John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 37:28

"But I know thy sitting down, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy raging against me." — Isaiah 37:28 (ASV)

I know thy sitting down and thy rising up. He returns to the insufferable pride of that tyrant, who claimed everything for himself, as if he had not been subject to anyone, and dared to despise God as compared to himself, and to load him with reproaches. He rebukes that man’s pride and insolence: But I know thy sitting down. This is the cause of the fierceness of wicked men: they think that no one is above them and that they are not even subject to the providence of God. He shows that they can absolutely do nothing except insofar as he permits them.

By sitting down, and rising up, are here denoted deliberations, plans, and schemes. Wicked and irreligious men enter into various deliberations on how they may be able to oppress and destroy the people of God; but whatever direction they turn, and whichever way they pursue, they will accomplish nothing without the will of God.

The providence of God restrains them and drives them to and fro, so that frequently, contrary to their intention, they are conducted to a very good end, as God sees fit, to whom it uniquely belongs to direct the steps of men (Proverbs 16:9).

And thy indignation against me. He warns Sennacherib that he is well aware of his rage and declares that while wicked men storm on the earth, God preserves calm silence, and laughs at their madness.

And because Sennacherib was furious and thought that he would not be punished for it, the Prophet expressly adds this, so that believers may not think that this is new or unknown to God, or that he pays no attention to them.