who replied, "Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: 'Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. Isaiah repliedThe prophet Isaiah, a central figure in the Old Testament, serves as God's mouthpiece. His role as a prophet is to convey God's messages to the people of Israel. The Hebrew root for "replied" (עָנָה, 'anah) implies a response or answer, indicating that Isaiah is directly addressing a concern or question. This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of distress. Tell your master
Here, Isaiah instructs the messengers to relay God's message to King Hezekiah. The phrase underscores the chain of communication and authority, emphasizing the role of leaders in receiving and acting upon divine instruction. It also reflects the biblical principle of respecting established hierarchies and the importance of delivering God's word accurately. this is what the LORD says
This phrase is a common prophetic formula, asserting the divine origin of the message. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) signifies the covenantal name of God, reminding the audience of His eternal and unchanging nature. It reassures the faithful that the message comes with divine authority and reliability. Do not be afraid
A recurring biblical exhortation, "do not be afraid" (אַל־תִּירָא, al-tira) is a call to trust in God's sovereignty and protection. Fear is a natural human response to threats, but this command encourages believers to place their confidence in God's power rather than in their circumstances. It is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people from danger. of the words you have heard
The "words" refer to the intimidating threats from the Assyrian envoys. In the ancient Near Eastern context, words held significant power, often seen as extensions of one's authority and intent. This phrase highlights the contrast between human threats and divine promises, urging the faithful to discern and prioritize God's word over human intimidation. with which the servants of the king of Assyria
The "servants" (נַעֲרֵי, na'arei) of the Assyrian king are the messengers who delivered the blasphemous threats. Historically, the Assyrian Empire was a dominant military power, known for its brutal conquests and psychological warfare. This context underscores the gravity of the threat faced by Judah and the audacity of Assyria's challenge to God's authority. have blasphemed Me
To "blaspheme" (נָאַץ, na'ats) is to speak with contempt or disrespect towards God. The Assyrians' words were not just threats against Judah but direct affronts to God's honor. This highlights the spiritual dimension of the conflict, where the true battle is between the false gods of the nations and the one true God of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of blasphemy and the assurance that God will defend His name and His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah served as a messenger of God, delivering His words to the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He played a crucial role during the reign of King Hezekiah. 2. HezekiahThe king of Judah during the time of Isaiah. He was known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. 4. The King of AssyriaRepresenting the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power threatening Judah. The king's servants blasphemed God, challenging His power and authority. 5. Servants of the King of AssyriaThese were the messengers who delivered the blasphemous threats against Judah and God, attempting to instill fear and doubt. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyDespite the threats from powerful enemies, God remains in control. Believers are called to trust in His sovereignty and not be swayed by fear. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod reassures Hezekiah through Isaiah, demonstrating His faithfulness. We can rely on God's promises in Scripture, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them. The Power of Prayer and Seeking Godly CounselHezekiah sought Isaiah's counsel and prayed to God. In times of trouble, believers should seek God's guidance through prayer and wise counsel from godly individuals. The Danger of Blasphemy and Disrespecting GodThe Assyrians' blasphemy against God serves as a warning. We must approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness and authority. Courage in the Face of OppositionGod encourages Hezekiah not to fear. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when facing opposition or persecution. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Isaiah 37:6 demonstrate God's response to blasphemy and threats against His people? 2. In what ways can we apply Hezekiah's response to threats in our own lives when facing challenges or fears? 3. How does the reassurance given to Hezekiah in Isaiah 37:6 reflect God's character and His promises throughout Scripture? 4. What role does seeking godly counsel play in our decision-making process, as seen in Hezekiah's interaction with Isaiah? 5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as Hezekiah did? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19This chapter parallels Isaiah 37, providing a historical account of the same events, emphasizing God's deliverance of Judah from Assyria. Psalm 46This psalm speaks of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, which aligns with God's reassurance to Hezekiah through Isaiah. Exodus 14:13-14Just as God told the Israelites not to fear the Egyptians, He tells Hezekiah not to fear the Assyrians, highlighting God's consistent protection of His people. Matthew 10:28Jesus teaches not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul, echoing the message of not fearing earthly threats when God is on your side. 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 Afraid, Asshur, Assyria, Blasphemed, Hast, Hearing, Isaiah, Master, Reviled, Says, Servants, Thus, Troubled, Underlings, WherewithDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:6 1690 word of God Isaiah 37:6-7 8833 threats 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 37:6 NIVIsaiah 37:6 NLTIsaiah 37:6 ESVIsaiah 37:6 NASBIsaiah 37:6 KJV
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