Isaiah 37:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 37:10
10 Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 37 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, prayer, redemption. 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 37:10
10 Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Analysis
Sennacherib's message "Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee" directly attacks the object of Hezekiah's faith. The claim that God is a deceiver inverts truth—the father of lies accuses God of his own character. The continued assertion that Jerusalem will be delivered to Assyria maintains psychological pressure. This intensified attack shows that often trials increase in severity right before deliverance. Satan understands his time is short and rages harder (Revelation 12:12).
Historical Context
This second message came as Sennacherib faced military pressure from Egypt, creating urgency to secure Jerusalem quickly before fighting on two fronts.
Reflection
- How does the enemy often intensify attacks right before God's deliverance arrives?
- What does it mean that Satan projects his own deceptive character onto God?
- How do we maintain faith when trials escalate rather than immediately improving?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Faith: Isaiah 36:15