Isaiah 36:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 36:7
7 But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?
Chapter Context
Isaiah 36 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, wisdom, faith. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 36:7
7 But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?
Analysis
The accusation that Hezekiah removed the high places (actually an act of faithfulness) is twisted into evidence of God's displeasure. This demonstrates how reforming obedience can be misrepresented as rebellion. The enemy always attempts to redefine righteousness as sin and faithfulness as folly. Hezekiah's reforms (2 Kings 18:4) were covenant faithfulness, not presumption.
Historical Context
Hezekiah's reformation included destroying the bronze serpent Moses made, showing that even God-ordained symbols can become idols. His centralization of worship in Jerusalem followed Deuteronomic law.
Reflection
- Have you experienced obedience to God being criticized or misunderstood by others?
- How can godly reforms in your life be misrepresented, and how should you respond?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Worship: Psalms 42:5
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 2:15