Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.' Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My earsThis phrase addresses the pride and defiance of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, against God. In the biblical context, Assyria was a dominant empire known for its military prowess and brutality. The arrogance of Sennacherib is highlighted in his dismissive attitude towards the God of Israel, as seen in his threats against Jerusalem. This echoes the biblical theme that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble ( James 4:6). The phrase "have reached My ears" signifies that God is fully aware of the blasphemies and boasts of the Assyrian king, emphasizing His omniscience and the personal nature of His relationship with His people. I will put My hook in your nose
This imagery is drawn from the Assyrian practice of leading captives with hooks through their noses, a method used to humiliate and control. It signifies God's intention to subdue and humiliate Sennacherib, turning his own methods against him. Historically, this reflects the brutal nature of Assyrian conquests and their treatment of captives, which was well-documented in ancient reliefs and inscriptions. Theologically, it demonstrates God's sovereignty over even the most powerful earthly rulers, asserting His control over the nations. and My bit in your mouth
The bit in the mouth is a metaphor for control, similar to how a rider directs a horse. This phrase indicates that God will direct Sennacherib's actions, despite his intentions. It underscores the biblical principle that God can guide the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1). This also serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority over human affairs, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled even through the actions of those who oppose Him. I will send you back the way you came.
This prophecy foretells the retreat of the Assyrian army from Jerusalem without achieving their goal. Historically, this was fulfilled when Sennacherib's forces withdrew after a divine intervention, as recorded in Isaiah 37:36-37. This event is corroborated by Assyrian records, which conspicuously omit the capture of Jerusalem, suggesting an unexpected retreat. Theologically, this demonstrates God's protection of His covenant people and His ability to deliver them from seemingly insurmountable threats. It also prefigures the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who provides salvation and victory over sin and death. Persons / Places / Events 1. HezekiahThe king of Judah during the time of the Assyrian threat. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his reliance on prayer. 2. SennacheribThe king of Assyria who invaded Judah and threatened Jerusalem. His arrogance and blasphemy against God led to his downfall. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, which was under siege by the Assyrian army. It is a central location in the account of God's deliverance. 4. IsaiahThe prophet who conveyed God's message to King Hezekiah, assuring him of divine intervention against Assyria. 5. AssyriaA powerful empire known for its military might and cruelty. It serves as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty Over NationsGod is in control of all nations and rulers. No matter how powerful a nation may seem, it is ultimately subject to God's authority. The Consequences of PrideArrogance and defiance against God lead to downfall. Sennacherib's pride resulted in his humiliation and defeat. The Power of PrayerHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat was to seek God in prayer. This demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of crisis. Divine DeliveranceGod is faithful to deliver His people when they trust in Him. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem is a testament to God's protective power. Listening to God's WordHezekiah listened to the prophet Isaiah, showing the importance of heeding God's word through His messengers. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Sennacherib's defeat illustrate the principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"? 2. In what ways can we apply Hezekiah's example of prayer and reliance on God in our own lives when facing challenges? 3. How does the account of Jerusalem's deliverance encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over the nations today? 4. What are some modern examples of pride leading to downfall, and how can we guard against similar attitudes in our own lives? 5. How can we ensure that we are listening to and applying God's word, as Hezekiah did with Isaiah's message? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19This chapter parallels Isaiah 37, providing a historical account of the Assyrian siege and God's deliverance of Jerusalem. Psalm 2This psalm speaks of the futility of nations raging against God, echoing the theme of divine sovereignty over human arrogance. James 4:6This verse highlights the principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, which is evident in God's response to Sennacherib's arrogance. People Adrammelech, Amoz, Assyrians, David, Eliakim, Esarhaddon, Haran, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Sharezer, Shebna, TirhakahPlaces Ararat, Arpad, Assyria, Cush, Egypt, Gozan, Hamath, Haran, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Libnah, Mount Zion, Nineveh, Rezeph, Sepharvaim, Telassar, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Anger, Arrogance, Arrogancy, Bit, Bridle, Camest, Caused, Cord, Ears, Hook, Insolence, Lips, Mouth, Noise, Nose, Pride, Rage, Raged, Raging, Reached, Return, Ring, Towards, Tumult, Turn, Uproar, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:29 4657 horse
5171 nose Isaiah 37:21-29 5776 achievement Isaiah 37:21-38 5800 blasphemy Isaiah 37:22-29 8782 mockery Isaiah 37:28-29 1355 providence Library Where to Carry Troubles
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.'--ISAIAH xxxvii. 14. When Hezekiah heard the threatenings of Sennacherib's servants, he rent his clothes and went into the house of the Lord, and sent to Isaiah entreating his prayers. When he received the menacing letter, his faith was greater, having been heartened by Isaiah's assurances. So he then himself appealed to Jehovah, spreading …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Triumph of Faith
'And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15. And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, 16. O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth. 17. Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear; open Thine eyes, O Lord, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations, …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was Ready to Die. He Attempts to Kill Himself. He Commands Antipater to be Slain.
1. Now Herod's distemper became more and more severe to him, and this because these his disorders fell upon him in his old age, and when he was in a melancholy condition; for he was already seventy years of age, and had been brought by the calamities that happened to him about his children, whereby he had no pleasure in life, even when he was in health; the grief also that Antipater was still alive aggravated his disease, whom he resolved to put to death now not at random, but as soon as he should …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and Salvation for Us.
1. Christ not only the minister, but also the author and prince of salvation. Divine grace not obscured by this mode of expression. The merit of Christ not opposed to the mercy of God, but depends upon it. 2. The compatibility of the two proved by various passages of Scripture. 3. Christ by his obedience truly merited divine grace for us. 4. This grace obtained by the shedding of Christ's blood, and his obedience even unto death. 5. In this way he paid our ransom. 6. The presumptuous manner in which …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Concerning the Lord's Supper
There are two passages which treat in the clearest manner of this subject, and at which we shall look,--the statements in the Gospels respecting the Lord's Supper, and the words of Paul. (1 Cor. xi.) Matthew, Mark, and Luke agree that Christ gave the whole sacrament to all His disciples; and that Paul taught both parts of it is so certain, that no one has yet been shameless enough to assert the contrary. Add to this, that according to the relation of Matthew, Christ did not say concerning the bread, …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 37:29 NIVIsaiah 37:29 NLTIsaiah 37:29 ESVIsaiah 37:29 NASBIsaiah 37:29 KJV
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