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, ‘We trust in the LORD our God,’
This phrase reflects the challenge posed by the Assyrian field commander, questioning the validity of Judah's trust in God. Historically, this occurs during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and psychological warfare, often attempting to undermine the confidence of their enemies. Theologically, this statement tests the faith of the Israelites, echoing the broader biblical theme of trusting God in the face of overwhelming odds, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

is He not the One whose high places and altars Hezekiah has removed,
Hezekiah's religious reforms are central here. He removed high places and altars to centralize worship in Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4. This was in obedience to Deuteronomic law, which prescribed a single place of worship (Deuteronomy 12:5-14). The Assyrian commander misinterprets these actions as weakening Judah's religious structure, not understanding that Hezekiah's reforms were meant to purify and strengthen the worship of Yahweh by eliminating idolatry.

saying to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before this altar’?
The "altar" refers to the altar in the Temple of Jerusalem, the designated place for sacrifices and worship according to God's covenant with Israel. This centralization was intended to unify the nation under the true worship of Yahweh, contrasting with the syncretistic practices that had crept in over time. Theologically, this points to the importance of worshiping God as He commands, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who becomes the ultimate altar and sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10).

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.