July 25

Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76 (biblegateway.com)

The God Who Saves: Assyria Defeated, Babylon Foretold

Today’s reading completes the first major section of the Book of Isaiah. Chapters 1–39, often referred to as the ‘Book of Judgment’ or ‘Isaiah’s Prophetic Warnings,’ center on confronting sin, calling for repentance, and proclaiming God’s coming judgment, while still offering glimpses of hope through the promised Messiah and the future restoration of God’s people.

Chapters 36-39, specifically, form a historical parenthesis connecting the first part of the book, consisting of predictions and judgment and blessings springing out of the Assyrian period, with the second part of the book, composed of prophecies of comfort emanating from the Babylonian period. While Chapters 36-37 deal with Assyria and serve to "tie off" the first part of the book, Chapters 38-39 focus on Babylon, whose empire formed the backdrop for Isaiah 40-66.

To briefly recap, Isaiah lived in Jerusalem during the latter half of Israel’s kingdom period and spoke to the leaders of Jerusalem and Judah on God’s behalf. He warned Israel’s corrupt leaders that their rebellion against their covenant with God would come at a cost. God was going to use the great empires of Assyria, then after them, Babylon, to judge Jerusalem if they persisted in idolatry and oppression of the poor.

But that announcement was combined with a message of hope. Even in judgment, God called His people to repentance and promised restoration through a future righteous king. Isaiah believed deeply that God would one day fulfill all his covenant promises. He trusted that God would send a king from David’s line to establish his Kingdom on Earth and lead Israel in obedience to the laws of the covenant made at Mount Sinai. This was how God’s blessing and salvation would flow outward to all nations, just as God promised to Abraham. It’s this Messianic hope that compelled Isaiah to speak out against the corruption and idolatry of Israel and its leaders.

Isaiah 1-39 can be divided into three main sections: chapters 1-12, which focus on judgment and hope for Judah, chapters 13-23, which contain oracles against various nations, and chapters 24-39, which include the “Little Apocalypse” and historical narratives about King Hezekiah.

To set the context for today's reading, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came against Hezekiah, king of Judah, after Hezekiah refused to continue paying tribute (2 Kings 18:7). When Sennacherib conquered Judah’s fortified cities, Hezekiah tried to appease him by offering to surrender and pay whatever penalty was demanded (2 Kings 18:13-16). But Sennacherib was not satisfied—he intended to take Jerusalem itself. Isaiah 36 ends at a critical and tense moment: the Rabshakeh, Sennacherib’s field commander, delivers a bold and blasphemous speech, mocking Hezekiah, scorning Judah’s trust in God, and attempting to demoralize the people. Obeying Hezekiah’s command, the people remain silent (Isaiah 36:21).

The chapter closes as Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah return to Hezekiah with their clothes torn in grief, reporting the Rabshakeh’s words (v. 22). This moment of national crisis sets the stage for Isaiah 37, where Hezekiah humbly turns to the Lord in prayer and seeks the prophet Isaiah’s counsel. It also leads us into the final chapters of this section, where Assyria’s threat reaches its climax and the shadow of Babylon begins to appear on the horizon.

Isaiah 37 – Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s Deliverance

Isaiah 37 picks up immediately after the threat issued in Isaiah 36. When King Hezekiah hears the blasphemous words of the Rabshakeh, he tears his clothes and covers himself with sackcloth, displaying signs of deep mourning and repentance (v. 1). He goes to the temple, seeking the presence and help of the Lord, and sends messengers to Isaiah the prophet, asking for intercession (v. 2-4). This moment shows Hezekiah’s shift from political reliance to spiritual humility. Unlike his father Ahaz, who rejected God’s counsel (Isaiah 7), Hezekiah turns toward the Lord.

Isaiah responds with assurance: the Lord has heard and will act. God tells Hezekiah not to fear the words spoken against Him, for the king of Assyria will receive a report and return to his own land, where he will die by the sword (v. 7).

Meanwhile, the Rabshakeh withdraws temporarily, likely due to Sennacherib needing to address a military threat from Libnah, but soon returns with renewed aggression. Word had reached Sennacherib of rumors about Tirhakah, king of Cush, advancing against him, causing a shift in military focus (v. 8-9). Despite this distraction, Sennacherib does not abandon his campaign against Judah. Instead, he sends a letter to King Hezekiah, intensifying his psychological warfare. In this letter, Sennacherib reiterates his blasphemous taunts, warning Hezekiah not to be deceived by trusting in the God of Israel. He proudly boasts of Assyria’s undefeated record, reminding Hezekiah that no other nation’s gods, including those of Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden, had been able to deliver their lands from Assyria’s grasp. His argument is clear: Judah’s God would be no different (v. 10-13).

