Isaiah 37:20

Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD, [even] thou only.

Now therefore, O LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, save {H3467} us from his hand {H3027}, that all the kingdoms {H4467} of the earth {H776} may know {H3045} that thou art the LORD {H3068}, even thou only.

Now therefore, ADONAI our God, save us from his power - so that all the kingdoms on earth will know that you are ADONAI - you only."

And now, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O LORD, are God.”

Now therefore, O Jehovah our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art Jehovah, even thou only.

Isaiah 37:20 captures a pivotal moment in Judah's history, expressing King Hezekiah's fervent prayer during the devastating siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrian army under King Sennacherib. This verse encapsulates a plea for divine intervention, not merely for survival, but for the glory and recognition of God's unique sovereignty among all nations.

Historical and Cultural Context

The setting for this prayer is dire. King Sennacherib of Assyria, a dominant superpower of the 8th century BC, had already overrun much of Judah and was poised to conquer Jerusalem. His envoy, Rabshakeh, had delivered a message filled with taunts and blasphemies, challenging the LORD's power and comparing Him to the defeated gods of other nations (as detailed in Isaiah 36). Hezekiah, in profound distress, received a threatening letter from Sennacherib himself. Instead of despairing, Hezekiah took the letter into the temple and spread it before the Lord, pouring out his heart in prayer. His plea in verse 20 is a direct response to this overwhelming threat, seeking God's intervention to demonstrate His unparalleled power to the world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Desperate Prayer in Crisis: Hezekiah models turning to God in an seemingly impossible situation. His prayer is not a casual request but an urgent, heartfelt cry for salvation from an overwhelming human enemy.
  • God's Glory as the Ultimate Goal: The primary motivation for Hezekiah's plea is not just Judah's deliverance, but that "all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD." This highlights a profound theological truth: God's glory and reputation are paramount. Hezekiah understands that Judah's salvation would be a powerful testament to God's uniqueness. This echoes God's desire for His name to be sanctified among the nations, as seen in passages like Ezekiel 36:23.
  • Assertion of Monotheism: The phrase "even thou only" is a powerful declaration of God's exclusive deity. In a polytheistic world where nations worshipped various gods, Hezekiah affirms that the God of Israel is the one and only true God, superior to all idols and false deities. This is a core tenet of Israelite faith, famously articulated in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated as "thou only" (אַתָּה לְבַדֶּךָ - attah levaddekha) carries significant weight. Levaddekha means "alone," "only," or "by yourself." Its inclusion here strongly emphasizes the singularity and uniqueness of the LORD as the one true God, setting Him apart from all other purported deities. It's a declaration of divine exclusivity, reinforcing the idea that no other power, human or spiritual, can compare to Him.

Practical Application

Isaiah 37:20 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Pray with Purpose: Like Hezekiah, we are called to bring our overwhelming challenges to God, not just for our own relief, but with a view to His glory. When our prayers align with God's ultimate purpose—the display of His power and sovereignty—they are particularly potent.
  • Trust in God's Uniqueness: In a world filled with competing ideologies, philosophies, and distractions, this verse reminds us to affirm God's absolute uniqueness and supremacy. He is the one true source of salvation and power.
  • Witness Through Deliverance: Sometimes, God's deliverance in our lives serves a greater purpose: to reveal His reality and power to those around us, just as the defeat of Sennacherib's army would show the world that the God of Israel "alone" is Lord (Isaiah 37:36).
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 46:10

    Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

  • 1 Kings 18:36

    And it came to pass at [the time of] the offering of the [evening] sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou [art] God in Israel, and [that] I [am] thy servant, and [that] I have done all these things at thy word.

  • 1 Kings 18:37

    Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou [art] the LORD God, and [that] thou hast turned their heart back again.

  • Psalms 83:17

    Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

  • Psalms 83:18

    That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

  • Ezekiel 36:23

    And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

  • Psalms 67:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song. God be merciful unto us, and bless us; [and] cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

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