Compare Isaiah 36:14 with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God versus human leaders. Setting the Scene Isaiah 36 drops us into a real historical crisis. Assyria’s field commander taunts Jerusalem, warning them not to rely on King Hezekiah or his God. His words in verse 14 strike at the heart of faith: “Thus says the king: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he cannot deliver you.’ ” The challenge is clear—abandon trust in God’s appointed leader and, by implication, abandon God Himself. Proverbs 3:5-6 answers that challenge centuries later—and for us today: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” God or Man? A Straight-On Comparison • Source of Confidence • Isaiah 36:14—Assyria pushes Judah to place confidence in imperial power rather than Hezekiah’s God. • Proverbs 3:5—The only safe confidence is wholehearted trust in the LORD. • Capability to Deliver • Isaiah—The field commander insists, “He cannot deliver you.” • Proverbs—God personally “makes your paths straight,” guaranteeing guidance and rescue where human strength fails. • Foundational Attitude • Isaiah—Fear-mongering, intimidation, self-preservation. • Proverbs—Surrender, dependence, acknowledgement of God in “all your ways.” What Went Right—and Why King Hezekiah chose Proverbs-style faith before Proverbs was compiled in its final form. He tore his clothes, went to the temple, and prayed (Isaiah 37:1, 14-20). God answered, sending the angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian troops (Isaiah 37:36). Trust in the LORD was vindicated; human boasting collapsed. Supporting Passages • Psalm 118:8-9—“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man…” • Jeremiah 17:5-8—Cursed is the one who trusts in man; blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. • 2 Kings 18:5—Hezekiah “trusted in the LORD … there was none like him.” • Psalm 20:7—Some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Practical Takeaways • Refuse substitutes—No human leader, system, or strategy can replace simple reliance on God’s promises. • Check the heart—“Lean not on your own understanding” means surrendering opinion, instinct, and even popular counsel when it conflicts with Scripture. • Whole-life acknowledgement—Bring every decision—finances, health, relationships—under His lordship; He straightens what looks crooked. • Remember the record—The same God who shattered Assyria still keeps watch; past deliverances feed present faith. Conclusion Isaiah 36:14 shows the emptiness of human boasts; Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to the only sure footing—trusting the LORD with all our hearts. |
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