Isaiah 37:10

KJV

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus shall ye speak {H559} to Hezekiah {H2396} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, saying {H559}, Let not thy God {H430}, in whom thou trustest {H982}, deceive {H5377} thee, saying {H559}, Jerusalem {H3389} shall not be given {H5414} into the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is what you are to say to Hizkiyahu king of Y'hudah: 'Don't let your God in whom you trust deceive you by saying, "Yerushalayim will not be handed over to the power of the king of Ashur."

Berean Standard Bible

“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

American Standard Version

Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:10 records a critical moment during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, where King Sennacherib of Assyria sends a defiant and psychologically manipulative message to King Hezekiah of Judah. This message, delivered through his envoys, aims to undermine Hezekiah's faith and trust in the Lord by asserting that Judah's God, unlike the deities of other conquered nations, would be unable to deliver Jerusalem from the overwhelming might of the Assyrian army. It represents a direct challenge to the sovereignty and faithfulness of Yahweh, setting the stage for a divine demonstration of power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 37:10 is embedded within a larger narrative recounting Sennacherib's invasion of Judah and his siege of Jerusalem, primarily found in [Isaiah chapters 36-39](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-39 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Hezekiah's Deliverance"). This specific verse is part of Sennacherib's second, more direct communication to Hezekiah, following an initial verbal challenge delivered by his field commander, Rabshakeh, as detailed in [Isaiah 36:4-20](/isaiah/36-4 "Isaiah 36:4-20 - Rabshakeh's Taunts"). While Rabshakeh's initial taunts were public and designed to demoralize the people, Sennacherib's letter, delivered in this chapter, is a personal and direct assault on Hezekiah's faith, aiming to break his resolve and trust in God before a full military assault. The narrative immediately following this verse describes Hezekiah's profound response of humility and prayer, laying the letter before the Lord in the temple, which then leads to God's miraculous intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, a formidable military power known for its brutal conquest strategies, forced deportations, and psychological warfare. By 701 BCE, Sennacherib had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria fell in 722 BCE) and swept through Judah, capturing many fortified cities, as recorded in [2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah"). Jerusalem remained the last stronghold. Assyrian propaganda often involved belittling the gods of conquered nations, asserting the supremacy of their own deities (primarily Ashur) and the invincibility of their empire. This message to Hezekiah was a calculated move to demoralize the Judean king, leveraging the common ancient Near Eastern belief that a nation's god was only as powerful as its people's ability to defend themselves. Sennacherib's boastful tone and challenge to Yahweh were typical of Assyrian imperial rhetoric, designed to induce fear and prompt surrender without further bloodshed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the profound **challenge to divine authority**, as Sennacherib directly questions the power and faithfulness of Judah's God, implying that Yahweh is no different from the impotent gods of other nations (cf. [Isaiah 36:18-20](/isaiah/36-18 "Isaiah 36:18-20 - Rabshakeh's Challenge to God")). The passage also underscores the **battle for faith**, where Hezekiah's trust in the Lord is directly assaulted. Sennacherib's words are a spiritual weapon, seeking to plant seeds of doubt and despair, suggesting that God would "deceive" Hezekiah with false hope. Furthermore, it sets up a dramatic **contrast between human arrogance and divine sovereignty**. Sennacherib, filled with imperial pride, sees Jerusalem's fall as an inevitable outcome dictated by his own power, completely disregarding God's ultimate control over history and nations. This sets the stage for God to demonstrate His unparalleled power and faithfulness, affirming His unique identity as the true and living God who acts on behalf of His people, as later revealed in [Isaiah 37:36-38](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36-38 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hezekiah (Hebrew, _Chizqîyâh_):** (H2396) Derived from a root meaning "strengthened" and "Jah" (a shortened form of Yahweh), meaning "strengthened of Jah" or "Yahweh strengthens." This etymology is highly significant in the context of Sennacherib's message, which aims to weaken Hezekiah's resolve and faith. The king whose very name signifies divine strength is being told that his God will "deceive" him, creating a profound spiritual irony that God will ultimately resolve.
* **deceive (Hebrew, _nâshâʼ_):** (H5377) A primitive root meaning "to lead astray," "to delude," or "to seduce." Sennacherib employs this term with cynical intent, implying that the God in whom Hezekiah trusts is not reliable but will mislead him with false promises of deliverance. This is a direct attack on God's character and truthfulness, suggesting that Hezekiah's hope is a mere illusion. The word highlights the psychological dimension of Sennacherib's warfare, aiming to sow doubt and despair.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd_):** (H3027) A primitive word referring to the open hand, used literally and figuratively to denote power, means, direction, control, or possession. In the phrase "given into the hand of the king of Assyria," "hand" signifies Sennacherib's complete dominion and control over Jerusalem, implying its inevitable capture and subjugation. It represents the transfer of power and authority, emphasizing the Assyrian king's perceived absolute might and the city's impending fate under his oppressive rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the formal nature of the communication. It is a direct message from Sennacherib, delivered through his envoys, specifically addressed to King Hezekiah. The formality underscores the gravity and deliberate intent of the Assyrian king's words, designed to exert maximum psychological pressure on Judah's leader.
* **"Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying,"**: This is the core of Sennacherib's blasphemous taunt. He directly challenges Hezekiah's faith in Yahweh, implying that God is either impotent or malicious. The phrase "in whom thou trustest" highlights Hezekiah's well-known devotion and reliance on God, making the attack personal and pointed. To "deceive" suggests that God would offer false hope or lead Hezekiah astray, undermining the very foundation of his spiritual confidence and suggesting that his faith is misguided.
* **"Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria."**: This final clause states the specific "deception" Sennacherib attributes to Hezekiah's God. It is a direct contradiction of the divine promise of protection that Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem might be clinging to. By asserting that Jerusalem *will* be given into his hand, Sennacherib expresses his absolute confidence in his own military might and denies the possibility of divine intervention, thereby attempting to crush any hope of deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:10 is rich in literary devices, primarily serving to highlight the dramatic conflict between human arrogance and divine power. **Irony** pervades the message, as Sennacherib, in his attempt to "deceive" Hezekiah about God's faithfulness, is himself profoundly deceived about God's true power and intent. His words, meant to demoralize, ultimately provoke Hezekiah's fervent prayer and God's miraculous intervention. The use of **Psychological Warfare** is evident, as Sennacherib's message is not merely a military threat but a calculated assault on Hezekiah's faith and the morale of Jerusalem. By questioning God's ability and integrity, he aims to break the city's spiritual resolve. Furthermore, the message is a blatant act of **Blasphemy**, directly challenging the character and sovereignty of Yahweh, placing Him on par with the defeated gods of other nations. This sets up a profound **Contrast** between Sennacherib's human hubris and God's ultimate, demonstrated sovereignty, which will be dramatically revealed in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:10 encapsulates a timeless theological struggle: the challenge to faith in the face of overwhelming worldly power. Sennacherib's message is a direct assault on the very nature of God—His faithfulness, His power, and His ability to deliver. It forces Hezekiah, and by extension, all believers, to confront the question of whether God is truly sovereign and trustworthy, even when circumstances seem dire and human efforts appear futile. The Assyrian king's taunt is not just a military threat but a spiritual one, designed to erode the foundation of trust in Yahweh. This moment serves as a crucible for Hezekiah's faith, demonstrating that true trust in God is tested and refined not in comfort, but in the crucible of impossible situations, where human strength fails and divine intervention is the only hope.