This letter, however, becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative. It pushes Hezekiah to respond not with political maneuvering or military action, but with humble, dependent prayer before the Lord, setting the stage for God’s dramatic intervention.

In response, Hezekiah goes up to the temple and offers a great prayer of faith before the Lord (v. 14), a powerful act of trust and surrender. He begins his prayer with praise, acknowledging God’s unique sovereignty as the Creator of heaven and earth (v. 15-16). He then honestly presents the reality of Assyria’s devastation (v. 18) and boldly asks God to intervene, not merely for Judah’s sake, but “so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the Lord” (v. 20). Hezekiah’s prayer is not simply a plea for deliverance; it is a cry for God’s glory to be made known among the nations.

Responding to Hezekiah’s prayer, the Lord sent a message to him through Isaiah that Assyria would be defeated. The poetic oracle that follows (v. 21-29) reveals God’s disdain for Assyria’s pride. Assyria has mocked the Holy One of Israel (v. 23), forgetting that their success was allowed by God’s sovereign plan (v. 26). God will put His hook in Assyria’s nose (v. 29), an image of humiliating defeat, and lead them away like an animal.

Second, God assured Hezekiah that a remnant would remain (v. 30-32) and that life would go on as usual. Although they’ve endured hardship, they will again eat the fruit of their land, and a remnant will take root and flourish in Zion. This echoes the consistent theme in Isaiah that a faithful remnant will be preserved. In verses 33–35, Third, God promises that Sennacherib will not enter Jerusalem or even build a siege ramp against its walls. He would have to return home because God Himself would defend the city of David.. The city will be defended, not because of Hezekiah’s power, but for God’s own name’s sake and for the sake of His servant David.

The chapter closes with a miraculous event. God keeps his promise, vindicating Hezekiah’s faith with a stunning demonstration of his power over his enemies. That night, the angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (v. 36), leading Sennacherib to retreat to Nineveh, where he is later assassinated by his own sons (v. 37-38), fulfilling God’s word precisely.

Isaiah 37 reveals deep theological truths about God’s character and His relationship with His people. In the face of crisis, prayer is the proper and powerful response. Hezekiah’s turning to God in humble dependence opens the way for divine intervention and models a posture all believers should emulate. The chapter also affirms that God is sovereign over nations and rulers. Assyria’s rise was not outside of His control, and He brings down the proud in due time. God’s defense of Judah was not only for their sake, but ultimately for the glory of His own name. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant, securing a faithful people through whom His promises continue.

Isaiah 37 challenges believers to ask: Where do I turn in crisis? When we face opposition or hear voices that challenge God’s authority in our lives, do we panic, or do we lay those threats before the Lord as Hezekiah did? This chapter invites us to bring our fears into God’s presence, trusting Him to act for His name’s sake. It also reminds us that God sees, hears, and is not indifferent to the pride of nations or the faith of individuals. Even when the odds seem impossible, God is not bound by human limits. His victory comes not by swords but by His word and His will.

Isaiah 38 – Hezekiah’s Illness, Prayer, and Healing

Isaiah 38–39 provides a sobering glimpse into the later years of King Hezekiah’s life. While chapters 36–37 portray Hezekiah as a man of deep faith, seeking God in the face of Assyrian threats, these following chapters reveal a more complicated picture. God miraculously heals Hezekiah from a terminal illness, a testament to His power to save. Yet, in a moment of pride and shortsightedness, Hezekiah welcomes Babylonian envoys and shows them all his treasures, an act that ultimately leads to Isaiah’s prophecy of future judgment and exile. Though God’s mercy is evident, these chapters serve as a reminder that spiritual victories must be followed by continued humility, vigilance, and long-term faithfulness. This account also appears in 2 Kings 20.

In Isaiah 38, the narrative shifts from military deliverance to personal crisis. During the time of the Assyrian threat, King Hezekiah fell gravely ill. Isaiah comes to him with a sobering prophecy: “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover” (v. 1). This word, though from the Lord, sends Hezekiah into deep distress. He turns his face to the wall and prays fervently, reminding God of his wholehearted devotion and faithful conduct (v. 3). He weeps bitterly, showing the raw humanity of a righteous man facing death.

