Isaiah 37:27

Isaiah 37:27 is part of God's powerful message to Sennacherib, the arrogant king of Assyria, who had threatened Jerusalem and blasphemed the Lord. This verse vividly describes the inevitable downfall and humiliation of the Assyrian forces, using striking agricultural metaphors to illustrate their weakness and ultimate futility against divine power.

Context

This verse is found within a pivotal narrative in Isaiah, detailing the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Sennacherib had conquered many nations and now sought to conquer Jerusalem, sending a threatening letter to Hezekiah and openly mocking the God of Israel. In response, Hezekiah earnestly prayed to the Lord, and God, through the prophet Isaiah, promised deliverance and judgment upon Sennacherib. Verses 22-29 of Isaiah 37 contain God's direct rebuke to Sennacherib, explaining that his victories were permitted by God, and his arrogance would lead to his ruin. Isaiah 37:27 specifically details the state of his once-mighty army: "of small power, dismayed and confounded."

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse underscores God's absolute control over human affairs and earthly kingdoms. Despite their immense military might, the Assyrians were powerless before the Lord, illustrating that all human strength is ultimately subject to divine will.
• Human Frailty and the Futility of Pride: Sennacherib's pride and boasting were met with divine judgment. The imagery of "grass of the field" and "corn blasted" emphasizes the transient and easily destroyed nature of human power and arrogance when it stands against God. This theme is echoed in Psalm 103:15-16, which also compares man to grass.
• Vulnerability of Oppressors: What seemed like an unstoppable force—the Assyrian army—was rendered weak and confused. This provides comfort and assurance that God protects His people and can easily humble those who oppress them.

Linguistic Insights

The power of this verse lies in its rich, evocative imagery, which is common in prophetic literature to convey transience and decay:

• "Small power, dismayed and confounded:" This describes the internal state of the Assyrian forces—their morale broken, their plans in disarray, their confidence shattered. They were utterly demoralized.
• "As the grass of the field, and as the green herb:" Grass is a well-known biblical metaphor for human life's brevity and frailty (e.g., Isaiah 40:7-8). It grows quickly but withers just as fast.
• "As the grass on the housetops:" This specific detail intensifies the metaphor. Grass on a flat rooftop, lacking deep roots and sufficient soil, is even more susceptible to drying up and withering quickly under the sun, symbolizing extreme vulnerability and rapid demise.
• "As corn blasted before it be grown up:" This refers to grain that is scorched or diseased before it can mature and bear fruit. It represents a potential that is utterly destroyed and never realized, signifying the complete failure and destruction of the Assyrian campaign.

Practical Application

Isaiah 37:27 serves as a powerful reminder for all generations:

• Humility Before God: It teaches us that human might, whether military, economic, or political, is fleeting. True and lasting power belongs to God alone. This encourages a posture of humility and reliance on the Creator rather than on human achievements or strengths.
• Trust in Divine Protection: For those facing overwhelming odds or arrogant oppressors, this verse offers immense encouragement. It demonstrates that God is capable of dismantling even the most formidable threats and protecting His people, just as He did for Jerusalem. Psalm 20:7 reminds us to trust in the name of the Lord our God, not in chariots or horses.
• The End of Arrogance: It's a warning against pride and self-exaltation. Those who defy God and oppress others will ultimately find their strength diminished and their plans come to nothing, "blasted before it be grown up."