1. Sennacherib’s siege but Yahweh’s victory (36:1-37:38)

In 701 b.c. Sennacherib began his attack on Judah by destroying a number of cities. Suffering extreme devastation was the city of Lachish.

Undoubtedly the news of the destruction of Lachish traveled to Jerusalem faster than did the field commander. So the stage was set for him to call for surrender.

When the message is brought to Hezekiah, he is overwhelmed with fear and enacts the rites of repentance, always a prerequisite to salvation. Then he sends for Isaiah, who assures Hezekiah that God will deliver Jerusalem. The language here is theological. The Assyrians have called into question the power of Yahweh to act (37:12). Likewise, Hezekiah appeals to the honor of God in his prayer (37:14-20), that in delivering his people God may be known throughout the earth. In response to Hezekiah’s prayer, Isaiah condemns the arrogance of Assyria and brings assurance of God’s protection. The earlier references to a remnant (7:3; 10:20-23) are reiterated here (37:31-32).

This concludes with a narrative account of the destruction of the Assyrian army and the murder of Sennacherib.