Isaiah 37:11
Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered?
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ
Behold thou hast heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֗עְתָּ
Behold thou hast heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשׂ֜וּ
have done
H6213
עָשׂ֜וּ
have done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אַשּׁ֛וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֛וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
7 of 12
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Assyrian annals extensively document conquered kingdoms, creating psychological intimidation. Their military reputation was well-earned through brutal effectiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we answer when circumstances and history suggest our situation is hopeless?
- What is the error in assuming past patterns predict God's sovereign intervention?
- How does faith transcend logical probability based on natural circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
The argument "Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands" appeals to empirical evidence—Assyria's unbroken record of conquest. The claim "by destroying them utterly" emphasizes total victory, leaving no room for hope. The rhetorical question "shalt thou be delivered?" assumes the obvious answer is no. This logical argument is actually fallacious—past patterns don't determine God's actions. What Assyria did to others is irrelevant when the Defender is YHWH.