the Third Week after Easter
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Isaiah 37:5-20
The servants of Hezekiah obeyed their king and were silent before the enemy. They then faithfully reported to him the words of the latter (Isaiah 36:21-22). Now they carry out in the presence of Isaiah the mission with which they have been entrusted, putting into practice the proverb which they themselves have written out (see Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 25:13). Let us notice that they are led by Eliakim, the son of Hilkiah, the faithful steward established by God, who is a type of the Lord Jesus (Isaiah 22:20).
Having been reassured by the prophet’s reply, Hezekiah now receives a letter from the king of Assyria which is filled with threats against himself as well as scorn for the LORD. Aware both of his own powerlessness and of the insult done to the God of Israel, the king enters once more into the temple where he unfolds the arrogant letter. This time he is not satisfied simply with the prayer made by Isaiah (v. 4). He addresses the LORD himself. Notice his arguments. He makes no reference to himself, or his people. The only matter of importance is the glory of the One who "dwellest between the cherubims". The "gods of the nations" which have been conquered by Assyria must not be confused with "the God of all the kingdoms of the earth" (vv. 12, 16 – cf. also v. 17 with Psalms 74:10; Psalms 74:18).
