Connect Isaiah 37:6 with another scripture about God's protection from enemies. Setting the Scene - Judah is cornered. The Assyrian empire surrounds Jerusalem, and their spokesman hurls threats that shake every wall and heart (Isaiah 36). - King Hezekiah turns to God, sending messengers to the prophet Isaiah. God’s reply is Isaiah 37:6. The Promise in Isaiah 37:6 “Isaiah answered, ‘Tell your master, “This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me.”’ ” - God addresses fear first: “Do not be afraid.” - He exposes the real offense: the enemy has “blasphemed Me,” not just threatened Judah. - Protection flows from God’s own honor; He will defend His name and His people together. Parallel Assurance in 2 Chronicles 20:15 “He said, ‘Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ ” - Different king, different army, same God. - Again the first command: “Do not be afraid.” - The reason: “the battle is not yours.” The Lord personally owns the conflict. Connecting Threads • Fear confronted: both passages open with God’s antidote—courage rooted in Him. • God-centered warfare: the fight is framed around God’s reputation and authority. • Human limitation acknowledged: leaders hear, “You cannot win this alone, but you don’t have to.” • Divine intervention promised: in each story, God dismantles the enemy without Judah lifting a sword (Isaiah 37:36; 2 Chronicles 20:22-24). What We Learn About God’s Character - Defender: He shields His people from threats they cannot match. - Owner of battles: no enemy operates outside His jurisdiction. - Faithful to His word: the promises in both texts move swiftly to visible rescue. - Jealous for His name: assaults on His glory guarantee His engagement. Living It Out Today - Replace panic with remembrance: rehearse God’s past victories when fresh threats arise. - Surrender the battle plan: pray first, act only as God directs, confident He holds the field. - Measure enemies against God, not yourself; their size shrinks beside His sovereignty. - Expect outcomes that highlight Him, not you; the goal is His glory and your deliverance together. Echoes Throughout Scripture - Psalm 34:7—“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” - Psalm 91:4-7—“His faithfulness is a shield and rampart… a thousand may fall at your side… but it will not come near you.” - Proverbs 21:31—“A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.” - Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” The same voice that calmed Hezekiah and Jehoshaphat still speaks. When enemies gather, His word stands: “Do not be afraid… the battle is not yours, but God’s.” |
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