SUMMARY
God delivers Jerusalem from the assault of the Assyrian king SennacheribSennacherib was the Assyrian king who besieged Jerusalem during the reign of Hezekiah. More. The prophet IsaiahIsaiah, son of Amoz, who prophesied in Jerusalem, is included among the prophets of the eighth century BCE (along with Amos, Hosea, and Micah)--preachers who boldly proclaimed God's word of judgment against the economic, social, and religious disorders of their time. More urges trust in the face of overwhelming odds.
ANALYSIS
Chapters 36-37 narrate Sennacherib’s invasion of JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More in 701 BCE. This is one of the most heavily documented military campaigns in biblical history. That is not to say that all of the sources agree, only that there are an abundance of relevant sources. In contrast to King AhazJudean king in the time of Isaiah who engaged in pagan worship and placated the Assyrians. More, King HezekiahJudean king noted for his reforms in time of Isaiah. More trusts in YHWH’s words through Isaiah and his city is saved as a result.
The narrative is structured around a number of dialogues among Hezekiah’s courtiers, the Assyrian general (Rabshakeh), Isaiah, and King Hezekiah himself. The story is, in many ways, a story about which of two words King Hezekiah will trust and rely upon. Will he take as true the words of the Assyrian general—with all of its claims and threats—or will he trust in the words of God, who promises deliverance?
Unlike King Ahaz in Chapters 7-8, Hezekiah trusts in God and in God’s words through the prophet Isaiah.
