How does Isaiah 36:20 connect with God's promises in Deuteronomy 31:6? Scripture Focus “Who among all the gods of these lands has rescued his land from my hand? How then can the LORD save Jerusalem from my hand?” “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Setting the Scene • Isaiah 36 records the Assyrian invasion during King Hezekiah’s reign. The field commander (Rabshakeh) taunts Jerusalem, casting doubt on the LORD’s power. • Deuteronomy 31 captures Moses’ farewell charge to Israel and to Joshua on the verge of entering Canaan. God pledges His abiding presence and victory over enemies. The Challenge in Isaiah 36:20 • Rabshakeh’s boast: “Your God is no different from the powerless gods we’ve already crushed.” • Purpose: intimidate Judah into surrender. • Underlying issue: a direct assault on God’s reputation and covenant faithfulness (cf. 2 Kings 18:32–35). God’s Unchanging Promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 • Commanded response: “Be strong and courageous.” • Basis of courage: “the LORD… goes with you.” • Guarantee: “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • This promise is reaffirmed to Joshua (Joshua 1:5) and echoed for believers today (Hebrews 13:5–6). Connecting the Dots 1. The taunt tests the promise. – Assyria’s ridicule in Isaiah 36:20 sets up a showdown: Can the LORD truly protect His people as He said in Deuteronomy 31:6? 2. God’s honor is on the line. – If the LORD fails, His word in Deuteronomy is void. Scripture’s reliability hangs in the balance (cf. Numbers 23:19). 3. Fulfillment comes swiftly. – Isaiah 37:36-37: the angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrians overnight; Sennacherib retreats. – Result: Deuteronomy 31:6 is proven true in real time—God neither leaves nor forsakes Jerusalem. 4. The pattern repeats through history. – Exodus 14:13-14: God delivers at the Red Sea. – 1 Samuel 17:45-47: David defies Goliath, trusting God’s covenant name. – Each instance shows enemies mocking, God promising, then God vindicating His word. Lessons for Today • God’s promises stand unshaken by present threats; apparent impossibilities only frame His glory. • Courage flows from confidence in His presence, not from human strength (Psalm 20:7). • Every modern “Rabshakeh”—any voice that questions God’s ability—faces the same immutable promise: He will never leave nor forsake His own. The connection is clear: Isaiah 36:20 is the crisis that showcases the unwavering reliability of God’s covenant promise first voiced in Deuteronomy 31:6 and fulfilled for all who trust Him. |
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