Isaiah 37:2
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח
And he sent
H7971
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח
And he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַבַּ֜יִת
who was over the household
H1004
הַבַּ֜יִת
who was over the household
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 19
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְאֵ֣ת׀
H853
וְאֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַסּוֹפֵ֗ר
the scribe
H5608
הַסּוֹפֵ֗ר
the scribe
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
H3548
הַכֹּהֲנִ֔ים
of the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 19
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים
covered
H3680
מִתְכַּסִּ֖ים
covered
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים
with sackcloth
H8242
בַּשַּׂקִּ֑ים
with sackcloth
Strong's:
H8242
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, a mesh (as allowing a liquid to run through), i.e., coarse loose cloth or sacking (used in mourning and for bagging); hence, a bag (for grai
Historical Context
Isaiah was recognized as YHWH's authentic prophet with access to divine counsel. Seeking prophetic guidance before battle was common in Israel (1 Kings 22:5-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we prioritize seeking God's word in crisis rather than immediately pursuing human solutions?
- What does Hezekiah's humility teach about leadership during overwhelming challenges?
- When facing difficulties, do we consult God's word and His servants first or last?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hezekiah sending officials "covered with sackcloth" to Isaiah demonstrates proper spiritual priorities in crisis—seeking prophetic counsel before political solutions. Sackcloth symbolized mourning, repentance, and humility before God. The king includes both civil officials (Eliakim, Shebna) and priests, showing unity between governmental and religious leadership. Consulting Isaiah acknowledges that this is fundamentally a spiritual crisis requiring divine intervention, not merely a political problem needing diplomatic solutions.