Isaiah 37:36

KJV

Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} went forth {H3318}, and smote {H5221} in the camp {H4264} of the Assyrians {H804} a hundred {H3967} and fourscore {H8084} and five {H2568} thousand {H505}: and when they arose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, behold, they were all dead {H4191} corpses {H6297}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the angel of ADONAI went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of Ashur. Early the next morning, there they were, all of them, corpses - dead.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand; and when men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:36 records a profound and miraculous act of divine judgment and deliverance, where the angel of the LORD single-handedly decimated the vast Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem. This pivotal event, occurring overnight, resulted in the death of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leaving them as lifeless corpses by morning, thereby ending the existential threat to Judah and demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering protection over His chosen people and city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax to the narrative spanning [Isaiah chapters 36 and 37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Invasion") and parallel accounts in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18 - Hezekiah's Reign and Sennacherib's Invasion") and [2 Chronicles 32](/2_chronicles/32 "2 Chronicles 32 - Hezekiah's Reforms and Sennacherib's Invasion"). The preceding verses detail the Assyrian King Sennacherib's arrogant boasts, his blasphemous defiance of the LORD, and his psychological warfare against Jerusalem. King Hezekiah, in response, humbled himself, sought the prophet Isaiah's counsel, and fervently prayed for divine intervention ([Isaiah 37:14-20](/isaiah/37-14 "Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer")). Isaiah then delivered God's promise of deliverance and Sennacherib's ultimate defeat ([Isaiah 37:21-35](/isaiah/37-21 "Isaiah 37:21-35 - Isaiah's Prophecy of Deliverance")). Verse 36 is the immediate, awe-inspiring fulfillment of that divine promise, leading directly into Sennacherib's retreat and eventual assassination ([Isaiah 37:37-38](/isaiah/37-37 "Isaiah 37:37-38 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Assyrian Empire, a formidable military power known for its brutal conquest tactics, mass deportations, and psychological warfare. Under King Sennacherib, Assyria had systematically subdued the northern kingdom of Israel and much of Judah, leaving Jerusalem as one of the last remaining strongholds. The Assyrian army was vast, well-equipped, and considered virtually invincible, inspiring terror throughout the ancient Near East. Their practice of parading conquered gods and mocking the deities of defeated nations made Sennacherib's blasphemies against the LORD particularly egregious in the cultural context. The sudden, inexplicable destruction of such a massive force without human intervention would have been perceived as an undeniable act of a superior deity, a profound challenge to the prevailing polytheistic worldview, and a clear vindication of Yahweh's unique power and sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several central themes within Isaiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can withstand the will of God. The Assyrian army, a symbol of human strength and arrogance, is utterly undone by a single divine agent. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant and His People**. Despite Judah's past failings, God honors His covenant with David and His promise to protect Jerusalem, the city where His name dwells. Hezekiah's trust and prayer, rather than military might, become the catalyst for this deliverance, illustrating the theme of **Trust and Deliverance**. Finally, the event serves as a stark example of **Judgment on Arrogance and Blasphemy**. Sennacherib's prideful defiance of the living God ([Isaiah 37:23](/isaiah/37-23 "Isaiah 37:23 - Sennacherib's Blasphemy")) is met with swift and devastating divine retribution, reinforcing the biblical principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** From an unused root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," this term refers to a messenger, specifically of God. In many Old Testament contexts, "the angel of the LORD" (or "angel of Yahweh") is understood not merely as a created angelic being, but as a pre-incarnate manifestation of God Himself (a Christophany) or a divine messenger acting with the full authority and power of God. Here, the immediate and complete destruction of 185,000 soldiers underscores the supernatural and undeniable power of this divine agent, signifying direct divine intervention.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)," or "to kill." The use of this verb powerfully conveys the decisive and destructive action taken by the angel of the LORD. It is a direct, forceful, and complete act of judgment, leaving no room for human resistance or survival. The verb emphasizes the finality and totality of the divine blow against the Assyrian forces.
* **Corpses (Hebrew, _peger'_):** From a root meaning "to be limp," this word refers to a carcass or dead body, whether of man or beast. The explicit mention of "dead corpses" serves to highlight the utter and undeniable reality of the destruction. It is not merely a defeat or a retreat, but a complete annihilation of life, leaving behind only inert bodies. This stark image underscores the finality of God's judgment and the devastating effectiveness of His intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the angel of the LORD went forth,"**: This clause introduces the divine agent and the initiation of God's promised action. The "angel of the LORD" signifies a direct, powerful, and supernatural intervention, emphasizing that the deliverance of Jerusalem was entirely a work of God, not human effort or strategy.
* **"and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand:"**: This specifies the target and the staggering scale of the divine judgment. The "camp of the Assyrians" represents the heart of the enemy's military might, and the number "185,000" (a hundred and fourscore and five thousand) conveys the immense and overwhelming nature of the destruction, demonstrating God's ability to overcome any human force, no matter how vast.
* **"and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses."**: This describes the immediate and undeniable result of the divine act, witnessed at dawn. The phrase "arose early in the morning" suggests the discovery of the catastrophe by the remaining survivors or those from Jerusalem, highlighting the suddenness and completeness of the event. The sight of "all dead corpses" confirms the totality of the annihilation, serving as a powerful visual testament to God's intervention and a stark contrast to the Assyrians' earlier boasts.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:36 is rich in literary devices that amplify its impact. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention**, where God directly acts in human history through His messenger, the angel of the LORD, to achieve a miraculous outcome. This highlights the theme of God's **Sovereignty** over all nations and powers. The sheer number of casualties—185,000—functions as **Hyperbole** or, at the very least, emphasizes the overwhelming scale of God's power, making the event undeniably supernatural. There is a strong sense of **Dramatic Irony**, as the Assyrians, who had boasted of their invincibility and mocked the God of Israel, are utterly destroyed in a single night without a single weapon raised against them by human hands. The abrupt transition from the Assyrian army's menacing presence to "all dead corpses" creates a powerful **Contrast** between human arrogance and divine judgment, and between perceived strength and ultimate vulnerability. The imagery of "dead corpses" is a stark, visceral **Symbolism** of the finality of God's judgment against those who defy Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army stands as a profound theological statement on God's character and His relationship with His people. It unequivocally asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that His word and His will are supreme. This event solidified Jerusalem's status as a protected city, not by its own might, but by divine decree and intervention, reinforcing the concept of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. It also serves as a stark warning against human arrogance and blasphemy, illustrating that divine judgment is certain for those who defy the living God. The narrative underscores the power of humble prayer and trust in God, contrasting Hezekiah's desperate plea with Sennacherib's prideful boasts.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength"): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."
* [Zechariah 12:2-3](/zechariah/12-2 "Zechariah 12:2-3 - Jerusalem a Cup of Trembling"): "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it."
* [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15 "Romans 9:15-16 - God's Sovereignty in Mercy"): "For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:36 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges and seemingly insurmountable odds. It calls us to place our trust not in human strength, political power, or military might, but in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God. When faced with situations that appear hopeless, whether personal crises, spiritual battles, or societal pressures, this account reminds us that God is capable of miraculous intervention far beyond our comprehension. It encourages fervent prayer, as Hezekiah's example demonstrates, knowing that God hears the cries of His people and responds in powerful, often unexpected, ways. Ultimately, it reassures us of God's unwavering commitment to defend His own and to fulfill His purposes, even when all human solutions fail. Our hope is firmly anchored in the God who can, with a single word or a single angel, defeat the greatest of foes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What seemingly insurmountable "Assyrian armies" are you facing in your life today, and how does this passage encourage you to trust in God's intervention?**
* **How does Hezekiah's response to the crisis (prayer and seeking prophetic counsel) provide a model for your own approach to overwhelming challenges?**
* **In what ways does this account challenge any tendency to rely on human strength or strategies over divine power and provision?**
* **How does the swift and complete judgment on the Assyrians inform your understanding of God's justice and His response to arrogance and blasphemy?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "angel of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mălʼâk YHWH_) is a significant figure in the Old Testament. While sometimes referring to a created angelic being, in many instances, particularly when performing acts that only God can do, this figure is understood by many scholars to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany) or a divine messenger acting with the full authority and power of God Himself. In this context, the angel's ability to decimate 185,000 soldiers in a single night points to a divine, rather than merely angelic, power at work, underscoring the direct involvement of God in the deliverance of Jerusalem. This is not just an angel, but God's direct presence and power manifested.

