Isaiah 36:19

Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?

Study Bible

Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad?
This phrase references two ancient cities, Hamath and Arpad, located in modern-day Syria. Historically, these cities were known for their own local deities and were significant centers during the Assyrian Empire's expansion. The rhetorical question highlights the impotence of these gods in protecting their cities from Assyrian conquest. This serves as a contrast to the God of Israel, who is portrayed as the one true God with power over all nations. The mention of these cities underscores the futility of relying on false gods, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.

Where are the gods of Sepharvaim?
Sepharvaim was another city-state that fell to the Assyrians. The mention of its gods further emphasizes the inability of these deities to save their people. This reflects the biblical theme of the superiority of the God of Israel over other gods. The rhetorical question serves to challenge the faith of the Israelites, urging them to trust in the Lord rather than in foreign powers or idols. This aligns with the prophetic messages found throughout Isaiah, which call for exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC. The reference to Samaria's fall serves as a historical reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God. It underscores the Assyrian king's arrogance in comparing the God of Israel to the powerless gods of other nations. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual deliverance of Jerusalem, contrasting the fate of Samaria with the protection promised to those who remain faithful to God. The rhetorical question challenges the Israelites to recognize the futility of relying on anything other than the Lord for deliverance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hamath
An ancient city located in modern-day Syria, known for its strategic importance and mentioned frequently in the Old Testament as a significant city-state.

2. Arpad
Another city in Syria, often associated with Hamath, and known for its resistance against Assyrian conquest.

3. Sepharvaim
A city whose exact location is uncertain, but it is believed to be in Mesopotamia. It is mentioned in the context of Assyrian conquests.

4. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC. Its mention here highlights the Assyrian threat and their previous conquests.

5. Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The broader context of Isaiah 36 is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib challenges the power of the God of Israel.

Teaching Points

The Futility of Idolatry
The rhetorical questions in Isaiah 36:19 highlight the impotence of the gods of the nations. Unlike the living God of Israel, these idols could not save their people. This serves as a reminder to place our trust in God alone, who is sovereign and powerful.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The Assyrian challenge underscores God's control over the affairs of nations. Despite the apparent power of Assyria, God demonstrates His ultimate authority, encouraging believers to trust in His plans and purposes.

Faith in Times of Crisis
King Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat, as seen in the broader account, is a model of faith and reliance on God. In our own crises, we are called to seek God earnestly and trust in His deliverance.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's prayer in response to the Assyrian threat is a powerful example of turning to God in prayer. It encourages believers to bring their concerns to God, trusting in His ability to intervene.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the mention of the gods of Hamath, Arpad, and Sepharvaim in Isaiah 36:19 serve to contrast the God of Israel with the idols of the nations?

2. In what ways does the account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem in Isaiah 36-37 encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our own circumstances?

3. How can the account of Hezekiah's faith and prayer during the Assyrian threat inspire us to respond to challenges in our lives today?

4. What are some modern-day "idols" that people might trust in, and how can we ensure that our trust remains in God alone?

5. How does the broader account of Isaiah 36-37 connect with other biblical themes of God's deliverance and faithfulness, and how can these themes be applied to our personal walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
These chapters provide a parallel account of the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, offering additional details about the events and the faith of King Hezekiah.

Isaiah 37
The continuation of the account where God delivers Jerusalem, demonstrating His power over the false gods of the nations.

Psalm 115
This Psalm contrasts the living God with the idols of the nations, emphasizing the futility of trusting in false gods.