Chapter Summary

Jehovah's message to the people by Isaiah. Sennacherib's message to Hezekiah. Hezekiah's prayer and Jehovah's answer. Destruction of Assyrians.

Discussion Questions for Isaiah, Chapter 37

1. King Hezekiah receives devastating news two times in this chapter (see chapter 36 for context). What does he do in response? How do his actions instruct believers on faith in the midst of difficult seasons?
2. The word "hear" or "heard" is used quite often in this passage (ESV). What theme is Isaiah developing? What is the difference between Hezekiah's prayers and Sennacherib's prayers?
3. Before Hezekiah asks for God's help, what does he communicate about God in his prayer? Ultimately, what is the reason he gives as to why God should deliver Israel? Read the Lord's prayer (Matt. 6:9–13). Where do you see the similarities? How do believers typically pray when our circumstances are challenging?
4. When God speaks through Isaiah, what does he explain about the world powers and events? What does he plan to show Israel and the nations about his power? Why does God turn from punishing Israel to punishing Assyria?
5. God reveals his battle plan ahead of time. In what ways does he decide to protect Israel? Why does he choose this route? What miracles does he perform?
6. Who struck down the Assyrian army? How long did it take? Did anyone expect that kind of deliverance? How does this miraculous defense of Jerusalem encourage your faith in the face of opposition?
7. While God defends Israel at this time, what prophecy does he make about the future? How will Israel ultimately see God's hand of provision over the nation? What is a remnant? What is the biblical significance of a remnant of Israel?
8. Where does the world speak against our Christian faith today? How is the contemporary church handling these challenges? What should be our response?
9. What can we learn from the sad fate of Sennacherib? What did his boasting and fate reveal about his lordship? Where do you spot some of those proud tendencies in your life?
10. When has God shown you amazing grace? Do you have an Ezekiel 37 story when God delivered you just to reveal his glory and goodness? Who can you share that story and Hezekiah's story with this week?

Key Words/Phrase

Jehovah a defense, v. 35.

Characters

God, Hezekiah, Eliakim, Shebna, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Tirhakah, Abrammelech, Sharezer.

Strong Verse(s)

31, 35.