Isaiah 37:26

KJV

Hast thou not heard long ago, [how] I have done it; [and] of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities [into] ruinous heaps.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hast thou not heard {H8085} long ago {H7350}, how I have done {H6213} it; and of ancient {H6924} times {H3117}, that I have formed {H3335} it? now have I brought {H935} it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste {H7582} defenced {H1219} cities {H5892} into ruinous {H5327} heaps {H1530}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Haven't you heard? Long ago I made it; in antiquity I produced it; and now I am making it happen: you are turning fortified cities into heaps of ruins,

Berean Standard Bible

Have you not heard? Long ago I ordained it; in days of old I planned it. Now I have brought it to pass, that you should crush fortified cities into piles of rubble.

American Standard Version

Hast thou not heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? now have I brought it to pass, that it should be thine to lay waste fortified cities into ruinous heaps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:26 powerfully declares God's absolute sovereignty over history and human affairs, directly rebuking the Assyrian King Sennacherib's arrogant claims of self-derived might. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord reveals that Sennacherib's military conquests and the desolation he inflicted upon fortified cities were not products of his own strategic genius or power, but rather the precise and ancient fulfillment of God's predetermined plan. This divine pronouncement underscores God's eternal foreknowledge and active orchestration of events, even utilizing wicked nations as instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes and bring about His judgments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 37:26 is an integral part of God's direct prophetic message delivered to King Sennacherib of Assyria, relayed through the prophet Isaiah. This divine response comes immediately after King Hezekiah of Judah, facing Sennacherib's blasphemous threats and mocking letter (see [Isaiah 37:9-13](/isaiah/37-9-13 "Isaiah 37:9-13 - Sennacherib's Blasphemous Letter to Hezekiah")), spread the letter before the Lord in the temple and offered a fervent prayer for divine intervention and the vindication of God's name (see [Isaiah 37:14-20](/isaiah/37-14-20 "Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance")). God promptly assures Hezekiah that Jerusalem will be defended and that Sennacherib will be turned back. Verses [Isaiah 37:21-29](/isaiah/37-21-29 "Isaiah 37:21-29 - God's Prophetic Word Against Sennacherib") constitute God's detailed indictment and judgment against Sennacherib, with verse 26 specifically reframing the Assyrian's past conquests not as his own triumphs, but as the unfolding of God's long-established and sovereign will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 37 is the Assyrian invasion of Judah in 701 BC, during the reign of King Hezekiah. Sennacherib, the formidable monarch of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, had already devastated numerous fortified cities throughout Judah and was now poised to besiege Jerusalem. The Assyrians were infamous for their brutal military strategies, including devastating siege warfare, widespread destruction, and the forced deportation of conquered populations. Assyrian kings frequently boasted of their unparalleled military prowess and attributed their victories to the supremacy of their national deities. Sennacherib's letter to Hezekiah was a psychological tactic, designed to demoralize the Judeans and erode their faith in Yahweh by highlighting the futility of other nations' resistance and their gods' inability to deliver them from Assyrian might. Isaiah 37:26 directly confronts this humanistic, self-aggrandizing worldview, asserting that even Assyria, the dominant superpower of its era, was merely an unwitting instrument in the hands of the sovereign God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes present throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, illustrating that God is not a reactive deity but one who has meticulously planned and orchestrated human events from eternity past. Sennacherib's destructive campaigns, though seemingly driven by human ambition and chaos, were precisely aligned with God's ancient decrees. Secondly, it highlights **God as the Orchestrator of History**, demonstrating His active involvement in bringing His plans to fruition. What Sennacherib perceived as his own military genius was, in reality, the precise unfolding of God's will, making Assyria an unwitting instrument of divine judgment, as explicitly detailed in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Judgment and Consequence**, revealing that the laying waste of "defenced cities" was a divinely purposed act of judgment against the wickedness and idolatry of nations, serving God's righteous justice. This theme resonates deeply with other prophetic warnings of judgment throughout the Old Testament, such as those articulated in [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - God's Judgment Through Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)". The rhetorical question "Hast thou not heard...?" implies that Sennacherib, and indeed all who observe history, should have recognized God's consistent pattern of working through nations. It suggests that God's past actions were not hidden but were evident for those willing to perceive them, thereby challenging Sennacherib's willful ignorance or arrogant refusal to acknowledge God's ultimate authority and historical precedence.
* **formed (Hebrew, _yâtsar'_):** From H3335, meaning "to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e. form a resolution)". This powerful verb evokes the imagery of a divine potter meticulously shaping clay, emphasizing God's deliberate, intentional, and artistic design of all events. It signifies that God conceived and purposed the entire course of history, including the rise and fall of empires, long before they came to pass. This portrays God not as a reactive agent, but as a proactive, sovereign Creator who "forms" the future according to His perfect will.
* **defenced (Hebrew, _bâtsar'_):** From H1219, meaning "to be isolated (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification); cut off, (de-) fenced, fortify". This term precisely describes cities that were heavily fortified, seemingly impregnable, and considered secure by their inhabitants. The use of this word highlights the utter futility of human strength, strategic defenses, and self-reliance against God's determined will. Even the most formidable human strongholds are no match for the divine plan when it is "brought to pass."
