The historical interlude, Isaiah chapters 36-39, surrounds the military might of two parties: Hezekiah, king of Judah and the Assyria king Sennacherib. The Assyrian king sends his messengers to Hezekiah to frighten him to distance himself from God and to rely upon Assyria. Isaiah is called in to prophesize to Hezekiah. God gives him signs. Sennacherib ends up dying. Hezekiah also suffered from an illness, which he recovered in his health by God. Ironically, he shows his possessions to Babylon. Isaiah prophecies that Hezekiah’s country will be given to the Babylonians. The main theme is God’s power to save his people from their enemies. God can also save his king on behalf of King David.
Purpose of the text
The purpose of …show more content…
People from Babylon show up at Jerusalem. Hezekiah shows the Babylonian envoys his wealth and possessions.
Isaiah gives harsh words to Hezekiah (39:3-7). The prophet Isaiah gives King Hezekiah the message that his people will be in captivity in Babylon. Verses 6 to 8 provide the literary transition to the second half of Isaiah.
Theological Summary
God’s people need to trust in him. The king of Assyria attempted to manipulate the king of Judah, Hezekiah, to depend upon him instead of God. God is the one to trust in times of trouble. God also heals his people. As the king Hezekiah suffered from an illness. God heals his people, if they pray to Him. God hears prayers of his people.
What are the things you have learned
I learned the nature and reason for the prophecy about the Babylonian captivity. I thought the Babylonia captivity was the result of God’s people going after false gods and religions.
Identify a Points of Application
Christians must always depend upon God to deliver them from their enemies. Our enemies can include people and institutions. We are under the protective power of God