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.

It may be the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} will hear {H8085} the words {H1697} of Rabshakeh {H7262}, whom the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} his master {H113} hath sent {H7971} to reproach {H2778} the living {H2416} God {H430}, and will reprove {H3198} the words {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath heard {H8085}: wherefore lift up {H5375} thy prayer {H8605} for the remnant {H7611} that is left {H4672}.

Maybe ADONAI your God will hear the words of Rav-Shakeh, whom his master the king of Ashur has sent to taunt the living God, and will rebuke the message which ADONAI your God has heard. So pray for the remnant that is left.'"

Perhaps the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.”

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

Commentary

Isaiah 37:4 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Hezekiah of Judah during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem. This verse records Hezekiah's plea to the prophet Isaiah, revealing his reliance on divine intervention amidst overwhelming threat.

Context

This verse is part of the historical account found in Isaiah chapters 36-39 (also paralleled in 2 Kings 18-19), detailing the Assyrian King Sennacherib's campaign against Judah in 701 BC. The Assyrians, led by their arrogant envoy Rabshakeh, had surrounded Jerusalem, boasting of their military might and openly blaspheming the God of Israel. Rabshakeh's taunts, meant to demoralize the people and undermine their faith, included claims that the LORD was no different from the gods of other conquered nations (Isaiah 36:18-20). In response, Hezekiah, humbled and distressed, sent his chief officials to Isaiah to seek the Lord's counsel, recognizing that the true battle was spiritual.

Key Themes

  • Divine Vindication: Hezekiah expresses hope that God will "hear" and "reprove" Rabshakeh's words, which are an affront to "the living God." This highlights the belief that God is not a passive deity but an active, sovereign Lord who defends His name and His people.
  • The Power of Prayer: The core message is the urgent call to "lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left." Faced with an seemingly insurmountable enemy, Hezekiah's immediate recourse is not military strategy but fervent intercession. This underscores the Old Testament emphasis on prayer as a vital means of seeking God's intervention.
  • The Remnant: The term "remnant" (Hebrew: šəʾār) is significant in Isaiah's prophecy, often referring to a small portion of Israel preserved by God through judgment, who remain faithful or are destined for restoration (Isaiah 10:21). Here, it refers to the surviving people of Judah, besieged in Jerusalem, whose very existence is at stake.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "reproach" is ḥārap (חָרַף), which carries the strong sense of taunting, defying, or blaspheming. Rabshakeh's words were not merely insults but a direct challenge and dishonor to God. The word "reprove" is yāḵaḥ (יָכַח), meaning to rebuke, correct, or decide a case. It implies God's righteous judgment and vindication against the Assyrian's insolence, demonstrating His authority over all nations and their false gods.

Practical Application

Isaiah 37:4 offers enduring lessons for believers today. When facing overwhelming challenges, whether personal, national, or spiritual, our first response should be to turn to God in prayer. Hezekiah's example teaches us to bring our anxieties and the blasphemies directed against God's name before Him, trusting that He is indeed the "living God" who hears and acts. The call to pray for the "remnant" also reminds us of the importance of intercessory prayer for those who are struggling, persecuted, or facing spiritual attacks, especially for God's faithful people who are under pressure. This passage assures us that God is attentive to the prayers of His people and is able to deliver them, even from the most formidable foes, as He did for Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:36-37).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 36:20 (4 votes)

    Who [are they] among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?

  • Isaiah 1:9 (4 votes)

    Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

  • Psalms 106:23 (3 votes)

    Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

  • Isaiah 10:22 (3 votes)

    For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

  • Isaiah 36:18 (2 votes)

    [Beware] lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

  • 2 Chronicles 28:19 (2 votes)

    For the LORD brought Judah low because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:15 (2 votes)

    Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?