Isaiah 36:18

Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, 'The LORD will deliver us.' Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?

Study Bible

Do not let Hezekiah mislead you
This phrase is part of a speech by the Rabshakeh, a high-ranking Assyrian official, during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. The Assyrians were known for their psychological warfare, aiming to sow doubt and fear among their enemies. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was a reformer who trusted in the LORD, and the Assyrian official sought to undermine that trust. This reflects the broader biblical theme of faith versus fear, as seen in other instances where leaders are challenged to trust God despite overwhelming odds (e.g., Joshua 1:9).

when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’
Hezekiah's faith in the LORD's deliverance is a central theme in the narrative. The Assyrian official's challenge is not just against Hezekiah but against the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. This echoes earlier biblical accounts where God's deliverance is promised and fulfilled, such as the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:13-14). The phrase also foreshadows the eventual miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem, as recorded later in Isaiah 37:36-37.

Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land
The Assyrian official's rhetorical question is designed to instill doubt by pointing to the apparent success of Assyria over other nations and their gods. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in the power of national deities, where military success was often attributed to the superiority of one nation's god over another's. However, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that the LORD is not like other gods, being the one true God with sovereign power over all nations (Isaiah 45:5).

from the hand of the king of Assyria?
The Assyrian Empire, under kings like Sennacherib, was a dominant military power in the ancient Near East, known for its conquests and brutal tactics. The phrase highlights the historical context of Assyrian expansion and the fear it instilled in surrounding nations. However, the biblical account ultimately demonstrates that the power of earthly kings is limited and subject to the will of God, as seen in the eventual defeat of the Assyrian army (Isaiah 37:36-38). This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. Known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, whom Hezekiah trusts to deliver Judah from the Assyrian threat.

3. The King of Assyria
At this time, Sennacherib, who was expanding his empire and threatening Judah.

4. Assyria
A powerful empire known for its military might and conquests, posing a significant threat to the smaller kingdom of Judah.

5. Jerusalem
The capital of Judah, under siege by the Assyrian forces during this account.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Deliverance
Hezekiah's faith in God serves as a model for trusting in divine deliverance, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Futility of False Gods
The Assyrian king's challenge highlights the impotence of idols compared to the living God, encouraging believers to rely solely on Yahweh.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
This passage underscores God's control over world events, reminding us that no earthly power can thwart His plans.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's response to the threat includes prayer and seeking God's guidance, illustrating the importance of prayer in times of crisis.

Standing Firm in Faith
Despite external pressures and intimidation, Hezekiah's example encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat challenge us to trust God in our own difficult situations?

2. In what ways does the account of Isaiah 36-37 demonstrate the power and sovereignty of God over human affairs?

3. How can we apply the lesson of the futility of false gods to modern-day idols or distractions in our lives?

4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's strategy against the Assyrian siege, and how can we incorporate similar practices in our spiritual lives?

5. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege connect with other biblical themes of deliverance and faith, such as those found in the Psalms or the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of the Assyrian siege and Hezekiah's response, offering more context to the events in Isaiah 36.

Psalm 46
Often associated with God's deliverance of Jerusalem during this time, emphasizing God's protection and power.

Isaiah 37
Continues the account, showing God's intervention and the eventual defeat of the Assyrian army.