What can we learn about God's character from Isaiah 37:21? Setting the Scene “Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah, saying, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you prayed to Me concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria,’ ” Key Observations from the Verse • Isaiah delivers God’s word directly to King Hezekiah. • The LORD identifies Himself as “the God of Israel,” affirming covenant relationship. • God explicitly links His forthcoming action to Hezekiah’s prayer. • The historical crisis (Assyrian threat) is fully known to the LORD. What This Reveals About God’s Character • Relational: He is “the God of Israel,” bound by covenant love (Exodus 6:7). • Attentive: He hears and attends to specific petitions (“Because you prayed to Me”). See Psalm 34:15. • Responsive: Prayer moves Him to act in history (Jeremiah 33:3). • Communicative: He speaks clearly through His prophet, showing He is not silent (Amos 3:7). • Sovereign over Nations: Even mighty Assyria is subject to His will (Isaiah 37:26). • Faith-honoring: He delights to answer faith-filled prayer, reinforcing trust (Hebrews 11:6). • Personal: “Me” underscores direct engagement—no intermediaries needed beyond His chosen messenger. • Faithful: By naming Himself the covenant God, He reassures that His promises stand firm (Deuteronomy 7:9). Supporting Scriptures • 2 Chronicles 7:14 — God promises to hear, forgive, and heal when His people pray. • Psalm 65:2 — “O You who hear prayer, to You all men will come.” • 1 Peter 3:12 — “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer.” • Isaiah 46:9-10 — He alone declares the end from the beginning, showcasing sovereignty. • James 5:16 — “The prayer of a righteous man has great power and produces results.” Living It Out Today • Approach God confidently, knowing He listens. • Expect God’s answers to align with His covenant faithfulness and sovereign plan. • Let answered prayer deepen trust in His unchanging character. |
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