* **ruinous heaps (Hebrew, _nâtsâh'_ and _gal'_):** From H5327 (nâtsâh), meaning "to go forth, i.e. (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste," and H1530 (gal), meaning "something rolled, i.e. a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins)". This composite phrase vividly depicts the complete and utter destruction of the fortified cities. It signifies that God's judgment, when executed, leaves nothing but desolation, transforming what was once a symbol of human strength and security into a pile of rubble, a stark and undeniable testament to the consequences of defying divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it?"**: This opening rhetorical question directly challenges Sennacherib's perceived autonomy, wisdom, and understanding of history. God asserts that His actions in history, including the rise and fall of nations and the devastation of cities, are not new or arbitrary events but are part of an eternal, pre-ordained plan. The phrases "long ago" and "of ancient times" underscore the timeless nature of God's sovereignty, indicating that these events were determined from eternity past, long before Sennacherib's reign or even his existence.
* **"now have I brought it to pass,"**: This clause emphasizes God's active, immediate, and decisive execution of His ancient decree. The emphatic "now" signifies that the present military campaigns and destructive actions of Sennacherib are not random acts of human aggression or the result of mere chance, but the precise unfolding of God's established will. God is not merely a distant observer or a passive deity, but the active agent bringing His purposes to fruition in real time within human history.
* **"that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps."**: This final clause reveals the specific, divinely appointed purpose for which God "brought it to pass." Sennacherib, despite his immense pride, his vast armies, and his strategic prowess, was merely an unwitting instrument in God's sovereign hand. His role was to be the agent of destruction, laying waste to heavily fortified cities, reducing them to desolate piles of rubble. This was not for Sennacherib's glory or the triumph of Assyrian gods, but for the precise accomplishment of God's righteous judgment against those nations and cities that had incurred His wrath and stood in defiance of His universal authority.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message of divine sovereignty and control over human history. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it?" This question is not posed to elicit information but serves as a forceful assertion, challenging Sennacherib's ignorance or willful blindness to God's established pattern of working in the world. It implies that God's actions are self-evident and should have been recognized by any discerning observer. There is also profound **Irony** at play; Sennacherib boasts of his power and attributes his victories to himself, yet God reveals that the Assyrian king, despite his immense might, is merely a tool, an unwitting instrument in God's hands, fulfilling a predetermined divine purpose. The very destruction Sennacherib prides himself on is, in fact, God's doing, not his own. Furthermore, the verse uses vivid **Imagery**, particularly in the phrase "ruinous heaps," which paints a stark and devastating picture of complete desolation and the ultimate futility of human defenses against divine judgment. This imagery serves to underscore the absolute and overwhelming effectiveness of God's sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:26 stands as a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, extending not only over Israel but over all nations and the entire sweep of human history. It teaches that even the most powerful and seemingly independent human actors are ultimately instruments in God's hand, fulfilling His ancient purposes. This truth dismantles any notion of ultimate human autonomy and insists that every event, from the rise and fall of empires to the destruction of cities, is intricately woven into the fabric of God's eternal plan. It reassures believers that even amidst chaos, apparent triumph of evil, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, God remains firmly on the throne, orchestrating all things for His glory and the ultimate good of His people.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34-35 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Dominion Over All Kingdoms")
* [Romans 9:17-18](/romans/9-17-18 "Romans 9:17-18 - God's Sovereignty Over Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers both immense comfort and a sobering challenge for believers today. In a world that often feels chaotic, unpredictable, and dominated by powerful, sometimes malevolent, forces, Isaiah 37:26 serves as a profound reminder that there is a divine hand at work, meticulously orchestrating all events according to an ancient, perfect plan. It calls us to relinquish our anxieties about global events, political shifts, or personal challenges, and to instead place our trust in the God who "forms it" and "brings it to pass" with unfailing precision. For those who are tempted to despair at the apparent triumph of evil or injustice, it offers the profound assurance that even wicked rulers and destructive forces are ultimately constrained by and subservient to God's sovereign will, serving His purposes, even if unwittingly. This truth should cultivate deep humility within us, recognizing that our own successes and failures, our joys and sorrows, are also part of a larger divine narrative. It compels us to diligently seek God's will, align our lives with His eternal purposes, and rely on His strength and wisdom rather than our own limited understanding or capabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's ancient, sovereign plan impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges you are facing?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to attribute success or failure solely to human effort or chance, rather than recognizing God's overarching hand in all things?**
* **How does understanding God's ability to use even wicked instruments (like Sennacherib) deepen your trust in His justice and ultimate control over all circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in greater humility and submission to God's sovereign will, knowing that He has "formed it" and will "bring it to pass" for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God causes evil or is responsible for human sin?**

