Isaiah 37:16
O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֨ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֜וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֜וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
2 of 19
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
that dwellest
H3427
יֹשֵׁ֣ב
that dwellest
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
ה֤וּא
H1931
ה֤וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְבַדְּךָ֔
H905
לְבַדְּךָ֔
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
לְכֹ֖ל
H3605
לְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַמְלְכ֣וֹת
even thou alone of all the kingdoms
H4467
מַמְלְכ֣וֹת
even thou alone of all the kingdoms
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
12 of 19
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
עָשִׂ֔יתָ
thou hast made
H6213
עָשִׂ֔יתָ
thou hast made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
15 of 19
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם
heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
17 of 19
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
Cross References
Psalms 99:1The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.Exodus 25:22And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.Psalms 86:10For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.Psalms 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.1 Samuel 4:4So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.Isaiah 44:24Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;Colossians 1:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:John 1:3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern prayers often included similar appeals for divine attention. However, Hezekiah prays to the living God, not dead idols that truly cannot hear.
Questions for Reflection
- How does appealing to God's honor and glory strengthen our prayers?
- What does it mean that attacks on God's people are ultimately attacks on God Himself?
- How should we frame our needs in light of God's greater purposes and glory?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The petition "Incline thine ear, O LORD" and "open thine eyes" uses anthropomorphic language—God doesn't literally have ears or eyes needing attention, but this vivid imagery expresses the prayer for divine attention and action. "See" emphasizes that God should observe Sennacherib's blasphemy. The phrase "all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God" correctly identifies the core offense—not threat to Judah but insult to God's honor. Hezekiah wisely appeals to God's jealousy for His own glory.