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Commentary on Isaiah 37 verses 21–38
We may here observe, 1. That those who receive messages of terror from men with patience, and send messages of faith to God by prayer, may expect messages of grace and peace from God for their comfort, even when they are most cast down. Isaiah sent a long answer to Hezekiah's prayer in God's name, sent it in writing (for it was too long to be sent by word of mouth), and sent it by way of return to his prayer, relation being thereunto had: "Whereas thou hast prayed to me, know, for thy comfort, that thy prayer is heard." Isaiah might have referred him to the prophecies he had delivered (particularly that ch. 10) and bid him pick out an answer from thence; but, that he might have abundant consolation, a message is sent him on purpose. The correspondence between earth and heaven is never let fall on God's side. 2. Those who magnify themselves, especially who magnify themselves against God and his people, do really vilify themselves, and made themselves contemptible, in the eyes of all wise men: "The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised Sennacherib, and all his impotent malice and menaces; she knows that, while she preserves her integrity, she is sure of the divine protection, and that though the enemy may bark he cannot bite. All his threats are a jest; it is all but brutum fulmen - a mere flash," 3. Those who abuse the people of God affront God himself; and he takes what is said and done against them as said and done against himself: "Whom hast thou reproached? Even the Holy One of Israel, whom thou hast therefore reproached because he is a Holy One." And it aggravated the indignity Sennacherib did to God that he not only reproached him himself, but set his servants on to do the same: By thy servants, the abjects, thou hast reproached me. 4. Those who boast of themselves and their own achievements reflect upon God and his providence: "Thou hast said, I have digged, and drunk water; I have done mighty feats, and will do more; and wilt not own that I have done it," Isa 37:24-26. The most active men are no more than God makes them, and God makes them no more than of old he designed to make them: "What I have formed of ancient times, in an eternal counsel, now have I brought to pass" (for God does all according to the counsel of his will), "that thou shouldst be to lay waste defenced cities; it is therefore intolerable arrogance to make it thy own doing." 5. All the malice, and all the motions and projects, of the church's enemies, are under the cognizance and check of the church's God. Sennacherib was active and quick, here, and there, and every where, but God knew his going out and coming in, and had always an eye upon him, Isa 37:28. And that was not all; he had a hand upon him too, a strict hand, a strong hand, a hook in his nose and a bridle in his lips, with which, though he was very headstrong and unruly, he could and would turn him back by the way which he came, Isa 37:29. Hitherto he shall come and no further. God had signed Sennacherib's commission against Judah (Isa 10:6); here he supersedes it. He has frightened them, but he must not hurt them, and therefore is discharged from going any further; nay, his commitment is here signed, by which he is clapped up, to answer for what he had done beyond his commission. 6. God is his people's bountiful benefactor, as well as their powerful protector, both a sun and a shield to those that trust in him. Jerusalem shall be defended (Isa 37:35), the besiegers shall not come into it, no, nor come before it with any regular attack, but they shall be routed before they begin the siege, Isa 37:33. But this is not all; God will return in mercy to his people, and will do them good. Their land shall be more than ordinarily fruitful, so that their losses shall be abundantly repaired; they shall not feel any of the ill effects either of the enemies' wasting the country or of their own being taken off from husbandry. But the earth, as at first, shall bring forth of itself, and they shall live and live plentifully upon its spontaneous productions. The blessing of the Lord can, when he pleases, make rich without the hand of the diligent. And let them not think that the desolations of their country would excuse them from observing the sabbatical year, which happened (as it should seem) the year after, and when they were not to plough or sow; no, though they had not now their usual stock beforehand for that year, yet they must religiously observe it, and depend upon God to provide for them. God must be trusted in the way of duty. 7. There is no standing before the judgments of God when they come with commission. (1.) The greatest numbers cannot stand before them: one angel shall, in one night, lay a vast army of men dead upon the spot, when God commissions him so to do, Isa 37:36. Here are 185,000 brave soldiers in an instant turned into so many dead corpses. Many think the 76th Psalm was penned upon occasion of this defeat, where from the spoiling of the stout-hearted, and sending them to sleep their long sleep (Isa 37:5), it is inferred that God is more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey (Isa 37:4), and that he, even he, is to be feared, Isa 37:7. Angels are employed, more than we are aware of, as ministers of God's justice, to punish the pride and break the power of wicked men. (2.) The greatest men cannot stand before them: The great king, the king of Assyria, looks very little when he is forced to return, not only with shame, because he cannot accomplish what he had projected with so much assurance, but with terror and fear, lest the angel that had destroyed his army should destroy him; yet he is made to look less when his own sons, who should have guarded him, sacrificed him to his idol, whose protection he sought, Isa 37:37, Isa 37:38. God can quickly stop their breath who breathe out threatenings and slaughter against his people, and will do it when they have filled up the measure of their iniquity; and the Lord is known by these judgments which he executes, known to be a God that resists the proud. Many prophecies were fulfilled in this providence, which should encourage us, as far as they look further, and are designed as common and general assurances of the safety of the church and of all that trust in God, to depend upon God for the accomplishment of them. He that has delivered does and will deliver. Lord, forgive our enemies; but, so let all thy enemies perish, O Lord!
