Isaiah 37:1-4 The Lord Promises Deliverance

1 Jerusalem’s Deliverance Foretold
When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord.

2 He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.

3 They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: This day is a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace, as when children come to the point of birth and there is no strength to deliver them.

4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of the field commander, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to ridicule the living God, and that he will rebuke him for the words the Lord your God has heard. Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.”

Read the full chapter Isaiah 37

Meaning of Isaiah 37:1-4

Isaiah 37:1 captures a moment of profound humility and distress as King Hezekiah turns to the Lord in the face of overwhelming threat. His act of tearing his clothes and wearing sackcloth symbolizes sincere repentance and reliance on divine intervention, teaching us the power and necessity of seeking God earnestly in times of crisis.

Cross References for Isaiah 37:1-4

Jeremiah 26:19 - “Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did not Hezekiah fear the... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 26:19 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 26:19

1 Kings 20:31 - His officials said to him, “Look, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merci... Click to read the verse 1 Kings 20:31 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 20:31

Matthew 11:21 - “Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had bee... Click to read the verse Matthew 11:21 Click to read the verse Matthew 11:21

Jeremiah 36:24 - The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear the... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 36:24 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 36:24

Jonah 3:5-6 - The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the lea... Click to read the verse Jonah 3:5-6 Click to read the verse Jonah 3:5-6

Ezra 9:5 - Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, an... Click to read the verse Ezra 9:5 Click to read the verse Ezra 9:5

Job 1:20-21 - At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship Click to read the verse Job 1:20-21 Click to read the verse Job 1:20-21

Jeremiah 48:37 - Every head is shaved and every beard cut off; every hand is slashed and every waist is covered ... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 48:37 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 48:37

Isaiah 33:17 - Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar. Click to read the verse Isaiah 33:17 Click to read the verse Isaiah 33:17

Isaiah 37:14 - Hezekiah’s Prayer Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up... Click to read the verse Isaiah 37:14 Click to read the verse Isaiah 37:14

2 Kings 22:11 - When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. Click to read the verse 2 Kings 22:11 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 22:11

Isaiah 36:22-38 - Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary, and Joah son of Asa... Click to read the verse Isaiah 36:22-38 Click to read the verse Isaiah 36:22-38

2 Kings 19:1-37 - Jerusalem’s Deliverance Foretold When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on ... Click to read the verse 2 Kings 19:1-37 Click to read the verse 2 Kings 19:1-37