impossible to deny. From the time of Asshur-izir-pal at any rate, about B.C. 880, Assyria had pursued for nearly two centuries a steady career of conquest, reducing the nations which were her neighbors, almost without exception, and gradually spreading her power from the tract immediately about Nineveh to the Persian Gulf on the south, the great plateau of Iran on the east, the Armenian Mountains (Niphates and Taurus) on the north, and on the west to Cilicia and the Mediterranean. Her progress towards the west alone is marked in Scripture, since there alone she came in contact with God's people. Under Pul (about B.C. 760) she attacked Samaria (2 Kings 15:19); under Tiglath-Pileser II. she carried off a portion of the ten tribes (2 Kings 15:29); under the same monarch she subjugated Damascus (2 Kings 16:9); under Shalmaneser she besieged (2 Kings 17:5), and under Sargon took, Samaria (2 Kings 17:6); under Sargon also she invaded Philistia and captured Ashdod (ch. 20:1). Now she was bent on subduing Judaea, and so preparing the way for the reduction of Egypt. Humanly speaking, it was most unlikely that the small and weak state of Judaea would be able to resist her. But God was all-powerful, and might be pleased to cast down, as he had been pleased to exalt (Isaiah 10:5-19). Hence Hezekiah's appeal.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Truly,
אָמְנָ֖ם (’ā·mə·nām)
Conjunction
Strong's 551: Verily, truly

O LORD,
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

the kings
מַלְכֵ֥י (mal·ḵê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Assyria
אַשּׁ֛וּר (’aš·šūr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 804: Ashshur

have laid waste
הֶחֱרִ֜יבוּ (he·ḥĕ·rî·ḇū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2717: To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

these countries
הָאֲרָצ֖וֹת (hā·’ă·rā·ṣō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 776: Earth, land

and their lands.
אַרְצָֽם׃ (’ar·ṣām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT Prophets: Isaiah 37:18 Truly Yahweh the kings of Assyria have (Isa Isi Is)