Isaiah 36:1
This was the 14thyear of the reign of Hezekiah. Isaiah was called in the year King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6:1). Isaiah’s ministry then spanned the time of four kings of Judah (Isaiah 1:1) and lasted at least 47 years.
Uzziah 1 year (Isaiah 6:1)
King Jotham 16 years (2Kings 15:32-33)
King Ahaz16 years (2Kings 16:1-2)
Hezekiah 14 years (or more) (Isaiah 36:1)
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A minimum of 47 years
The geopolitical map of the world changed dramatically during this time in history. When Isaiah began his ministry,Assyria was not the dominating world power that it had become. The northern kingdom of Israel was still a sovereign nation with Samaria as its capital city. King Ahaz brought much evil to Judah(2Kings 16:2-4; 2Chronicles 28:16-25; Isaiah 7:1ff). Rather than trusting in Yahweh, he relied on the king of Assyria for help. This was his downfall. The Assyrian Empire rose to greatness during this time, defeating many nations including northern Israel and Syria. And now this mighty nation was about to defeat Judah as well. Under King Sennacherib,all the fortified cities were seized. The only thing remaining for the nation of Judah was the city of Jerusalem and King Hezekiah. All of the other fortified cities had been defeated.
Isaiah 36:1ff King Sennacherib had sent Rabshakeh to speak to the leaders and people of Jerusalem in a propaganda campaign to weaken their resolve.
Isaiah 37:1-7 Hezekiah tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth -a way of showing humility, penitence, and mourning.Isaiah’s first words to Hezekiah “Do not be afraid.”
Isaiah 37:10-13 More of the message was sent to Hezekiah in a letter.
Isaiah 37:14-20 Hezekiah took the letter and spread it out before Yahweh in the temple.
Isaiah 37:21-35 Isaiah receives an answer from Yahweh to Hezekiah’s prayer.
Isaiah 37:36-37 One angel of Yahweh defeated 185,000 Assyrians in one night! Total deliverance! Praise Yahweh!
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