Isaiah 36:15

Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD when he says, 'The LORD will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.'

Study Bible

Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the LORD
This phrase is part of a speech by the Rabshakeh, a high-ranking Assyrian official, during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. The Assyrians were known for their military prowess and psychological warfare, often attempting to demoralize their enemies. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, was encouraging his people to rely on God for deliverance. This reflects a common biblical theme where faith in God is tested by external threats. The Assyrians were trying to undermine Hezekiah's leadership and the people's faith, a tactic seen throughout biblical history where leaders are challenged to maintain trust in God amidst adversity.

when he says, ‘The LORD will surely deliver us;
Hezekiah's assurance of deliverance is rooted in the covenant promises God made to Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly delivers His people when they are faithful to Him. This statement echoes the faith of leaders like Moses and Joshua, who trusted in God's power to save. The confidence in divine deliverance is a recurring theme, seen in stories like the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan. It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of God's promise to save His people.

this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’
Jerusalem, the city in question, holds significant religious and political importance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The Assyrian threat was real and formidable, as they had already conquered much of the surrounding region. Historically, the Assyrians were known for their brutal conquests and deportations. However, the prophetic assurance that Jerusalem would not fall to Assyria is fulfilled in the miraculous deliverance recorded in Isaiah 37, where an angel of the LORD strikes down the Assyrian army. This event underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness to protect His chosen city and people, reinforcing the belief in divine intervention and protection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hezekiah
The king of Judah during the time of the Assyrian invasion. Known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel, whom Hezekiah urges the people to trust for deliverance from the Assyrian threat.

3. The King of Assyria
Refers to Sennacherib, the Assyrian king who invaded Judah and laid siege to Jerusalem.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which was under threat from the Assyrian army.

5. Rabshakeh
The Assyrian field commander who delivered the message to the people of Jerusalem, attempting to undermine their trust in God and Hezekiah.

Teaching Points

Trust in God Over Human Power
Hezekiah's call to trust in the LORD challenges us to place our confidence in God's power rather than in human strength or political alliances.

The Power of Faithful Leadership
Hezekiah's leadership demonstrates the impact a faithful leader can have in encouraging others to trust in God during times of crisis.

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
The situation underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats.

The Danger of Discouragement
Rabshakeh's message serves as a reminder of how external voices can sow doubt and fear, urging us to remain steadfast in our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat demonstrate his faith in God, and what can we learn from his example?

2. In what ways do we face "Rabshakeh-like" voices in our lives today that challenge our trust in God, and how can we respond?

3. How does the account of Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege encourage us to trust in God's deliverance in our personal struggles?

4. What role does prayer play in Hezekiah's response to the crisis, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

5. How do the events in Isaiah 36-37 illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 18-19
Provides a parallel account of the events described in Isaiah 36, offering additional details about Hezekiah's response and God's deliverance.

Psalm 20:7
Highlights the theme of trusting in the Lord rather than in human strength or military might.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages believers to trust in the Lord with all their heart, a principle Hezekiah exemplified.

Isaiah 37
Describes the outcome of the Assyrian threat and God's miraculous intervention in response to Hezekiah's prayer.