God responds with compassion. Before Isaiah has even left the palace courtyard, the Lord sends him back with a new word: He has heard Hezekiah’s prayer and seen his tears (v. 5). The Lord promises to add fifteen more years to his life and also assures deliverance for Jerusalem from the king of Assyria (v. 6), indicating the illness and Assyrian invasion are closely connected in time. As a sign of this healing, God causes the shadow on the sundial to move backward ten steps (v. 8), a miraculous reversal of time, signifying not only healing but divine sovereignty over time and nature.

In verses 9–20, Hezekiah composes a psalm reflecting on his experience. He describes his anguish and sense of being cut off in the prime of life (v. 10-13). He likens himself to a bird moaning and weak, with eyes growing dim (v. 14). Yet he acknowledges that it was for his good that he suffered: “In love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction” (v. 17). He realizes that God’s discipline brought about spiritual clarity and humility. He rejoices in the Lord’s mercy and declares that the living, not the dead, give thanks and proclaim God’s faithfulness (v. 18-19).

The chapter closes with a practical detail: Isaiah instructs that a poultice of figs be applied to Hezekiah’s boil (v. 21), demonstrating that while the healing was ultimately from God, He often works through ordinary, natural means. A poultice of dried figs, commonly used in the ancient world to treat boils and ulcers, was used medicinally in this case to promote healing. This moment reflects how divine intervention, human prayer, and practical medicine can work together in God’s providential care.

Hezekiah also asks for a sign to go up to the house of the Lord (v. 22), which may point to his desire to worship in gratitude once restored. Hezekiah’s question did not evidence a lack of faith. In fact, it was the opposite. Believing that he would be healed, he asked God for confirmation of His word.

Isaiah 38 reveals rich theological truths about God’s compassion, power, and purpose in suffering. We see that God hears and responds to sincere, humble prayer. He is not a distant deity, but one deeply involved in human pain and responsive to the cries of His people. Hezekiah’s illness and recovery also demonstrate that suffering can be redemptive. He learns that God’s discipline ultimately brought him closer to truth and humility.

Furthermore, God’s sovereignty over time and nature is vividly displayed in the miraculous reversal of the sun’s shadow, a reminder that nothing is beyond His control. Finally, in response to his healing, Hezekiah doesn’t boast or become entitled; instead, he worships. True worship flows from a deep experience of God’s grace.

Isaiah 38 reminds us that prayer is not powerless, even when facing death. Hezekiah models how to bring our fears and pain honestly before God. It also teaches us that not all suffering is punishment. Some of it is designed for transformation, to strip away pride and teach us to walk in deeper trust. We’re also reminded to celebrate God’s mercies with gratitude and testimony. Like Hezekiah, when we experience God’s grace, our response should be praise, not just in private, but as a public witness of His faithfulness.

Isaiah 39 – Hezekiah’s Pride and the Foreshadowing of Exile

Isaiah 39 presents a pivotal transition in the book of Isaiah, from the historical section to the prophetic vision of future hope and judgment. Shortly after his miraculous recovery, King Hezekiah receives envoys from Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon, who sends letters and a gift, having heard of Hezekiah’s illness and healing (v. 1). Flattered by their visit and perhaps eager to impress a rising power, Hezekiah shows them all his treasure houses, silver, gold, spices, precious oil, his entire armory. He withholds nothing in his palace or kingdom (v. 2).

Isaiah confronts him, asking what the men saw and where they came from. Hezekiah candidly replies that they saw everything, and that they were from a distant land—Babylon (v. 3-4). The prophet then delivers a sobering message from the Lord: everything Hezekiah showed them will one day be carried off to Babylon, including some of his own descendants who will serve as eunuchs in the Babylonian palace (v. 5-7). This prophecy anticipates a future time when Judah would be taken into exile in Babylon, as later described in 2 Kings 24-25 and Daniel 1:1-3.

Surprisingly, Hezekiah responds not with mourning or repentance but with resignation. He says, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good,” reasoning that at least there will be peace and security in his days (v. 8). His attitude reflects a concerning short-sightedness—thankful for present peace, yet seemingly indifferent to future judgment and its impact on the next generation.

Isaiah 39 offers a sobering theological reflection on pride, accountability, and the far-reaching consequences of leadership choices. Hezekiah’s decision to display his wealth to Babylonian envoys may have seemed politically strategic, but it revealed deeper spiritual pride and misplaced trust in human alliances. God is not concerned merely with outward actions; He sees the heart, and Hezekiah’s prideful display prompts a prophecy of future judgment, not just for what he did, but for what it revealed about his trust and priorities.

