Isaiah 37:14
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
And Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
And Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
2 of 14
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַסְּפָרִ֛ים
the letter
H5612
הַסְּפָרִ֛ים
the letter
Strong's:
H5612
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
מִיַּ֥ד
from the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֥ד
from the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 14
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים
of the messengers
H4397
הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים
of the messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
6 of 14
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וַיִּקְרָאֵ֑הוּ
and read
H7121
וַיִּקְרָאֵ֑הוּ
and read
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
7 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
went up
H5927
וַיַּ֙עַל֙
went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בֵּ֣ית
unto the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
unto the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
And Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
And Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
12 of 14
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
Historical Context
The temple was where God's presence dwelt between the cherubim above the ark. Bringing urgent matters to God's dwelling place demonstrated covenant relationship and expectation of divine help.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to "spread before the LORD" our troubles and fears?
- How does physically presenting problems to God in prayer demonstrate trust?
- What is your practice for bringing overwhelming circumstances to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hezekiah receiving the letter and reading it shows deliberate engagement with the threat—he doesn't ignore or minimize it but faces reality fully. Going "up unto the house of the LORD" demonstrates proper crisis response: bring the problem to God. The detail that Hezekiah "spread it before the LORD" is profound—physically displaying the threatening letter before God symbolizes complete transparency and trust. This action says, "Lord, You see what I see. I bring this to You."