No, this verse does not imply that God causes evil or is responsible for human sin. Instead, it asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all things, including the actions of wicked individuals and nations. Sennacherib's arrogance, ambition, and cruelty were his own sinful choices, for which he was fully accountable. However, God, in His infinite wisdom and power, is able to **ordain** that even human wickedness will serve His ultimate, righteous purposes. He does not compel sin, nor is He the author of evil, but He can use its consequences to bring about His pre-ordained judgments and plans. This is a profound mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's perfect will is accomplished without Him being the author of sin (see [Romans 9:19-21](/romans/9-19-21 "Romans 9:19-21 - The Potter and the Clay") and [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Tempts No One")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 37:26, with its profound declaration of God's ancient, sovereign plan over all nations and history, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The same God who "formed it" and "brought it to pass" in Sennacherib's day is the God who, from eternity past, purposed the coming of His Son as the [Lamb slain before the foundation of the world](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World"). Just as Sennacherib was an unwitting instrument in God's plan of judgment, so too were the political and religious powers of Jesus' day, even in their wicked acts of crucifying Him, fulfilling the "definite plan and foreknowledge of God" (see [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus Delivered Up by God's Plan")). Christ is the one through whom all things were created and for whom all things hold together (see [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). His resurrection and ascension demonstrate His ultimate triumph and reign over all earthly powers, confirming that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will ultimately bring all things to their appointed end, laying waste to all opposition and establishing His eternal kingdom (see [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted Above Every Name") and [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")). Thus, the sovereignty declared in Isaiah 37:26 culminates in the cosmic reign of Christ, ensuring that God's ancient purposes for redemption and judgment will be perfectly realized through Him.

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

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Isaiah 10:15

Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? [or] shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake [itself] against them that lift it up, [or] as if the staff should lift up [itself, as if it were] no wood.