Chronological Bible Study – July 25
What I Noticed Today (Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76)
Isaiah 37
When Hezekiah heard the report, he tore his clothes and wore sackcloth (a sign of mourning) (v. 1). He sent Eliakim, Shebna, and the priests to inquire of Isaiah asking what the Lord would have them do (vv. 3-4). Isaiah told them not to be afraid; God had heard the Rabshakeh’s words. He (God) would cause the Assyrians to retreat, and Sennacherib would be killed after he returned home (vv. 5-7).
In verses 8-13, Sennacherib once again sent messengers to Hezekiah with a letter warning him not to trust in his God because the god of other countries had not been able to save them from the Assyrians.
In verses 14-20, Hezekiah got Sennacherib’s letter and immediately went to the temple, spread the letter before the Lord, and prayed to God to save the people of Jerusalem.
In verses 21-35, Isaiah receives a message from the Lord saying that because Hezekiah had prayed to him asking for the Lord to save the people He would defeat the Assyrians:
1) God said the Assyrians would be driven back (vv. 23-29).
2) God said a remnant would remain though life would be difficult for two years; in the third year, there would be a bountiful harvest (vv. 30-32).
3) God told Sennacherib that he would not enter Jerusalem because God would defend the city (vv. 33-35).
In verses 36-38, Isaiah records the destruction of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers killed overnight by an angel of the Lord. Sennacherib returned home with his army to Nineveh where two of his sons assassinated him.
Note: Sennacherib’s assassination took place in 681 B.C., approximately 20 years after his defeat at Jerusalem.
Isaiah 38
Isaiah 38 recounts Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery (also in 2 Kings 20). Hezekiah, the man of faith, in Isaiah 36-37, remains faithful in Isaiah 38 but becomes a man of pride in Isaiah 39.
In those days (v. 1), refers to the time when the Assyrians were preparing to come against Jerusalem (v. 6). Hezekiah became sick and was near death. Isaiah came to him and told him to put his things in order because he was to die (v. 1).
In verses 2-3, Hezekiah prayed to the Lord reminding the Lord that he had been good (but not explicitly asking to be healed) and in verses 4-6, God agrees to add 15-years to Hezekiah’s life.
Note: Since Hezekiah died in 686 B.C., this illness occurred in 701 B.C.
In verses 7-8, the Lord offers a sign to Hezekiah that he would be healed; the sun would move backward 10-steps in effect lengthening the day, much like the Lord was lengthening Hezekiah’s life.
Verses 9-20, contain a song of thanksgiving written by Hezekiah to the Lord for having healed him. Hezekiah realizes that God loved him and did not punish him as his sins deserved.
Verses 21-22, describe a poultice of dried figs that were placed on Hezekiah’s boil to heal him. In Hezekiah’s healing, we see a combination of prayer, medicine, and God’s healing touch.
Isaiah 39
In verses 1-4, Merodach-Baladan, the son of the king of Babylon, sent messengers to Hezekiah with letters and gifts. Hezekiah proudly showed them all of the things of value in the storehouses, palace, and throughout the realm. Isaiah asked Hezekiah where the men came from and what did they say.
In verses 5-7, Isaiah gave Hezekiah a prophecy of judgment, saying the king’s wealth would be carried off to Babylon and some of the king’s descendants would serve in the royal court in Babylon.
In verse 8, Hezekiah responded, saying the word of the Lord is good because he thought there would be peace and security in his days.
Psalm 76
Psalm 76 describes how God destroyed the wicked and lifted up the righteous in Jerusalem.
In verses 1-3, God has made himself known by breaking the weapons of their enemies who were coming against God’s city.
In verses 4-10, Asaph offers praise to God for His majesty and mighty power.
In verses 11-12, Asaph tells the people to be sure to fulfill their vows to the Lord.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.