Isaiah 37:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Isaiah 37:1-7

We may observe here, 1. That the best way to baffle the malicious designs of our enemies against us is to be driven by them to God and to our duty and so to fetch meat out of the eater. Rabshakeh intended to frighten Hezekiah from the Lord, but it proves that he frightens him to the Lord. The wind, instead of forcing the traveller's coat from him, makes him wrap it the closer about him. The more Rabshakeh reproaches God the more Hezekiah studies to honour him, by rending his clothes for the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Isaiah 37:1

And it came to pass, when King Hezekiah heard it ,.... The report that his ministers made to him of the blasphemies and threatenings of Rabshakeh, the general of the Assyrian army: that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth ; the one because of the blasphemies he heard; the other cause of the destruction he and his people were threatened with: and went into the house of the Lord ; the temple, to pray to him there: he could have prayed in his own house, but he chose... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 37:1

When King Hezekiah heard it ; rather, heard them ; i.e. the "words of Rabshakeh," which his officials reported to him. He rent his clothes . He did as they had done ( Isaiah 36:22 ; see the comment on that verse). But he went further, showing a deeper sense of horror and affliction than the officials had shown by being covered with sackcloth (on the combination of the two modes of showing grief or horror, see Genesis 37:34 ; 2 Samuel 3:31 ; 1 Kings 21:27 ; Esther 4:1 , etc ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 37:1

Carrying troubles to God. The silence which Hezekiah kept, and commanded, represents only the negative side of his dealing with the Assyrian insults and threatenings. The earnest man can seldom be satisfied with the weak policy of "doing nothing." It may be one side of meeting difficulty, but it needs to be matched with another and a positive side. The earnest man wants to do something. Yet his circumstances may make personal action questionable and almost impossible; but this, at least,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 37:1-4

Our highest solicitude. A very graphic scene is here sketched. The highest personages in the realm are moved to the strongest feelings of indignation and concern. Dignity is entirely forgotten; the profound agitations which have stirred their souls are expressed in actions which, to less excitable and imaginative people, seem violent and unbecoming. But the rent garments and the coarse sackcloth best uttered, for them, the distracted heart and a deep sense of shame. It was eloquence in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 37:1-5

Spiritual advice in, time of need not to be despised even by great kings. The great of the earth—kings, princes, nobles, statesmen, generals—are too apt to rest upon their own internal gifts of wisdom, talent, sagacity, cleverness, and to place little reliance upon others. Especially are they apt to feel a jealousy towards "the spiritualty," and to hold themselves above the necessity of seeking aid from persons whom they view as unpractical, ignorant of worldly business, flighty,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 37:1-18

Hezekiah's resources. The conduct of the king on hearing the haughty message of the Assyrian is that of a man of habitually religious mind and religious practice. 1 . He rends his garments and covers himself with sackcloth. This was significant of sorrow and of self-humiliation: "Humble yourselves beneath the mighty hand of God, and he will exalt you in due time." Instead of searching far and wide for the causes of our distress, it were well to look first into our own hearts, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Isaiah 37:1-38

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Isaiah 37:1

When king Hezekiah heard it - Heard the account of the words of Rabshakeh Isaiah 36:22.That he rent his clothes - (See the note at Isaiah 36:22).He covered himself with sackcloth - (See the note at Isaiah 3:24).And went into the house of the Lord - Went up to the temple to spread out the case before Yahweh Isaiah 37:14. This was in accordance with the usual habit of Hezekiah; and it teaches us that when we are environed with difficulties or danger and when the name of our God is blasphemed, we... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Isaiah 37:1-38

Assyria defeated (37:1-38)Hezekiah now realized his mistake in ignoring Isaiah and relying on Egypt. In a humble but open acknowledgment that Judah’s plight was desperate, he sent to ask Isaiah to appeal to God for help (37:1-4). Isaiah reassured Hezekiah that God would not tolerate Assyria’s mockery of him (5-7).When the Assyrians temporarily withdrew from Jerusalem to deal with an enemy attack to the south-west, they sent a letter renewing their threats. They reminded the Jerusalemites that... read more

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