Isaiah 36-37                                                                     1 August 2000 

THE THREAT FROM ASSYRIA      Isaiah 36

1. Many major cities of Judah captured Isa 36:1

2. Jerusalem besieged Isa 36:2

3. Psychological warfare waged by Rabshakeh Isa 36:4-10, 12-20
a) Dismissive attitude (plans and power of Judah dismissed as "mere words") Isa     36:5
b) Disdaining attitude - towards allies of Judah (Egypt) Isa 36:6
c) Claiming of approval from God to capture Jerusalem Isa 36:10
d) Using of Hebrew language to address all the citizens in Jerusalem, not just the leaders Isa 36:12-20
e) Undermining of trust in Hezekiah Isa 36:14-16, 18
f) Offer of good treatment if Jerusalem surrenders Isa 36:16-17
g) Boasting of victories scored against enemy countries and their deities Isa 36:18-20

A GOOD DEFENCE AGAINST THREATS

1. A strong psychological mind that refuses to even engage in dialogue with the enemy Isa 36:21

2. Gathering of people to pray in the House of the Lord Isa 37:1-2

3. Special prayer support sought from Isaiah Isa 37:2-4

GOD'S ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS

1. God sends a word to encourage the hearts of those who seek Him in prayer Isa 37:5-7

2. God personally intervenes to protect His children Isa 37:8-9 (War with Lachish and Ethiopia)

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO THREATEN JERUSALEM 
Isaiah 37:9-20

2. Content of Letter
a) Blasphemous words against God - That God is deceiving them Isa 37:10
b) Belittling God Isa 37:11-13
c) Exaltation of Self (Assyrian kings) Isa 37:11-13

THE SAME DEFENCE - PRAYER TO GOD

1. Hezekiah's prayer to God to save and deliver Judah Isa 37:14-20
a) Glorious power of God acknowledged Isa 37:16
b) The threat of Sennacherib brought to God Isa 37:17-19
c) Appeal to God for deliverance Isa 37:20

2. God's answer is to send a word to encourage the heart Isa 37:21-22
a) Sennacherib rebuked for his insolence and blasphemy 
Isa 37:22-35
b) He will not be able to capture Jerusalem Isa 37:33-35

3. God personally intervenes:-
a) Destruction of the Assyrian troops sent to besiege Judah (185000 troops died) Isa 37:36-37
b) Assassination of Sennacherib by his own sons Isa 37:38