Thursday, December 19 – Isaiah 36, 37 – Additional Reading, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 30, “Deliverance From Assyria”

1. How many years had Hezekiah reigned when Sennacherib invaded Judah? (Isaiah 36:1)

2. Who represented Assyria’s king before Hezekiah’s delegation? (Isaiah 36:2)

3. To what did the Rabshakeh compare the king of Egypt if Judah were to seek his help? (Isaiah 36:6)

4. What did Hezekiah’s delegates request when the Assyrian Rabshakeh spoke loudly in the language of Judah, and why? (Isaiah 36:11-22)

5. How did King Hezekiah respond when he heard the report from his delegates? (Isaiah 37:1-4)

6. What message of trust in God did Isaiah send to King Hezekiah? (Isaiah 37:6, 7)

7. Upon hearing the threat from the king of Assyria, what did King Hezekiah decide to do? (Isaiah 37:14-20)

8. What assurance did Isaiah give to the king of Judah? (Isaiah 37:21-35)

9. How did God demonstrate His power in delivering Jerusalem from its enemies? (Isaiah 37:36)

10. Finally, what was Sennacherib’s fate? (Isaiah 37:37, 38)

Commentary and Reflection:

These two chapters recount the invasion of Judah by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, his audacious challenge to King Hezekiah, and his defiance of the God of Israel. They also show Hezekiah’s faithful response in seeking the Lord and how God intervened. When defeat seemed inevitable, the Lord sent a single angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Such an act of power demonstrates that nothing is too great for the God of heaven—just one angel accomplished this deliverance.

Isaiah chapters 36 to 39 provide a historical interlude in a book largely focused on prophetic messages. Inspired by God, the prophet Isaiah chose to highlight a pivotal event in King Hezekiah’s life: the Assyrian threat and the king’s later years. This story is recorded in 2 Kings 18–20 and 2 Chronicles 32.

Scholars believe that 2 Kings 18 may have been written by the prophet Jeremiah, while Jewish tradition attributes 2 Chronicles 32 to Ezra, the scribe. Given the similarities across these texts, it is likely that these authors based their accounts on Isaiah’s original narrative. Yet, the ultimate author of Scripture is God Himself, guiding His chosen instruments to convey His truth.

This practice of relying on earlier inspired writings under God’s direction has led some critics to accuse Ellen G. White of “plagiarism” because she sometimes referenced or used material from other authors. However, as Scripture shows, God’s prophets often reaffirm or expand upon earlier inspired messages to confirm His word. It is also important to note that modern copyright laws were not in place before the 20th century. This context strengthens my confidence in the trustworthiness and divine inspiration of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, and Ellen G. White.

No matter the challenge or difficulty facing a child of God, they can rely on His promises of protection and direction.

I recall a vivid memory from my childhood: stormy nights when the brilliant flashes of lightning and deafening crashes of thunder filled me with fear. My loving mother would come into my room with her Bible, opened to Psalm 91. As she read with her gentle voice, my fear melted away, replaced by confidence and peace: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty… For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:1, 11, NKJV).

This same God, who protected Jerusalem in the days of Isaiah, is with us today. His promises remain steadfast and true. Whatever your challenges, know He is near, ready to provide deliverance, comfort, and hope.

May God grant you a day filled with His care and protection, and may His peace surround you in all you do.