This moment underscores that God’s sovereignty includes long-term justice. While Hezekiah would enjoy peace in his lifetime, God was already preparing to address the coming unfaithfulness of Judah. The chapter also highlights the weight of leadership accountability. Hezekiah’s short-sighted relief that judgment would not come in his own days, despite its future cost, exposes the danger of spiritual complacency and a failure to lead with generational vision.

Isaiah 39 challenges us to evaluate where we seek validation. Are we tempted, like Hezekiah, to impress others with our strength, success, or possessions? Are we more concerned about our own comfort than the spiritual future of others, especially the next generation? True faith looks beyond the moment and trusts in God’s long-term promises, even when they challenge us to live with humility and foresight. Leaders especially must guard against the pride of self-sufficiency and the subtle temptation to prioritize personal peace over collective faithfulness. God is looking for hearts that honor Him not just in crisis, but in calm, and who live not for applause, but for His glory.

Psalm 76 – The Fearsome and Victorious God of Israel

Following the dramatic narrative in Isaiah 36-39, where God delivers Jerusalem from the Assyrian threat and responds to Hezekiah’s sincere prayers, we transition to Psalm 76, a poetic reflection that captures the awe and reverence stirred by God’s powerful intervention. This psalm praises the Lord as the defender of Zion, who breaks the weapons of war and brings justice to the earth. Positioned here in the reading plan, Psalm 76 serves as a moment of worship and theological reflection, highlighting that the events recorded in Isaiah were not merely political or military victories but profound demonstrations of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and unmatched power.

Psalm 76 is attributed to Asaph and likely reflects a specific historical deliverance, such as God’s destruction of the Assyrian army in 2 Kings 19:35. The psalm begins with a declaration that God is known in Judah and great in Israel (v. 1). This first verse helps establish His intimate relationship with His covenant people. His dwelling place is said to be in Salem (Jerusalem) and Zion (v. 2), God’s chosen place of rule.

In verses 3-6, the psalmist celebrates a dramatic display of God’s power. He breaks the enemy’s weapons, the arrows, shield, and sword (v. 3), rendering even the mightiest warriors asleep in death, unable to lift their hands in defense (v. 5). These verses likely allude to a miraculous military victory where God intervened supernaturally, stopping human violence not with more violence, but with divine authority. The reference to God’s rebuke causing chariots and horses to fall into a deep sleep (v. 6) echoes Exodus 14:24-25 and anticipates His future triumphs.

The center of the psalm (v. 7-9) focuses on God’s fearsome holiness. The question is asked, “You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?” (v. 7). This is a theological turning point: God’s holiness is not tame or manageable; it demands reverence. Yet, in His fearsome justice, He rises to save the humble of the earth (v. 9). This shows God’s character as both just and merciful—He humbles the proud but defends the lowly.

Verses 10-12 conclude with an affirmation of God’s sovereign rule. Even human wrath is turned to His praise (v. 10), meaning that no rebellion or evil escapes His control; God will ultimately use even opposition for His glory. The psalm calls on people to make vows and fulfill them to the Lord (v. 11), a reminder of covenant responsibility. All kings and rulers are warned: God is to be feared, for He alone can humble the spirit of the proud (v. 12).

Psalm 76 calls us to live in reverent awe of God, recognizing that He is not only our Savior but also the righteous Judge of all the earth. When we see injustice, chaos, or worldly pride, we can rest assured that God will act in His time. Are we aligning ourselves with His humble people or exalting ourselves against His rule? This psalm also challenges us to fulfill our commitments to God and to trust in His ultimate victory. Let our worship reflect both joyful praise and holy fear, for the God of Zion still reigns with unmatched power and perfect justice.

Conclusion

Isaiah 37-39 and Psalm 76 reveal a powerful truth: God defends those who trust in Him, not by might, but by His word and will. Hezekiah’s prayerful dependence brings peace and protection, and Psalm 76 declares that God alone is to be feared—He is the one who breaks the spirit of prideful rulers. But Hezekiah’s later pride and shortsightedness in Isaiah 39 serve as a warning: great victories can be followed by spiritual vulnerability if we stop listening to God. Deliverance is not the end of the journey—it’s a call to walk humbly, give God the glory, and prepare future generations to do the same. The God who silences enemies is also the One who weighs the hearts of His people.

Looking forward, as we turn the page to Isaiah 40 and beyond, we witness a significant shift—from judgment to comfort, from the looming threat of exile to the hopeful promise of return. The tone changes to one of restoration and encouragement, as God speaks tenderly to His people and unveils His plan to bring them home.