Isaiah 37:30

And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

Study Bible

This will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah
The phrase "This will be a sign" indicates a divine assurance and promise from God. In the Hebrew context, a "sign" (אוֹת, 'oth) often serves as a tangible confirmation of God's word or action. For King Hezekiah, this sign was meant to reassure him of God's deliverance and faithfulness. Historically, signs were used by God to communicate His intentions and to strengthen the faith of His people, as seen with Moses and the plagues in Egypt.

This year you will eat what grows on its own
The phrase "what grows on its own" refers to the spontaneous produce of the land, known in Hebrew as "סָפִיחַ" (saphiach). This indicates a period of divine provision where the people would rely on the natural yield of the land without sowing. In the historical context, this was significant because the Assyrian invasion had disrupted normal agricultural activities. God's promise here is a reminder of His provision even in times of crisis, echoing the manna provided in the wilderness.

and in the second year what springs from that
The continuation "what springs from that" suggests a second year of reliance on the natural regrowth of the land. This period of waiting and dependence on God’s provision would test the faith and patience of the people. It reflects a biblical principle of trusting in God's timing and provision, reminiscent of the sabbatical year laws where the land was left to rest and God provided for His people.

But in the third year you will sow and reap
The transition to "the third year" marks a return to normalcy and productivity. The ability to "sow and reap" signifies restoration and blessing. In the Hebrew agricultural cycle, sowing and reaping are fundamental activities, symbolizing stability and prosperity. This promise would have been a source of hope for Hezekiah and the people, indicating that God would not only deliver them but also restore their land and livelihoods.

plant vineyards and eat their fruit
The act of planting "vineyards" and eating "their fruit" is a powerful symbol of long-term peace and prosperity. Vineyards require years to mature, so this promise implies a future of sustained peace and security. In the biblical narrative, vineyards often symbolize abundance and blessing (e.g., Psalm 104:15). This assurance from God would have been deeply encouraging, promising not just survival but flourishing in the land.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The King of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. He is known for his faithfulness to God and his reforms to restore proper worship in Judah.

2. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament who served as God's messenger to Judah and its kings, including Hezekiah. He delivered God's promises and warnings.

3. Assyrian Invasion
The historical context of this passage is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem under King Sennacherib, which threatened the survival of Judah.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army but was miraculously delivered by God.

5. Sennacherib
The King of Assyria who led the siege against Jerusalem, representing the threat of foreign powers against God's people.

Teaching Points

God's Provision in Times of Crisis
Just as God provided for Judah during the Assyrian siege, He provides for us in our times of need. Trust in His provision even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Faith and Patience
The promise of future harvests required Hezekiah and the people to have faith and patience. In our lives, we must trust God's timing and remain patient for His promises to unfold.

Signs of God's Faithfulness
God often gives us signs of His faithfulness, as He did with Hezekiah. Reflect on the ways God has shown His faithfulness in your life and let these be reminders of His ongoing care.

The Role of Prophetic Assurance
Isaiah's prophecy provided assurance to Hezekiah. We can find assurance in God's Word and His promises, which remain true and reliable.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the promise of provision in Isaiah 37:30 encourage you to trust God in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways can you relate the concept of eating what grows on its own to the idea of resting in God's provision, as seen in Leviticus 25?

3. How does the account of Hezekiah's faith during the Assyrian siege inspire you to respond to challenges in your own life?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory strengthen your faith in His future provision?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34 help you to apply the lessons of Isaiah 37:30 in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 19
This chapter parallels Isaiah 37 and provides additional details about the Assyrian siege and God's deliverance of Jerusalem.

Leviticus 25
The concept of eating what grows on its own relates to the Sabbatical year, where the land was to rest, and people were to eat what the land produced naturally.

Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus' teaching on not worrying about food and clothing connects to God's provision for His people, as seen in Isaiah 37:30.