Isaiah 37:16

O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou [art] the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

O LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, that dwellest {H3427} between the cherubims {H3742}, thou art the God {H430}, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms {H4467} of the earth {H776}: thou hast made {H6213} heaven {H8064} and earth {H776}.

"ADONAI-Tzva'ot, God of Isra'el, who dwells above the k'ruvim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms on earth. You made heaven and earth.

“O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth.

O Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, that sittest above the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Commentary on Isaiah 37:16 (KJV)

Isaiah 37:16 is a powerful and foundational verse from King Hezekiah's prayer during one of Judah's darkest hours. It serves as a profound declaration of God's unique identity, ultimate authority, and creative power in the face of an overwhelming Assyrian threat.

Historical and Cultural Context

This powerful declaration forms part of King Hezekiah's fervent prayer when Judah faced an overwhelming threat from the Assyrian King Sennacherib. After receiving a blasphemous letter from Sennacherib's general, Rabshakeh, who mocked Judah's God and boasted of Assyria's conquests, Hezekiah brought the letter before the Lord in the Temple. His prayer, recorded in Isaiah 37:1-7, is a model of faith amidst despair, recognizing God's supreme authority despite human boast. Hezekiah's prayer is a theological battle against the claims of Sennacherib, who believed his gods and armies were superior to the God of Israel.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty: Hezekiah's plea begins with a profound affirmation of God's absolute and unrivaled sovereignty over all creation and every earthly kingdom. In a world of polytheism, his declaration that God is "thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth" was a bold statement of monotheism, asserting God's singular dominion over all nations and their rulers. This echoes the truth found in Daniel 4:17, that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men.
  • Unique Deity and Creator: The foundation of God's sovereignty is His role as the Creator. Hezekiah reminds God—and himself—of this fundamental truth: "thou hast made heaven and earth." This attribute establishes God's ultimate authority and power, far surpassing any false god or human king. The psalmist similarly declares, "The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; the world and all its fullness, You have founded them," as seen in Psalm 89:11.
  • Immanence and Presence: The phrase "that dwellest between the cherubims" refers to God's manifested presence above the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant, as described in Exodus 25:22. It signifies God's immanent presence among His people, offering protection and hearing prayers. This particular detail emphasizes that the God Hezekiah is praying to is not a distant, abstract deity, but the living God who has chosen to dwell with Israel and who is intimately involved in their affairs.

Linguistic Insights

  • "O LORD of hosts": This title translates the Hebrew *YHWH Sabaoth*, often rendered as 'Lord of Armies' or 'Lord of heavenly hosts.' This title underscores God's immense power, implying His command over celestial armies, angelic beings, and all the forces of the universe. It's a title that speaks to His omnipotence and ability to deliver His people, even against overwhelming earthly forces.
  • "cherubims": The 'cherubims' are angelic beings often associated with God's glory, presence, and guardianship, as seen guarding the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:24. Their presence around God's throne or the Ark signifies His holiness and the sacredness of His dwelling place.

Practical Application

Hezekiah's prayer provides a timeless model for believers facing insurmountable challenges. It teaches us to anchor our petitions in God's revealed character: His sovereignty, His creative power, and His faithful presence. When confronted with fear, doubt, or external threats, we are called to remember that the God who made heaven and earth is the same God who rules over all kingdoms and hears the prayers of His people. Our security is not in human strength or political alliances, but in the unwavering power of the "Lord of hosts" who dwells among us and is alone the God of all the earth. This powerful declaration of faith reminds us that no earthly power can stand against the One who created and sustains all things.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 99:1

    ¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

  • Exodus 25:22

    And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

  • Psalms 86:10

    For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.

  • 1 Samuel 4:4

    So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.

  • Isaiah 44:24

    Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I [am] the LORD that maketh all [things]; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

  • Psalms 80:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

  • Hebrews 4:16

    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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