Isaiah 36–39 Introduction: Hezekiah’s Faith Tested

IMPURE TRUSTS EXPOSED

INTRO TO ISAIAH 36-39

Introduction

These four chapters (36–39) form the seventh section of Isaiah. Each chapter centers on growth through hardships such as war, death, and the pain of pride. Isaiah shows how seriously God values man’s deep devotion to Himself.

Chapters 36–39 are narrative in form, with prophetic poetry inserted. Isaiah uses these chapters to present a proper understanding of Judah’s situation. He has shown what judgment was like, how Judah herself resembled the nations, and that she should expect God’s judgment.

Isaiah also uses these chapters as a distinct introduction to chapters 40–66. Judah’s failure would not always be the focus, for God would keep His promises to His people. Something far better than what the best kings and kingdoms had offered was coming. The following chapters reveal the clarity and brilliance of God’s promised kingdom.

Chapter 36

Chapter 36 shows the full consequences of King Hezekiah and the elders foolish decision to persist in disobedience by trusting in Egypt.

God exposed them. Their rebellion from Assyria’s power, of course, was good, but they still trusted in Egypt. Although some of Assyria’s accusations would not come about, most of them made God’s people to think more soberly of their relationship with God.

Chapter 37

Chapter 37, in another way, showed how foolish it was for Hezekiah and the elders of Judah to trust in Egypt. Egypt, of course, never helped them a bit. God saved Jerusalem overnight. The contrast is a lesson. These chapters also serve as an excellent example of how to enter into the trust of the true God.

The knowledge of what they need to do is more deeply instilled in them now that the darkness surrounds them; the new day will soon dawn when all the barrenness of the darkness will become the beauty of the new age.

Chapter 38

Chapter 38 makes us aware of our frailty. Death is another enemy we ourselves have no power over. Even the good king’s life was subject to death.

The city of Jerusalem was still under the threat of Assyria’s return. All were waiting death’s turn and the ugliness of war.

But again, we are shown that man cannot trust in himself, but he can trust in God. God has the power of life and has the power to extend it. The lesson itself reminds us how often we trust our own basic strengths rather than acting in full obedience displaying God’s strengthening power.

Chapter 39

Chapter 39 is an extremely short chapter, giving us the final warning and implanting despair within us, or even in the best of men.

Kind Hezekiah was a great man, but fell in the swell of pride and success. Judah and Jerusalem’s end was just off the horizon. The things King Hezekiah did were good, but they were insufficient. So we are all looking over the horizon, expecting despair, but hoping there might be that ray of light giving hope to mankind.

Summary and Application

In summary, this narrative section has several purposes.

• 1) To clearly show that Judah would be destroyed.
• 2) To instill within the readers a sense of doubt and despair in themselves and their circumstances. This prepares them for chapters 40-66.
• 3) To remind the readers that the problems they faced were because of a lack of trust in God and that even their “good” was not acceptable.

Romans 3:11-21 emphasize the fallen nature of man and its result. How would you respond to those who wonder about the end of those who never heard of Jesus? Do you trust in Jesus casually or real seriously? Why?