Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 37

When King Hezekiah heard it – He heard the account of the words of Rabshakeh (Isaiah 36:22).

That he tore his clothes – (See the note at Isaiah 36:22).

He covered himself with sackcloth – (See the note at Isaiah 3:24).

And went into the house of the Lord – He went up to the temple to spread out the case before Yahweh (Isaiah 37:14).

This was in accordance with the usual habit of Hezekiah, and it teaches us that when we are surrounded by difficulties or danger, and when the name of our God is blasphemed, we should go and spread out our feelings before God and seek His aid.

And he sent Eliakim - (See the note at Isaiah 36:3).

And the elders of the priests - It was a case of deep importance, and one that pertained especially to the interests of religion; and he, therefore, selected the most respectable delegation that he could to present the case to the prophet.

Covered with sackcloth - Religion had been insulted. The God whom the priests served had been blasphemed, and the very temple was threatened, and it was proper that the priests should go with the garments of mourning.

To Isaiah - It was customary on occasions of danger to consult prophets, as those who had direct communication with God, and seek counsel from them. Thus Balak sent messengers to Balaam to consult him in a time of perplexity (Numbers 22:5 and following); thus Jehoshaphat and the king of Israel consulted Micaiah in time of danger from Syria 1 Kings 22:1–13; thus Ahaziah, when sick, sent to consult Elijah 2 Kings 1:1–9; and thus Josiah sent a delegation to Huldah the prophetess to inquire about the book which was found in the temple of the Lord 2 Kings 22:14.

This is a day of rebuke - This may refer either to the reproaches of Rabshakeh, or more probably to the fact that Hezekiah regarded the Lord as rebuking His people for their sins. The word which is used here (תוכחח tôkēchâh), means more properly chastisement or punishment (Psalms 149:7; Hosea 5:9).

And of blasphemy - Margin, ‘Provocation.’ The word used here (נאצה ne'âtsâh), means properly reproach or scornful abuse; and the sense is, that God and His cause had been vilified by Rabshakeh, and it was proper to appeal to Him to vindicate the honor of His own name (Isaiah 37:4).

For the children are come ... - The meaning of this figure is plain. There was the highest danger, and need of aid. It was as in childbirth in which the pains had been protracted, the strength exhausted, and where there was most imminent danger in regard to the mother and the child.

So Hezekiah said there was the most imminent danger in the city of Jerusalem. They had made all possible preparations for defense. And now, in the most critical time, they felt their energies exhausted, their strength insufficient for their defense, and they needed the interposition of God.

It may be the Lord your God - The God whom you serve, and in whose name and by whose authority you exercise the prophetic office.

Will hear the words - He will come forth and vindicate Himself in regard to the language of reproach and blasphemy that has been used. See a similar use of the word hear in Exodus 2:24; Exodus 3:7.

To reproach the living God - The revilings of Rabshakeh were really directed against the true God. The reproach of the living God consisted in comparing Him to idols, and saying that He was no more able to deliver Jerusalem than the idol-gods had been able to defend their lands (see the note at Isaiah 36:18). The phrase the living God is often applied to Yahweh as distinct from idols, which were mere blocks of wood or stone.

For the remnant that is left - For those who survive; or probably for those parts of the land, including Jerusalem, that have not fallen into the hands of the Assyrian. Sennacherib had taken many towns, but there were many also that had not yet been subdued by him.

With which the servants ... - Hebrew, נערי na‛ărēy - The ‘youth,’ or the young men. The word properly denotes boys, youths, young men; and is used here probably by way of disparagement, in contrast to an embassy that would be truly respectable, made up of aged men.

Have blasphemed me - God regarded these words as spoken against himself, and he would vindicate his own honor and name.