* [2 Kings 19:14-19](/2_kings/19-14 "2 Kings 19:14-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer Before the Lord")
* [Isaiah 37:15-20](/isaiah/37-15 "Isaiah 37:15-20 - Hezekiah Spreads the Letter Before the Lord")
* [Isaiah 37:21-35](/isaiah/37-21 "Isaiah 37:21-35 - God's Prophecy of Deliverance Through Isaiah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. We often face "Sennacheribs" in our lives—voices of doubt, despair, or worldly power that seek to undermine our trust in God. These challenges might come from difficult circumstances, societal pressures, or even internal struggles, telling us that God is unable or unwilling to deliver, that our hope is false, or that our situation is truly hopeless. Like Hezekiah, our primary response should be to take these challenges directly to the Lord. Instead of succumbing to fear or despair, we are called to bring the "letters" of our anxieties and the taunts of the enemy before God in prayer, laying them out before Him with complete transparency. This act of humble reliance acknowledges God's sovereignty over all circumstances and His faithfulness to His promises. The narrative that follows this verse reminds us that God is indeed faithful to those who trust in Him, even when the odds seem insurmountable, and that His power far transcends any earthly authority or military might. It encourages us to maintain our trust in God's word despite the taunts and threats of the world, knowing that His deliverance is sure for those who cling to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Sennacherib messages" in your life that seek to undermine your trust in God?**
* **How do you typically respond when your faith is directly challenged by seemingly overwhelming circumstances or cynical voices?**
* **In what practical ways can you "spread the letter" of your anxieties and doubts before the Lord in prayer today?**
* **How does Hezekiah's response encourage you to rely on God's sovereignty rather than your own strength or worldly solutions?**

