Isaiah 37:17

KJV

Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Incline {H5186} thine ear {H241}, O LORD {H3068}, and hear {H8085}; open {H6491} thine eyes {H5869}, O LORD {H3068}, and see {H7200}: and hear {H8085} all the words {H1697} of Sennacherib {H5576}, which hath sent {H7971} to reproach {H2778} the living {H2416} God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Turn your ear, ADONAI, and hear! Open your eyes, ADONAI, and see! Hear all the words that Sancheriv sent to taunt the living God.

Berean Standard Bible

Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to all the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God.

American Standard Version

Incline thine ear, O Jehovah, and hear; open thine eyes, O Jehovah, and see; and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to defy the living God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:17 records King Hezekiah's desperate and devout appeal to the Lord during the overwhelming Assyrian siege of Jerusalem and the blasphemous taunts of Sennacherib. In this fervent prayer, Hezekiah implores God to actively perceive and respond to the crisis, specifically highlighting the enemy's direct and public reproach against "the living God" of Israel. It is a powerful call for divine intervention, grounded in God's omniscient character and the profound dishonor being brought upon His holy name by a pagan king who dared to challenge the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse forms a pivotal part of King Hezekiah's profound prayer, meticulously recorded in [Isaiah 37:14-20](/isaiah/37-14-20 "Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's Earnest Prayer"). This prayer immediately follows the reception of a threatening and blasphemous letter from Sennacherib, the formidable king of Assyria, delivered by his field commander, the Rabshakeh. The contents of this insolent letter, detailed in [Isaiah 37:9-13](/isaiah/37-9-13 "Isaiah 37:9-13 - Sennacherib's Taunting Letter"), boast of Assyria's unparalleled conquests and mock Judah's reliance on Yahweh, arrogantly claiming that no deity could deliver any nation from their overwhelming might. Hezekiah's response is not one of military strategy or political maneuvering, but rather profound spiritual humility and dependence: he goes directly to the Temple, spreads the blasphemous letter before the Lord, and pours out his heart in earnest supplication. This critical prayer is also paralleled in [2 Kings 19:14-19](/2_kings/19-14-19 "2 Kings 19:14-19 - Hezekiah's Prayer in 2 Kings"), underscoring its historical veracity and immense theological significance within the broader narrative of Judah's precarious interaction with the dominant Assyrian empire.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was a period of unprecedented geopolitical upheaval, with the Neo-Assyrian Empire asserting its brutal dominance across the ancient Near East. Sennacherib's military campaign against Judah in 701 BCE was a key part of Assyria's aggressive expansionist policy, aimed at consolidating control over the strategic Levant region. Assyrian warfare was notoriously characterized by devastating sieges, mass deportations, and sophisticated psychological warfare tactics, which frequently included public taunts and blasphemies directed against the gods of conquered peoples. The Rabshakeh's audacious speech and Sennacherib's subsequent letter were quintessential examples of this intimidation, meticulously designed to demoralize the besieged defenders and profoundly undermine their faith in their national deity. For the people of Judah, Jerusalem was not merely their capital city; it was the sacred site of the Temple, the very dwelling place of Yahweh. Consequently, a direct threat against Jerusalem was perceived as an unmitigated challenge to God Himself, transforming Hezekiah's prayer from a personal plea into a courageous defense of God's honor in the face of pagan hubris and idolatrous arrogance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, as Hezekiah appeals directly to God's ultimate authority over all nations and His unparalleled ability to act decisively in human history. It also vividly highlights the theme of **God's Uniqueness and Supremacy**, contrasting the vibrant, "living God" of Israel with the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations that Assyria had so easily subdued—a profound theological distinction powerfully echoed in [Psalm 115:4-7](/psalm/115-4-7 "Psalm 115:4-7 - The Impotence of Idols") and emphatically declared in [Jeremiah 10:10](/jeremiah/10-10 "Jeremiah 10:10 - The Lord is the True God"). The **Power of Prayer in Crisis** emerges as another central theme, demonstrating that in the face of overwhelming and seemingly insurmountable circumstances, turning to God in humble, dependent prayer is the most effective and divinely sanctioned response. Finally, the paramount concept of **Reproach and God's Honor** is underscored; Sennacherib's taunts are not merely political insults but direct, egregious blasphemy against God, which necessitates a divine response to vindicate His holy name and manifest His unparalleled glory, as powerfully articulated in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Vindication of His Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term transcends a mere utterance, encompassing a "matter (as spoken of) or thing," an "affair," a "decree," a "deed," or a "report." In this context, Sennacherib's "words" are not empty threats but carry the full weight of his official declaration, his hostile intentions, and his aggressive actions, all of which directly challenge God's authority and very existence. Hezekiah profoundly recognizes the comprehensive import of these "words" as a holistic assault against God and His people.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** From H2778, this primitive root signifies "to pull off," "expose," or "defame." It denotes a severe taunt, insult, or blasphemy that publicly dishonors and shames. When applied to God, as it is here, it means to "blaspheme" or "defy" Him, attempting to strip away His honor and challenge His omnipotence. Sennacherib's "reproach" is a direct, public affront to the Lord's character and capability, demanding a divine response to restore His unimpeachable reputation.
