Historical Interlude Part 1: Assyria (Isaiah 36-37)
Isaiah culminates his prophecies with a historical demonstration of their reliability. Assyria has been the threat facing Judah all along, and God’s people have been turning to worldly powers for help. The new King, Hezekiah, has turned back to God. As Egypt has failed, and Assyria advances, there is nowhere else to turn.
The Assyrian emissary even reenforces Isaiah’s message, unintentionally. He mocks Judah. He tells them that YHWH cannot help them. He mistakes Hezekiah’s campaign of closing down false centers of worship as a weakening of God’s influence. He even mocks YHWH!
Hezekiah sends messengers to Isaiah, asking him to pray for deliverance. Isaiah doesn’t even need to pray! HE tells Hezekiah, trust in YHWH is never misplaced. Circumstances pull Assyria away and the threat is delayed. However, when Assyria returns, Hezekiah himself prays for help from YHWH. Isaiah assures him that his prayer was heard.
And the Angel of YHWH supernaturally struck down 185,000 of the invading force. The Assyrian king returns home and is murdered by his sons. Assyria would not be a threat to Judah again!
The Assyrian emissary even reenforces Isaiah’s message, unintentionally. He mocks Judah. He tells them that YHWH cannot help them. He mistakes Hezekiah’s campaign of closing down false centers of worship as a weakening of God’s influence. He even mocks YHWH!
Hezekiah sends messengers to Isaiah, asking him to pray for deliverance. Isaiah doesn’t even need to pray! HE tells Hezekiah, trust in YHWH is never misplaced. Circumstances pull Assyria away and the threat is delayed. However, when Assyria returns, Hezekiah himself prays for help from YHWH. Isaiah assures him that his prayer was heard.
And the Angel of YHWH supernaturally struck down 185,000 of the invading force. The Assyrian king returns home and is murdered by his sons. Assyria would not be a threat to Judah again!
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