### FAQ

**Who was King Sennacherib of Assyria, and what was his significance?**

Answer: Sennacherib was one of the most powerful and ruthless kings of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, reigning from 705 to 681 BCE. He is well-documented in both biblical and extrabiblical historical records, including his own annals (the Sennacherib Prism). His significance lies in his extensive military campaigns, particularly his invasion of Judah in 701 BCE, which is vividly described in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion") and [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Challenge to Jerusalem"). He famously besieged Jerusalem, though he ultimately failed to conquer it, a miraculous event attributed to divine intervention. His reign marked a peak in Assyrian power and influence, and his confrontation with Hezekiah is a pivotal moment in Old Testament history, demonstrating God's sovereignty over even the most formidable earthly empires.

**Why did Sennacherib send this specific message to Hezekiah, challenging his God?**

Answer: Sennacherib's message was a calculated act of psychological warfare, a common tactic of the Assyrians. Having already conquered many fortified cities in Judah, he aimed to demoralize King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem into surrendering without a costly full-scale assault. By directly challenging Hezekiah's God, Yahweh, Sennacherib sought to undermine the very source of Judah's hope and resilience. He argued that Yahweh was no different from the gods of other nations that Assyria had easily conquered, implying that trust in Him was futile and would only lead to "deception." This strategy was designed to break the will of the besieged, making them believe that resistance was hopeless and that their God could not save them, thereby facilitating a swift and bloodless victory for Assyria.

**How did Hezekiah respond to Sennacherib's blasphemous message?**

Answer: Hezekiah's response was a profound act of faith and humility, setting a powerful example for all believers. Instead of despairing or seeking political alliances, he immediately went to the house of the Lord. He "spread" Sennacherib's letter before the Lord, symbolically laying the overwhelming threat and blasphemous words at God's feet, as recorded in [Isaiah 37:14](/isaiah/37-14 "Isaiah 37:14 - Hezekiah Spreads the Letter"). He then offered a fervent and humble prayer, acknowledging God's supreme sovereignty over all nations and pleading for deliverance, not for Judah's sake, but for the glory of God's name (see [Isaiah 37:15-20](/isaiah/37-15 "Isaiah 37:15-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer")). This act of desperate trust in God led to a miraculous intervention, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 37:10, with its depiction of a mighty earthly king challenging the living God, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Sennacherib's boastful claim of irresistible power and his attempt to "deceive" Hezekiah about God's faithfulness foreshadow the ultimate spiritual warfare waged by the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus on the Ruler of This World")) against God's people. Just as Sennacherib sought to capture Jerusalem, Satan, the ultimate adversary, seeks to enslave humanity and undermine faith in God. However, Christ stands as the true King, the ultimate "Hezekiah" whose name means "Yahweh strengthens," embodying God's power and faithfulness. He faced the ultimate taunt and challenge on the cross, where it seemed that the powers of darkness had triumphed. Yet, it was through His apparent defeat that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's "hand" points to Christ's far greater victory over sin, death, and the devil, delivering His people from the "hand" of spiritual bondage. Believers are called to trust in Him, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), knowing that no earthly or spiritual power can ultimately deceive or overcome those who are in His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). He is the true deliverer, establishing an eternal kingdom that will never be given into the hand of any earthly king or spiritual foe ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Shall Never Be Destroyed")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 36:15

Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Psalms 22:8

He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

2 Chronicles 32:15

Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?

2 Chronicles 32:19

And they spake against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, [which were] the work of the hands of man.

Isaiah 36:4

And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence [is] this wherein thou trustest?

Isaiah 36:20

Who [are they] among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?