ISAIAH CHAPTERS 36–39
The first narrative is about Jerusalem’s deliverance from the Assyrian invasion, and of King Hezekiah’s recovery from a deadly illness.
The second narrative includes a description of how some Babylonian emissaries visited Hezekiah. This narrative is out of sequence chronologically within this section. It should really come first. But because it’s been placed last, it creates continuity with the section that immediately follows, by a common reference to Babylon.
ISAIAH 36: KING SENNACHERIB'S THREATS
v.1-7 The Assyrian King Sennacherib shows his ignorance in two areas: the worship of the Lord by Israel and the counsel God had given Israel not to trust in Egypt but in the Lord. Isaiah was encouraging Israel to trust in God.
v.9-10 Sennacherib ridicules them and blasphemes God by indicating that the Lord had directed him against Israel.
v.22 After hearing the threats of Sennacherib, the men tore their clothes (as was the custom when one is in serious distress).
ISAIAH 37: GOD'S PROMISED DELIVERANCE FULFILLED
v.1 Sackcloth was used to "afflict" oneself in a sense of mourning.
v.6-7 God's answer to Sennacherib's threats.
v.14-20 Hezekiah immediately brings his problem to the Lord. He acknowledges the one, living, true God and prays for deliverance. Also, as he lays out the facts to God. He asks the Lord to glorify Himself and show that He is God.
v.21-29 The Lord's second message to Sennacherib.
v.30-35 The Lord assures Hezekiah and encourages him.
v.36-38 The Lord fulfills His promise. The Assyrians and Sennacherib are slain.
ISAIAH 38: HEZEKIAH'S HEALING
In chapter 38, we read of Hezekiah’s illness and the subsequent extension of his life. Isaiah
tells him to set his house in order for his death was imminent, Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, wept and prayed and wept fervently to God. Isaiah told Hezekiah he would live fifteen more years. When he recovered, Hezekiah then wrote a psalm describing his illness and deliverance by the Lord. Unfortunately, when the king of Babylon heard Hezekiah had recovered from his sickness he sent him letters and gifts.
Isaiah then told the king the time would come when all his treasures and his sons would be carried away to Babylon.
This ends the first section of the prophecy of Isaiah. The second section contains prophecies designed to comfort the people of God when they found themselves in Babylonian captivity as foretold by Isaiah.
ISAIAH 39: BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY FORETOLD
v.1-8 Another evil, out of the prolonging of Hezekiah's life: the king of Babylon approaches Hezekiah and learns of Judah's defenses.
END OF THE OLD TESTAMENT PART OF THE BOOK OF ISAIAH
|
|
