What does Isaiah 37:28-29 say?

Isaiah 37:28-29 is a passage that captures a moment of divine intervention and judgment against the arrogance of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. These verses are part of a larger narrative where King Hezekiah of Judah seeks God's help against the impending threat posed by the Assyrian army. The verses read:

"But I know your sitting down, and your going out and coming in, and your raging against me. Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came." (Isaiah 37:28-29, ESV)

These verses provide a profound insight into the omniscience and sovereignty of God, as well as His response to human pride and defiance.

Context and Background

To fully appreciate these verses, it's essential to understand the broader context in which they appear. Isaiah 37 is part of a narrative that begins in Isaiah 36, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib sends his field commander, the Rabshakeh, to Jerusalem to intimidate King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. The Rabshakeh mocks their faith in God, boasting of Assyria's conquests and questioning the power of the God of Israel to save them.

In response, Hezekiah seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and turns to God in prayer. Isaiah delivers a message from God, assuring Hezekiah that the Assyrians will not capture Jerusalem. This assurance is rooted in God's knowledge of Sennacherib's actions and intentions, as well as His commitment to defend His people.

Divine Omniscience and Sovereignty

In Isaiah 37:28, God declares His intimate knowledge of Sennacherib's actions and thoughts:

"But I know your sitting down, and your going out and coming in, and your raging against me."

This statement highlights God's omniscience—His complete and perfect knowledge of all things. It echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 139:1-3:

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."

God's knowledge is not limited to the physical actions of individuals but extends to their inner thoughts and motivations. In the case of Sennacherib, God is fully aware of his arrogance and blasphemy. The Assyrian king's "raging" against God is not merely a political or military maneuver but an affront to the divine sovereignty.

Divine Judgment

In verse 29, God pronounces His judgment on Sennacherib:

"Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come to my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came."

This imagery is striking and vivid. The "hook in your nose" and "bit in your mouth" are metaphors drawn from the practices of ancient Near Eastern conquerors, who would lead captive kings and nobles with hooks and bits as a sign of their total subjugation and humiliation. By using these metaphors, God is declaring that He will subdue Sennacherib and force him to retreat, despite his apparent power and success.

This judgment is not only a response to Sennacherib's arrogance but also a demonstration of God's power and faithfulness to His people. It serves as a reminder that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can stand against the will of God. As Proverbs 21:1 states:

"The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."

Theological Implications

These verses carry significant theological implications for believers. First, they affirm the doctrine of God's omniscience. God is not a distant or detached deity but one who is deeply involved in the affairs of the world. He knows the actions and thoughts of every individual, and nothing escapes His notice.

Second, these verses underscore God's sovereignty. He is the ultimate authority over all creation, and His will cannot be thwarted by human schemes or ambitions. This is a source of great comfort for believers, as it assures them that God's purposes will prevail, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Third, the passage highlights the seriousness of pride and arrogance before God. Sennacherib's downfall is a direct result of his blasphemous defiance of the Almighty. This serves as a warning to all who would exalt themselves against God, reminding them of the words of James 4:6:

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Application for Today

For contemporary believers, Isaiah 37:28-29 offers both a warning and an encouragement. It warns against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, urging believers to maintain a posture of humility and dependence on God. At the same time, it encourages believers to trust in God's omniscience and sovereignty, especially in times of crisis.

When faced with threats or challenges, believers can take comfort in knowing that God is fully aware of their situation and is in control. Just as He defended Jerusalem against the Assyrians, He is able to protect and deliver His people today. This calls for a response of faith and prayer, much like Hezekiah's response in seeking God's help and trusting in His promises.

In conclusion, Isaiah 37:28-29 is a powerful reminder of God's omniscience, sovereignty, and justice. It challenges believers to recognize the futility of opposing God and to trust in His ability to fulfill His purposes. As we reflect on these verses, may we be encouraged to walk in humility and faith, confident in the knowledge that our God sees, knows, and reigns over all.