* **living (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From H2416, meaning "alive," "fresh," or "strong." When conjoined with "God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), it forms the profoundly significant theological designation "the living God." This phrase fundamentally distinguishes Yahweh from the lifeless, impotent idols of the pagan nations that Assyria had so effortlessly conquered. It emphatically emphasizes God's active presence, His dynamic power, His ability to actively intervene in history, and His eternal, ongoing existence, in stark contrast to deities "made with hands" that "neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell" (as described in [Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Idols that Cannot Help")). Hezekiah's appeal is thus rooted in the very nature of God as one who is vibrant, active, and supremely capable of decisive intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear;":** Hezekiah employs deeply anthropomorphic language, appealing to God as if He were a human sovereign or a discerning judge. "Incline thine ear" (Hebrew: _nâṭâh 'ôzen_) is a powerful idiom for paying close, attentive heed, metaphorically bending down to listen intently. Coupled with "hear" (Hebrew: _shâmaʻ_), it constitutes a fervent plea for God not merely to passively perceive, but to actively listen with profound understanding and an immediate readiness to respond to the extreme urgency of the situation.
* **"open thine eyes, O LORD, and see:":** Continuing the anthropomorphic imagery, "open thine eyes" (Hebrew: _pâqach ʻayin_) is a direct request for God to truly observe and comprehend the full, dire scope of the crisis. "See" (Hebrew: _râʼâh_) implies not just visual perception, but a deep, discerning awareness and full comprehension of the truth of the situation, including the audacious insolence and blatant blasphemy of Sennacherib. It is a desperate call for God's omniscient gaze to be precisely directed towards His people's desperate plight and the profound dishonor brought upon His own name.
* **"and hear all the words of Sennacherib,":** This clause precisely specifies the content that God is being implored to hear and see. Hezekiah emphatically emphasizes "all the words," indicating the comprehensive and pervasive nature of Sennacherib's taunts, threats, and boasts. Hezekiah desires God to be fully and intimately aware of every boast, every insult, and every direct challenge issued by the Assyrian king, recognizing with profound clarity that these words are not merely against Judah but are a direct affront to God Himself.
* **"which hath sent to reproach the living God.":** This is the ultimate climax of Hezekiah's impassioned appeal, identifying the supreme offense. Sennacherib's actions are not merely a strategic military or political maneuver; they are a direct, unmitigated "reproach" or blasphemy against "the living God." This phrase profoundly underscores the immense theological stakes of the confrontation: it is a cosmic contest between the true, active, and sovereign God of Israel and the arrogant, self-proclaimed god-like claims of a mere human king who contemptuously dismisses divine power. Hezekiah appeals directly to God's own honor, reputation, and holy name as the righteous basis for immediate divine intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:17 is richly imbued with literary devices that powerfully amplify the intensity and depth of Hezekiah's passionate plea. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, where distinctly human characteristics, senses, and actions are attributed to God ("incline thine ear," "open thine eyes," "hear," "see"). This device is not meant to suggest that God possesses physical limitations, but rather to convey His deeply personal engagement, His attentive responsiveness, and His profound involvement in human affairs in a way that is profoundly relatable and understandable to the human supplicant. Another significant device is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, which is evident in the structure "Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see." These two clauses express a remarkably similar core idea—a fervent and urgent request for God's attentive perception and decisive action—using different but closely related imagery. This deliberate repetition serves to emphasize the overwhelming urgency and profound depth of Hezekiah's prayer. Finally, a striking **Contrast** is powerfully established between the mortal, arrogant Sennacherib and the majestic, "living God." Sennacherib, a mere human king, boasts of his ephemeral power and defiantly challenges the divine, while God is presented as the ultimate, eternally active, and uniquely supreme deity, fully capable of seeing, hearing, and intervening with unparalleled power. This stark contrast highlights the profound and irreconcilable difference between fleeting human arrogance and eternal divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hezekiah's prayer in Isaiah 37:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the very nature of God and humanity's essential relationship with Him, particularly in times of dire crisis. It powerfully affirms God's omniscience and omnipotence, demonstrating unequivocally that He is not a distant, passive deity but one who actively perceives, hears, and responds to the affairs of humanity, especially when His divine honor is directly challenged. The impassioned appeal to "the living God" underscores a core biblical truth: Yahweh is fundamentally distinct from all other so-called gods, who are lifeless, impotent idols. This crucial distinction is foundational for understanding God's unique covenant relationship with Israel and His ultimate, glorious vindication of His name in the face of all opposition. Hezekiah's humble yet remarkably bold approach exemplifies the transformative power of earnest prayer rooted in a deep, accurate understanding of God's unchanging character.