(Vrs. 36 seqq.) However, the Angel of God went out and struck down in the Assyrian camp 185,000 men; and when they arose in the morning, behold, all the dead bodies. Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned to Nineveh, and he lived there. And it came about as he was worshiping in the temple of Nesrach his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, killed him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son became king in his place. One hundred and eighty-five thousand brave men are killed by one Angel in one night, and the cruel death of the slain runs rampant without wounds, by the will of God, separating the souls from their bodies. On this, it is written in the Chronicles: And the Lord sent an Angel, who struck down every strong man, warrior, and prince of the army of the king of Assyria: and he returned with disgrace to his own land (2 Chronicles 32:24). He was saved for this reason, so that he would know the power of God and silence the blasphemous mouths: and he became a witness of that majesty, which he had recently condemned. And what he experienced: And they rose in the morning, whether Israelites or the rest of his armies, let us accept: although it is written in the Book of Kings, that when the king himself rose in the morning, he saw all the bodies of the dead (3 Kings 19). Pharaoh also suffered ten plagues in Egypt, so that he might perish in the end: which this person is also going to suffer. For when he returned to the city of Nineveh, the capital of his kingdom, and worshipped in the temple of his god Nesrach, as if he had achieved victory over his enemies, and walked triumphantly and joyfully in the shrine of his false deity, the despiser of the true God is killed in the temple of the false god. It was not the sword that was the weapon of the Angels, which was common to many, but the parricide of his sons. When they fled to the land of Ararat, which is known as Armenia, Asaraddon succeeded his father, whom the Scripture testifies sent inhabitants to Samaria so that the land would not remain uncultivated. But the region of Ararat in Armenia is a plain through which the Araxes River flows, of incredible fertility, near the foothills of the Taurus mountain, which extends all the way there. Therefore, the Ark in which Noah was saved with his children, when the Flood ceased, was not taken to the mountains of Armenia in general, which are called Ararat, but to the highest peaks of the Taurus mountain, which tower over the plains of Ararat.
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SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:37 records the decisive and immediate withdrawal of Sennacherib, the formidable king of Assyria, from Judah and his subsequent return to his capital city, Nineveh. This pivotal verse marks the dramatic culmination of divine prophecy and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from an overwhelming siege, serving as an undeniable testament to God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse provides the climactic resolution to a high-stakes narrative spanning Isaiah chapters 36 and 37. It immediately follows the extraordinary divine intervention where the Angel of the Lord supernaturally decimated 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night (Isaiah 37:36). The preceding narrative meticulously details Sennacherib's arrogant taunts and blasphemous threats against Jerusalem and Yahweh, King Hezekiah's humble and desperate prayer for divine intervention (Isaiah 37:15-20), and the prophet Isaiah's unwavering assurance of God's protective hand and Sennacherib's prophesied retreat and demise (Isaiah 37:6-7 and Isaiah 37:33-35). Thus, Isaiah 37:37 serves as the definitive, concise, and powerful conclusion to the Assyrian crisis, unequivocally confirming the fulfillment of God's word spoken through His prophet.
Historical & Cultural Context: The events depicted in Isaiah 36-37 are firmly situated within the historical period of King Hezekiah's reign in Judah (c. 715-686 BC) and the ascendancy of the Assyrian Empire under King Sennacherib (705-681 BC). Assyria, at this time, was the preeminent superpower of the ancient Near East, notorious for its ruthless military campaigns, systematic destruction of conquered cities, and policy of mass deportation designed to crush national identity and resistance. In 701 BC, Sennacherib launched a massive campaign against Judah, successfully conquering numerous fortified cities before laying siege to Jerusalem. His defiant boasts, recorded in Isaiah 36, exemplify typical Assyrian imperial propaganda, intended to demoralize enemies and assert the absolute supremacy of their gods and military might. The unprecedented retreat of such a formidable king, without conquering Jerusalem and after a devastating loss, represented an unparalleled and deeply humiliating defeat for Assyria, especially given their overwhelming military superiority and the customary practice of kings remaining until a siege was successfully concluded.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several profound and overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. It emphatically highlights Divine Deliverance, showcasing God's direct and miraculous intervention to protect His people from seemingly insurmountable threats, demonstrating that victory comes not through human might or military strength, but solely through divine power (Isaiah 31:5). It unequivocally underscores the Fulfillment of Prophecy, as Isaiah's remarkably specific predictions regarding Sennacherib's forced retreat and subsequent assassination are precisely and publicly realized (Isaiah 37:7 and Isaiah 37:34). Furthermore, the event powerfully demonstrates God's Sovereignty Over Nations, asserting that even the most powerful and arrogant earthly rulers are ultimately subject to the omnipotent will and righteous judgment of Yahweh (Psalm 2:4). Finally, it serves as a compelling testament to the efficacy of Answered Prayer, as King Hezekiah's earnest and humble plea for deliverance is met with God's swift and miraculous response (Isaiah 37:21).