Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 37:3

"And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of contumely; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth." — Isaiah 37:3 (ASV)

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.