Isaiah 37:6

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

And Isaiah {H3470} said {H559} unto them, Thus shall ye say {H559} unto your master {H113}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Be not afraid {H3372} of {H6440} the words {H1697} that thou hast heard {H8085}, wherewith the servants {H5288} of the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} have blasphemed {H1442} me.

he said to them, "Tell your master that this is what ADONAI says: 'Don't be afraid of the words you heard the servants of the king of Ashur use to insult me.

who replied, “Tell your master that this is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid of the words you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me.

And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say to your master, Thus saith Jehovah, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me.

Commentary

Isaiah 37:6 delivers a powerful message of divine assurance to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah, who were facing an overwhelming threat from the mighty Assyrian Empire. This verse captures God's direct and immediate response to the blasphemous taunts of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, through his field commander, Rabshakeh.

Context

At this point in Judah's history, King Hezekiah ruled in Jerusalem during a period of intense geopolitical pressure. The Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was at its peak, systematically conquering surrounding nations. Having already devastated many fortified cities of Judah, Sennacherib's army laid siege to Jerusalem. The Assyrian commander, Rabshakeh, had delivered a series of intimidating speeches outside the city walls, openly defying the God of Israel and comparing Him to the idols of conquered nations (see Isaiah 36:18-20). These words struck fear and despair into the hearts of the people and their king. In response, King Hezekiah sent his officials to the prophet Isaiah with a desperate plea for divine intervention, as recorded in Isaiah 37:4. Isaiah 37:6 is God's direct answer, spoken through Isaiah, providing comfort and a promise of vindication.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance and Sovereignty: The core message is "Be not afraid." This command comes directly from the LORD, demonstrating His absolute control over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. God is not intimidated by earthly kings or their boasts.
  • God's Response to Blasphemy: The primary reason for God's intervention is not just Judah's distress, but the direct and open blasphemy against His holy name. The Assyrians had not only threatened Judah but had also challenged the very power and uniqueness of the God of Israel. This highlights God's jealousy for His glory and His willingness to defend His own reputation.
  • Faith Over Fear: In a situation where human strength and strategy seemed utterly inadequate, God calls His people to trust in Him. The message encourages Hezekiah and Judah to rely on God's power rather than succumbing to the terror induced by the enemy's words. This divine assurance echoes God's frequent encouragement to "fear not" throughout Scripture, reminding His people of His constant presence and power.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "blasphemed me" in the KJV translates from the Hebrew word גִּדְּפוּנִי (giddephuni), derived from the root גָדַף (gadaph). This word signifies to revile, defy, scorn, or treat with contempt, specifically in a way that insults or dishonors God. It goes beyond mere criticism; it implies a direct challenge to God's authority, power, and very existence. The use of this strong term emphasizes the gravity of the Assyrian king's words in God's sight, making His subsequent judgment an act of righteous indignation against such insolence.

Practical Application

Isaiah 37:6 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing overwhelming challenges, intimidating opposition, or even direct attacks on one's faith, this verse reminds us:

  • God Hears and Responds: Just as He heard Hezekiah's distress and the Assyrian's blasphemy, God is attentive to our prayers and the challenges we face.
  • Do Not Be Afraid: Despite the power of external threats or the discouraging words of adversaries, our ultimate trust must be in God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver.
  • God Defends His Name: When God's character, truth, or people are maligned, He is capable of intervening to vindicate His glory. We can rest in His ultimate justice.

Ultimately, God dramatically intervened, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy and demonstrating His power by striking down the Assyrian army, leading to Sennacherib's retreat and eventual death (Isaiah 37:36). This historical event serves as a timeless testament to God's faithfulness and His readiness to act on behalf of those who trust in Him.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 7:4 (4 votes)

    And say unto him, Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be fainthearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

  • Isaiah 35:4 (3 votes)

    Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

  • Isaiah 51:12 (2 votes)

    I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

  • Isaiah 51:13 (2 votes)

    And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

  • 2 Chronicles 20:15 (2 votes)

    And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle [is] not yours, but God's.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

  • Isaiah 43:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.