Isaiah 37:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 37:17
17 Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 37 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, holiness, prayer. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 37:17
17 Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
Analysis
The repeated "Incline thine ear...open thine eyes" emphasizes urgency and intensity. The additional "O LORD" is personal appeal to covenant relationship. "Hear all the words of Sennacherib" asks God to pay attention to every blasphemy. Hezekiah doesn't minimize or sanitize the enemy's words but lays them fully before God. This honest presentation of the threat demonstrates faith that God can handle the full truth of the situation. The prayer teaches that we don't need to make things sound better to get God's attention.
Historical Context
Repetition in Hebrew poetry and prayer emphasizes importance and intensity of feeling. Hezekiah's urgent repetition shows genuine distress alongside confident faith.
Reflection
- How can we be completely honest with God about how bad our circumstances feel?
- What does it mean to present our enemies' full accusations to God without minimizing them?
- How does expressing intensity and urgency in prayer demonstrate faith rather than doubt?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: 2 Chronicles 6:40, Psalms 17:6, 74:22
- References Lord: 1 Peter 3:12
- Word: Isaiah 37:4