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in Isaiah 37:37 are Conciseness and Understatement. Following the dramatic and awe-inspiring intervention of the Angel of the Lord, the narrative swiftly and simply states Sennacherib's departure. The remarkable brevity of the statement, "So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh," stands in stark contrast to the monumental significance of the event it describes. It deliberately avoids elaborate descriptions of Sennacherib's humiliation or the full extent of the Assyrian army's defeat, allowing the preceding verse (Isaiah 37:36) to powerfully convey the divine cause of his retreat. This concise statement functions as a powerful Climax and Resolution to the entire Assyrian crisis narrative, demonstrating God's effortless and overwhelming victory over a seemingly invincible foe. Furthermore, the deliberate repetition of verbs ("departed, and went and returned") serves as a form of Emphasis, underscoring the definitive, irreversible, and complete nature of Sennacherib's withdrawal.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:37 stands as an enduring and powerful testament to God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all human affairs. It profoundly demonstrates that no earthly power, however mighty, arrogant, or seemingly invincible, can ultimately thwart His divine will or overcome His protective hand over His chosen people. The ignominious retreat of Sennacherib, the most formidable ruler of his era, was not a result of Judah's military prowess or strategic genius, but a direct and undeniable consequence of Yahweh's miraculous intervention, fulfilling His solemn promise to defend Jerusalem for His own holy name's sake and for the sake of His servant David. This pivotal event underscores the timeless biblical theme that true security, lasting peace, and ultimate deliverance come solely from trusting in God alone, rather than relying on human alliances, military might, or worldly wisdom—a recurring and vital message throughout the prophetic book of Isaiah. It vividly illustrates that God is the supreme King, whose word is utterly unfailing and whose power is limitless, capable of turning the tide of history with a single, decisive act.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The abrupt and humiliating departure of Sennacherib, the once-boastful king of Assyria, as recorded in Isaiah 37:37, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating a complex world. In an age often characterized by seemingly insurmountable challenges, overwhelming threats, and powerful forces that appear to defy justice or extinguish hope, this verse serves as a potent reminder that God remains eternally sovereign and actively engaged. Just as He miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the very brink of utter destruction, so too is He infinitely capable of intervening in our personal struggles, our community challenges, and the vast tapestry of global events. This account profoundly encourages us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence and fervent, persistent prayer, much like King Hezekiah, recognizing that our true strength, security, and ultimate victory are found not in our own limited abilities or finite resources, but in the unfailing power, perfect wisdom, and steadfast faithfulness of God. When confronted with situations that appear utterly hopeless or adversaries that seem truly invincible, we are called to remember that the very same God who effortlessly turned back the Assyrian tide is still at work today, able to bring about deliverance and fulfill His divine purposes in ways that often defy human expectation and logic. Our faith is firmly grounded in a God who acts decisively and powerfully on behalf of those who place their trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the immediate cause of Sennacherib's departure from Judah?
Answer: Sennacherib's departure was directly and immediately caused by the miraculous intervention of the Angel of the Lord, who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night (Isaiah 37:36). This devastating and supernatural blow crippled his massive army, leaving him with no viable option but to abandon the siege of Jerusalem and retreat in humiliation to his own land.
Did Sennacherib ever return to attack Judah after this event?
Answer: No, Sennacherib never returned to attack Judah after this catastrophic and humiliating defeat. Isaiah 37:37 explicitly states that he "departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh." The very next verse, Isaiah 37:38, records his assassination by his own sons in Nineveh, thereby fulfilling another precise part of Isaiah's earlier prophecy concerning his demise (Isaiah 37:7).
How does this event relate to King Hezekiah's faith?
Answer: This event stands as a powerful and enduring testament to King Hezekiah's profound faith and earnest prayer. When confronted with Sennacherib's overwhelming military might, his blasphemous taunts against the Lord, and the seemingly impossible situation, Hezekiah responded with deep humility. He tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went directly to the house of the Lord to pray, also sending for the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 37:1-4). His fervent and humble prayer for deliverance (Isaiah 37:15-20) was directly and miraculously answered by God's intervention, powerfully demonstrating that God honors and responds to the sincere faith of His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic and miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's overwhelming siege, as recorded in Isaiah 37:37, serves as a profound Old Testament type and shadow, pointing inexorably to the ultimate and eternal deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as God miraculously defended His earthly city from a formidable human adversary, so too does Christ, the greater King and true Son of David, provide ultimate and eternal deliverance from the far more insidious and existential enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Sennacherib's boastful pride, his seemingly irresistible power, and his ultimate, humiliating defeat foreshadow the spiritual adversary, Satan, whose power was decisively broken by Christ's triumphant victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection (Colossians 2:15). The secure dwelling of Sennacherib in Nineveh, only to be assassinated by his own sons, hints at the final and inescapable judgment awaiting all who oppose God, while Christ's "dwelling" at the right hand of the Father signifies His eternal reign and the secure, eternal dwelling place He lovingly prepares for His redeemed people (John 14:2-3). Ultimately, the physical salvation of Jerusalem from a temporal military threat prefigures the spiritual and eternal salvation offered through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!, establishing a kingdom that is everlasting and will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).