Isaiah 37:5

Context of Isaiah 37:5

Isaiah 37:5 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Hezekiah's reign, specifically during the major crisis posed by the Assyrian invasion of Judah. The mighty Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, had already conquered many cities in Judah and was now threatening Jerusalem itself. Chapters 36 and 37 of Isaiah parallel accounts found in 2 Kings 18-19 and 2 Chronicles 32, detailing this historical event.

Prior to this verse, the Assyrian general Rabshakeh had delivered a series of intimidating and blasphemous messages to Jerusalem, challenging Hezekiah's trust in the Lord and mocking God's ability to deliver His people (Isaiah 36:18-20). In response, King Hezekiah, demonstrating profound humility and distress, tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord (Isaiah 37:1). This act of sending his trusted servants to the prophet Isaiah signifies Hezekiah's immediate turning to divine counsel in the face of overwhelming human odds.

Key Themes in Isaiah 37:5

• Seeking Divine Guidance: This verse highlights the critical importance of seeking God's counsel through His appointed messengers during times of national or personal crisis. Hezekiah, instead of relying solely on military strategy or political maneuvering, recognized the spiritual dimension of the threat and turned to the prophet Isaiah for a word from the Lord.
• Hezekiah's Humility and Faith: The act of sending servants to Isaiah after his initial display of mourning underscores Hezekiah's deep dependence on God. It was an acknowledgment that human strength was insufficient against the Assyrian might, and only divine intervention could save Jerusalem. This contrasts sharply with the self-reliance often seen in other rulers.
• The Prophet's Crucial Role: Isaiah's position as God's mouthpiece is emphasized here. He was the conduit through whom God would deliver His message of assurance and ultimate deliverance to Hezekiah and the people of Judah (Isaiah 37:6-7).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah" is a direct translation of the Hebrew. The term "servants" (Hebrew: עבדים, 'avadim) simply refers to the royal officials or messengers dispatched by the king. There are no complex linguistic nuances in this particular verse beyond its straightforward declaration of the king's action. The significance lies in the action itself—the seeking of prophetic counsel—rather than the specific wording of the command.

Practical Application

Isaiah 37:5 provides timeless lessons for believers today:

• Turn to God in Crisis: Like Hezekiah, when faced with overwhelming challenges, our first response should be to turn to God. This involves prayer, seeking His word, and consulting godly wisdom.
• Value Spiritual Counsel: The verse reminds us of the importance of seeking counsel from those who are spiritually mature and grounded in God's word, just as Hezekiah sought Isaiah.
• God Hears and Responds: Hezekiah's sending of messengers to Isaiah was a prelude to God's miraculous intervention and deliverance (Isaiah 37:36). This serves as an encouragement that God hears the cries of His people and responds to their faith.