* [Psalm 44:23](/psalm/44-23 "Psalm 44:23 - Awake, O Lord!")
* [Psalm 83:18](/psalm/83-18 "Psalm 83:18 - That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.")
* [Daniel 6:26](/daniel/6-26 "Daniel 6:26 - The Living God in Daniel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:17 offers timeless and profoundly relevant lessons for believers facing overwhelming challenges or witnessing the public slandering of God's name in the modern world. Hezekiah's exemplary response to Sennacherib's blatant blasphemy teaches us that our first, most potent, and divinely ordained weapon in spiritual warfare is earnest, humble, and dependent prayer. Instead of succumbing to panic, attempting to negotiate with the enemy on human terms, or relying solely on our limited human strength and resources, we are unequivocally called to lay our burdens and the direct affronts against God's honor directly before Him. This powerful verse serves as a profound reminder that God is indeed "the living God" who actively sees our distress, hears our desperate cries, and is supremely capable of acting decisively on behalf of His people and for the vindication of His own glory. Our prayers, therefore, should always be deeply rooted in His unchanging character—His omniscience, His omnipotence, and His unwavering commitment to His holy name. When we appeal to God based on who He truly is, we invite His divine intervention and witness His unfailing faithfulness in ways that transcend human comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges or when God's name is publicly dishonored or blasphemed?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a deeper, more abiding trust in God's active presence and His unfailing ability to "see" and "hear" my prayers?**
* **What specific "words of reproach" against God do I hear or encounter in my daily life, and how might I respond to them in prayer or through Spirit-led action?**
* **How does understanding God as "the living God"—active, present, and powerful—profoundly impact my faith and my approach to prayer, especially compared to a view of God as distant, detached, or inactive?**

### FAQ
**Why does Hezekiah ask God to "incline His ear" and "open His eyes" if God is omniscient?**

Answer: Hezekiah's use of anthropomorphic language ("incline thine ear," "open thine eyes") is a common and powerful biblical idiom, not an implication that God is limited or unaware. Rather, it is a fervent, passionate plea for God to actively engage and intervene in the dire situation. It expresses Hezekiah's desperate desire for God to direct His full attention, His profound discernment, and His mighty power towards the crisis, to perceive the depth of the enemy's blasphemy, and to respond decisively. It's a deeply personal and relational way of appealing to God's intimate involvement and His readiness to act on behalf of His beloved people and His own honor, much like a human king might lean in to hear an urgent petition or open his eyes to fully grasp a critical and life-threatening report.

**What is the significance of Sennacherib's "reproach" against God?**

Answer: The "reproach" (Hebrew: _châraph_) sent by Sennacherib was far more than a mere insult; it was a direct challenge and egregious blasphemy against the very existence, power, and sovereignty of the God of Israel. Sennacherib had successfully conquered many nations and their perceived gods, and he arrogantly believed Yahweh would be no different. By mocking Judah's reliance on the Lord, he was publicly defaming God's holy name and denying His supreme ability to deliver. This act of "reproach" was a direct affront to God's honor and absolute sovereignty. For Hezekiah, this was the ultimate and unforgivable offense, demanding a swift and decisive divine response to vindicate God's name and demonstrate His unparalleled supremacy over all earthly powers, as God later promises to do in [Isaiah 37:35](/isaiah/37-35 "Isaiah 37:35 - God's Promise to Defend Jerusalem").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 37:17, with its vivid portrayal of a faithful king appealing to the "living God" in the face of blasphemous reproach, finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Hezekiah's desperate plea for God to "see" and "hear" the enemy's taunts foreshadows the ultimate divine response to humanity's rebellion and Satan's relentless accusations. In Christ, the invisible God became perfectly visible, and the inaudible God spoke definitively and finally. Jesus Himself became the very embodiment of "the living God" ([Hebrews 3:12](/hebrews/3-12 "Hebrews 3:12 - The Living God in Hebrews")), actively seeing the desperate plight of fallen humanity and hearing the cries of the oppressed. The "reproach" against God, so keenly felt by Hezekiah, reached its agonizing zenith at the cross, where Christ, the Son of the living God, endured the ultimate shame, scorn, and public humiliation ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross for Joy")). Yet, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated the powers of darkness and forever silenced the accuser ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the ultimate, perfect vindication of God's name, demonstrating His power not through military might, but through self-sacrificial love that triumphs over sin, death, and hell. Thus, Hezekiah's earnest prayer for divine intervention against those who reproach God is ultimately and comprehensively answered in the redemptive work of the One who perfectly glorified the Father and established His eternal, unshakable kingdom.

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

2 Chronicles 6:40

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and [let] thine ears [be] attent unto the prayer [that is made] in this place.

Psalms 17:6

I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, [and] hear my speech.

Isaiah 37:4

It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that is left.

1 Peter 3:12

For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.

Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.

Psalms 10:14

Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite [it] with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Psalms 10:15

Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil [man]: seek out his wickedness [till] thou find none.