Isaiah 37:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 37:27
27 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 37 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, wisdom, judgment. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 37:27
27 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded: they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as corn blasted before it be grown up.
Analysis
God explains the reality behind Assyria's victories: "their inhabitants were of small power" describes those conquered as deliberately weakened by God. "Dismayed and confounded" shows God caused their psychological defeat. The agricultural metaphors "as the grass of the field...as the green herb...as corn blasted before it be grown up" depict divinely-ordained weakness. This reveals that Assyria conquered weak opponents by God's permission, not through inherent superiority. Beating weakened opponents proves nothing about being able to defeat God's protected people.
Historical Context
Nations Assyria conquered often suffered internal strife or divine judgment, making them vulnerable. Israel's northern kingdom fell due to covenant unfaithfulness, not merely Assyrian might.
Reflection
- How does God control outcomes by sovereignly distributing strength and weakness?
- What does it mean that apparent military superiority is actually divinely granted?
- How should this affect our view of "successful" wicked people and nations?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 129:6