What can we learn about divine authority from Isaiah 36:10's message? Setting the Scene - Isaiah 36 recounts the Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib. - His spokesman, the Rabshakeh, stands outside Jerusalem’s walls and tries to intimidate Judah’s leaders. - In verse 10 he claims: “Moreover, have I now come up against this land to destroy it without the LORD? The LORD Himself told me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’ ” - The statement raises a crucial question: Who truly holds—and can legitimately invoke—divine authority? Examining the Claim - The Rabshakeh uses God’s name to legitimize his aggression. - Scripture never records God actually commissioning Assyria to destroy Jerusalem; the claim is unverified and self-serving. - God had indeed used Assyria as His “rod” before (Isaiah 10:5-6), but He also set limits (Isaiah 10:12). - The Rabshakeh’s boast shows how easily God’s authority can be misappropriated for human ends. Key Observations About Divine Authority • God alone grants true authority – “There is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1). • Human rulers are instruments, not originators – God used Assyria for discipline (Isaiah 10:5), Babylon for exile (Jeremiah 25:9), and Cyrus for restoration (Isaiah 45:1). • Claiming divine backing does not guarantee having it – False prophets spoke “visions from their own minds” (Jeremiah 23:16). • God will judge the misuse of His name – “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). • Divine authority never contradicts God’s revealed character or promises – He promised a remnant in Judah (Isaiah 37:31-32), so total destruction could not be His will. How to Discern True from False Claims of Divine Authority 1. Test against Scripture – Deuteronomy 18:21-22: if a word fails, the speaker is false. 2. Evaluate the fruit – Matthew 7:15-20: good trees bear good fruit. 3. Look for consistency with God’s redemptive plan – God disciplines to restore, not annihilate (Hebrews 12:6-11). 4. Seek corroboration from faithful witnesses – Acts 15:28: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” 5. Pray for discernment – James 1:5: God grants wisdom to those who ask. The Sovereignty of God Over Nations - God turns even arrogant boasts to serve His purposes (Proverbs 16:4). - He restrained Assyria at Jerusalem’s gate (Isaiah 37:33-36). - Throughout history He “sets up kings and removes them” (Daniel 2:21). - Even evil schemes cannot escape His oversight (Genesis 50:20; Job 1–2). Our Response to Genuine Divine Authority • Humble submission—like Hezekiah spreading the letter before the LORD (Isaiah 37:14-20). • Obedience over fear—Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Confidence in God’s ultimate justice—Ps 2:4-6. • Courageous faith—trusting God’s word above intimidating voices. Christ, the Final Word on Divine Authority - Jesus proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). - He wields that authority for salvation and judgment (John 5:26-27). - Believers stand secure under His lordship, empowered to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20) while resting in His sovereign rule. Takeaway Isaiah 36:10 warns that humans may hijack God’s name, but true authority remains God’s alone. We discern authentic divine commission through Scripture, the Spirit’s witness, and the character of Christ—then submit, obey, and trust the One whose authority can never be thwarted. |
    |