Isaiah 37:21
Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 19
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
unto Hezekiah
H2396
חִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ
unto Hezekiah
Strong's:
H2396
Word #:
6 of 19
chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִתְפַּלַּ֣לְתָּ
Whereas thou hast prayed
H6419
הִתְפַּלַּ֣לְתָּ
Whereas thou hast prayed
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
14 of 19
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
Historical Context
The rapid prophetic response showed God's active attention to His people's prayers. This contrasts with silent idols that cannot hear or respond.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's quick response to prayer encourage continued intercession?
- What does it mean that God sometimes waits for us to ask before acting?
- How have you experienced God's specific answers to specific prayers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Isaiah's message "Thus saith the LORD God of Israel" comes in direct response to Hezekiah's prayer, demonstrating that God hears and answers. The phrase "Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib" acknowledges the king's intercession. God's immediate response through His prophet shows that He was waiting for His people to turn to Him in faith. The prophetic answer validates Hezekiah's approach—bringing blasphemy and threats to God rather than attempting human solutions.