Isaiah 37:1 - Meaning and Application

We can see here that the best way to stop the evil plans of our enemies is for those plans to drive us to God and to our duty. In that way, their harm can be turned into good, as if we brought food out of the one trying to eat us. Rabshakeh meant to scare Hezekiah away from the Lord, but instead he drove him closer to the Lord. The wind, instead of tearing a traveler’s coat off, makes him wrap it tighter around himself.

The more Rabshakeh insulted God, the more Hezekiah sought to honor him. He showed his grief by tearing his clothes over the dishonor done to God, and he went to God’s house to learn his will. It also fits great rulers well to ask for the prayers of good people and faithful ministers. Hezekiah sent important messengers to Isaiah, the prophet, to ask for his prayers. Isaiah’s recent prophecies had clearly pointed toward what was now happening, so Hezekiah likely had some hope of a good outcome, yet he still wanted that outcome to come through prayer. This was a day of trouble, so it should also be a day of prayer.

When we are in the deepest trouble, we should pray the most earnestly. When a child is ready to be born but there is no strength to finish the birth, then prayer should come in to help at the hardest moment. When the pain is strongest, prayer should be most alive. When we face the greatest problems, that is the time to stir up ourselves and others to take hold of God. Prayer is like the midwife of mercy, helping it come into the world.

It is a strong encouragement to pray even when we have only some hope of mercy (Isaiah 37:4). “It may be” that the Lord your God will hear. “Who knows” whether he will turn back and relent? The thought that blessings may be near should make us work harder in prayer. If there is only a remnant left, and just a small one, then we should especially pray for that remnant (Isaiah 37:4). Prayer that reaches heaven must rise from strong faith, earnest desires, and a clear aim at God’s glory. All of these should become stronger when we are at the last edge of danger.

Those who have made God their enemy need not make us afraid, because they are marked for ruin. They may hiss, but they cannot harm us. Rabshakeh has blasphemed God, so Hezekiah need not fear him (Isaiah 37:6). By his insults, Rabshakeh has drawn God into the matter, and judgment will surely go against him. God will always defend his own cause.

The fears of sinners are often only the beginning of their fall. Rabshakeh will hear the news of the slaughter of his army, which will force him to return to his own land, where he will be killed (Isaiah 37:7). The terrors that chase him will finally bring him to the king of terrors, death itself (Job 18:11, Job 18:14). The curses that come on sinners will overtake them.