**How could 185,000 soldiers die in one night? Was it a plague or a sudden illness?**

Answer: The biblical text simply states that "the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote" them, resulting in "all dead corpses" by morning. It does not specify the exact mechanism of death (e.g., plague, sudden illness, or a direct supernatural strike). The emphasis is on the divine agent ("the angel of the LORD") and the miraculous, instantaneous, and comprehensive nature of the destruction. The number 185,000 underscores the scale of the miracle, making it clear that this was not a natural occurrence or a result of human warfare, but a direct, supernatural act of God's judgment and deliverance. The parallel account in [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrians") similarly attributes the event to the angel of the LORD without detailing the means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem in Isaiah 37:36, orchestrated by the "angel of the LORD," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate victory and protection offered by Jesus Christ. The "angel of the LORD" is often understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, suggesting that it was the Son of God Himself who delivered Judah from the Assyrian threat. This event, therefore, points to Christ as the divine warrior who decisively conquers the enemies of His people. Just as He delivered Jerusalem from a physical army, Christ, through His death and resurrection, secured a far greater spiritual deliverance, triumphing over the powers of sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the ultimate protector of His church, His new Jerusalem, against whom "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). The complete destruction of the Assyrian army prefigures Christ's final judgment on all ungodly powers and His ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom, where all enemies will be made His footstool ([Hebrews 10:13](/hebrews/10-13 "Hebrews 10:13 - Christ Awaiting His Enemies' Subjection")). Thus, Isaiah 37:36 is not merely a historical account but a profound glimpse into the saving and judging power of the Lamb of God, who will one day return to fully deliver His people and execute final justice ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 10:12

Wherefore it shall come to pass, [that] when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

2 Kings 19:35

¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

Isaiah 31:8

Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.

Isaiah 10:33

Behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, shall lop the bough with terror: and the high ones of stature [shall be] hewn down, and the haughty shall be humbled.

Isaiah 10:34

And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

2 Samuel 24:16

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.