Isaiah 37:7

Behold, I will send a blast upon him, and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

Behold, I will send {H5414} a blast {H7307} upon him, and he shall hear {H8085} a rumour {H8052}, and return {H7725} to his own land {H776}; and I will cause him to fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719} in his own land {H776}.

I will put a spirit in him that will make him hear a rumor and return to his own land; then I will cause him to die by the sword in his own land.'"

Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

Behold, I will put a spirit in him, and he shall hear tidings, and shall return unto his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.

Isaiah 37:7 is a powerful declaration of God's direct intervention and sovereignty, delivered through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah of Judah. This verse forms part of God's immediate and comforting response to Hezekiah's desperate prayer amidst the terrifying siege of Jerusalem by the mighty Assyrian army under King Sennacherib.

Context

At this point in Judah's history, the Assyrian Empire was the dominant world power, having already conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Sennacherib of Assyria had launched a massive campaign against Judah, capturing fortified cities and now threatening Jerusalem itself. Hezekiah, overwhelmed by the Assyrian king's blasphemous boasts against the Lord and his overwhelming military might, sought divine counsel through the prophet Isaiah and presented Sennacherib's threatening letter before God in the temple (Isaiah 37:1-4). God's response, beginning in Isaiah 37:6 and continuing in this verse, promises an astonishing reversal of fortune for the arrogant Assyrian king.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intervention: The verse highlights God's absolute control over nations and their leaders. He declares, "I will send a blast upon him," indicating a direct, supernatural act that will force Sennacherib's retreat. God is not merely an observer but an active participant in human history.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This verse is a precise prediction of Sennacherib's fate. God reveals not only that Sennacherib will retreat but also the specific circumstances of his death ("fall by the sword in his own land"). This demonstrates the infallibility of God's word and His ability to foresee and orchestrate events. The remarkable fulfillment of this prophecy is recorded just a few verses later, in Isaiah 37:36-38, and also in 2 Kings 19:35-37.
  • God's Protection of His People: Despite the overwhelming odds, God promises to defend Jerusalem and deliver Hezekiah and his people. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His willingness to protect those who trust in Him.
  • Judgment on Arrogance: Sennacherib's pride and blasphemy against God (Isaiah 37:23-29) were met with divine judgment. His ultimate downfall in his own land underscores the biblical principle that "pride goeth before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "I will send a blast upon him" translates the Hebrew word ruach (רוּחַ), which can mean "spirit," "wind," or "breath." In this context, it conveys a powerful, unseen, and supernatural force emanating from God that will cause Sennacherib to retreat. It suggests a divine decree or a supernatural agent that will compel his return. The "rumour" he hears would likely be news of trouble or a military threat back in Assyria, compelling him to abandon his campaign against Jerusalem.

Practical Application

Isaiah 37:7 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Promises: When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or threats, this verse encourages us to bring our fears and concerns to God in prayer, just as Hezekiah did. God hears and responds, often in ways we cannot anticipate.
  • God is Sovereign: No earthly power, no matter how great, can ultimately thwart God's plans. He is in control of nations, leaders, and circumstances, working all things according to His purpose.
  • The Power of Prayer: Hezekiah's fervent prayer was met with a direct and specific answer from God, demonstrating the efficacy of earnest prayer in times of crisis.
  • Humility Before God: The fate of Sennacherib serves as a stark warning against pride and defiance of God. True strength and lasting security come from humble submission to the Lord.

This verse reminds us that God is faithful to protect His people and fulfill His word, even when the odds seem overwhelmingly against them.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 37:9

    And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard [it], he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

  • 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 31:9

    And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 32:21

    And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.

  • 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.

  • Job 4:9

    By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed.

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