Isaiah 36:7

But if you say to me, 'We trust in the LORD our God,' is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, 'You must worship before this altar'?

Study Bible

But if you say to me
This phrase introduces a hypothetical argument, suggesting a dialogue or challenge. The context here is a confrontation between the Assyrian envoy, Rabshakeh, and the representatives of King Hezekiah. The phrase sets the stage for a rhetorical question, emphasizing the tension and the challenge to the faith of the people of Judah. Historically, this reflects the Assyrian strategy of psychological warfare, attempting to undermine the confidence of the Israelites in their God.

‘We trust in the LORD our God,’
The word "trust" in Hebrew is "batach," which conveys a sense of confidence and reliance. This trust is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated faith in God's character and promises. The phrase underscores the central theme of faith in the face of adversity, a recurring motif in the book of Isaiah. The Assyrians are questioning the validity of this trust, probing the Israelites' commitment to their God amidst the threat of invasion.

is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed
This refers to King Hezekiah's religious reforms, where he removed the high places and altars that were used for idol worship, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4. The Assyrian envoy is attempting to twist these reforms into a negative action, suggesting that Hezekiah's actions have angered God. Historically, high places were often associated with syncretistic worship practices, and Hezekiah's removal of them was an effort to centralize worship in Jerusalem and purify the religious practices of Judah.

saying to Judah and Jerusalem
This phrase highlights the specific audience of Hezekiah's reforms: the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It emphasizes the national scope of the religious reforms and the centralization of worship. The historical context here is significant, as Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center of Judah, and Hezekiah's reforms were aimed at unifying the nation under the worship of Yahweh alone.

‘You must worship before this altar’?
The "altar" refers to the altar in the temple in Jerusalem, the designated place for sacrifices and worship according to the Mosaic Law. This centralization of worship was a return to the covenantal stipulations given to Israel. The Assyrian envoy's question is meant to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Hezekiah's reforms, suggesting that by removing the high places, Hezekiah has limited the people's access to God. However, from a conservative Christian perspective, this centralization is seen as a return to true worship and obedience to God's commands, reinforcing the importance of worshiping God in the manner He prescribed.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah who initiated religious reforms, including the removal of high places and altars to centralize worship in Jerusalem.

2. Rabshakeh
The Assyrian field commander who delivered a message from King Sennacherib of Assyria, challenging the faith of the people of Judah in their God.

3. Judah and Jerusalem
The southern kingdom and its capital, where Hezekiah reigned and sought to restore proper worship.

4. Assyria
The dominant empire at the time, threatening Judah with invasion and attempting to undermine their trust in God.

5. High Places and Altars
Sites of worship that were often used for idolatrous practices, which Hezekiah removed to purify the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

Trust in God Alone
Hezekiah's reforms remind us that true worship and trust must be directed solely to God, not diluted by idolatrous practices.

Centralized Worship
The removal of high places underscores the importance of worshiping God as He prescribes, emphasizing obedience to His commands.

Facing Challenges with Faith
Like Hezekiah, believers today are called to stand firm in their faith, even when external voices challenge their trust in God.

The Power of Prayer
Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat through prayer demonstrates the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis.

God's Sovereignty
Despite the Assyrian threat, the account reassures us of God's ultimate control and His ability to deliver His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Hezekiah's removal of high places reflect his commitment to God, and what can we learn from this about prioritizing our worship practices?

2. In what ways do external challenges today attempt to undermine our trust in God, similar to Rabshakeh's message to Judah?

3. How can Hezekiah's reliance on prayer during a crisis inspire us to approach our own challenges?

4. What are some modern "high places" or distractions that might divert our worship from God, and how can we address them?

5. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian threat encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and deliverance in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18:4-5
Provides background on Hezekiah's reforms, emphasizing his trust in the LORD and his actions to remove idolatry.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
Highlights Hezekiah's encouragement to the people to trust in the LORD despite the Assyrian threat.

Exodus 20:3-5
Relates to the commandment against idolatry, which Hezekiah sought to uphold by removing the high places.

Psalm 20:7
Contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the LORD, relevant to the challenge posed by Rabshakeh.

Isaiah 37:14-20
Shows Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat, turning to God in prayer and reaffirming his trust.