Isaiah 37:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?
Original Language Analysis
לָעִ֣יר
of the city
H5892
לָעִ֣יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
Archaeological records confirm Assyrian conquests of these territories. The precision of the list shows Sennacherib's genuine historical accomplishments, making his eventual defeat more dramatically demonstrate God's power.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the enemy's genuine past success sometimes become the setup for God's greater glory?
- What role does human pride play in setting up divine judgment?
- How should we view impressive human achievements in light of God's ultimate sovereignty?
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Analysis & Commentary
The continued list—"Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arphad, king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, Ivah?"—hammers home the message: all resistance fails. By mentioning kings specifically, Sennacherib emphasizes that even royal power cannot withstand Assyria. This comprehensive catalogue of defeated enemies demonstrates thorough preparation for psychological warfare. However, the very length of the list reveals Assyria's pride—boasting in conquest becomes an opportunity for God to humble the proud.