Isaiah 36:13-20
Summary for Isa 36:13-20: 36:13-20 a In the Assyrian chief of staff’s second speech, he claimed that his nation’s gods were more powerful than the God of Judah (cp. 10:9-10 b). God’s ability to rescue his people was at stake. In the ensuing drama, the Lord shocked the Assyrian with his power (37:36-37 c).36:14 d Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you: This public accusation against Hezekiah was intended to undermine the people’s confidence in him.
36:15 e Hezekiah demonstrated a strong faith in the Lord, unlike Ahaz (ch 7 f). Hezekiah’s faith would bring rescue, whereas Ahaz’s lack of faith brought him trouble (see 7:9 g).
Summary for Isa 36:16-17: 36:16-17 h The Assyrian was tempting the people of Jerusalem with provisions that the Lord had promised to provide his obedient people (see 1:19 i; 37:30-35 j; Deut 8:7-9 k). It was a tempting offer, but a counterfeit. And it covered up the reality of exile that would have followed (Isa 36:17 l).
36:19 m The populations of Hamath and Arpad had been relocated to Samaria, where the new local deities were the gods of Sepharvaim (2 Kgs 17:24 n). The logic of the argument made sense to an Assyrian. If the Assyrian gods defeated all the gods of the other nations and the God of the Israelite nation of Samaria, would they not also defeat the God of Judah?
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