Isaiah 36:15
Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us: this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Isaiah 36:15 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, the speaker warns against blindly trusting in the Lord's deliverance. Hezekiah, the king of Jerusalem at the time, is cautioned against falsely reassuring the people that the city will not fall into the hands of the Assyrian king. This caution serves as a reminder that faith in God should be genuine and rooted in trust, not in presumptuous declarations of divine protection. It highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in interpreting and applying God's promises. By heeding this warning, Hezekiah and the people are encouraged to seek God's guidance and protection through prayer, obedience, and faith, rather than relying solely on the assurance of deliverance. This verse encourages believers to maintain a balanced perspective on faith, understanding that while God is faithful to His promises, He also calls for obedience, trust, and discernment in our relationship with Him.
Theological Overview
Hezekiah's story in 2 Kings 18-19 provides valuable insight into the theological interpretation of the verse. Hezekiah was a king of Judah who faced a significant threat from the powerful Assyrian empire. In this particular verse, the Assyrians were taunting the people of Judah, trying to undermine Hezekiah's leadership and faith in the Lord. The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the importance of trusting in God's deliverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The word "trust" in this context carries the connotation of placing one's confidence and reliance on the Lord despite the circumstances. The word study reveals that the act of trust is not passive, but rather an active decision to believe in God's promise of protection and deliverance. Through Hezekiah's story, we learn the significance of unwavering faith in God, even when the odds are stacked against us.
Isaiah 36:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
neither let Hezekiah make you trust in Jehovah, saying, Jehovah will surely deliver us; this city shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
World English Bible
Don’t let Hezekiah make you trust in Yahweh, saying, “Yahweh will surely deliver us. This city won’t be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.”’
Douay-Rheims
And let not Ezechias make you trust in the Lord, saying: The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be given into the hands of the king of the Assyrians.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Neither let Hezekiah make you to trust in the Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliuer vs: this citie shall not be giuen ouer into the hand of the King of Asshur.