How does Isaiah 37:21 demonstrate God's response to Hezekiah's prayer? The Setting Hezekiah faces a terrifying siege by Assyria’s vast army. Humanly speaking, the situation is hopeless, so the king spreads the enemy’s threatening letter before the LORD and prays (Isaiah 37:14–20). Scripture Focus “Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent word to Hezekiah, saying, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria,’” (Isaiah 37:21). Immediate Divine Response • God answers without delay—Isaiah speaks “then,” showing God’s response is direct and timely. • The answer comes through God’s prophet, underscoring the reliability of His word. • The Lord explicitly links His forthcoming deliverance to one cause: “Because you have prayed to Me.” Key Truths Illustrated • God hears: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are inclined to their cry” (Psalm 34:15). • God acts: Prayer moves the hand of the sovereign God who rules nations and kings (Proverbs 21:1). • Personal involvement: The phrase “to Me” highlights an intimate, relational response rather than a distant decree. Supporting Scriptures • Parallel account—“Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Because you have prayed to Me…’” (2 Kings 19:20). • Example of collective prayer—“King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven” (2 Chronicles 32:20). • Promise of God’s nearness—“Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). • New-Testament affirmation—“The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail” (James 5:16). Living It Out Today • Pray first, not last—Hezekiah sought God before planning a counteroffensive. • Expect God to answer specifically—He names the threat (“Sennacherib”) and meets it precisely. • Trust Scripture as God’s sure reply—Isaiah’s word is God’s word; the Bible still speaks with that same authority. • Remember: circumstances may shout, but one sincere prayer brings the Almighty into the battle. |
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