Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.

ISAIAH 37:10KJV
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Isaiah 37:10 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:10 mean?

Isaiah 37:10 records a message sent to King Hezekiah of Judah, warning him not to trust that his God will save Jerusalem from being captured by the king of Assyria. The verse shows the Assyrian attempt to undermine Hezekiah’s faith and confidence in God’s protection.

The verse comes as part of a letter from the Assyrian king, delivered through messengers during a siege. The Assyrians are taunting Hezekiah, suggesting that his trust (the Hebrew word בָּטַח, batach) in God is misplaced and that Jerusalem will inevitably fall. This is a moment of psychological warfare, as the Assyrians try to weaken the resolve of both the king and his people by casting doubt on God’s promises.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:10

  • בָּטַח (batach, “trustest”): This word means to place confidence or security in someone or something. The Assyrian message specifically targets Hezekiah’s reliance on God, not just his military strength.
  • נָשָׁא (nasha, “deceive”): This word often means to lead astray or cause to be mistaken. The Assyrians are accusing God of misleading Hezekiah, which is a bold and provocative claim in the context of ancient faith.

Why Isaiah 37:10 matters

  • The verse highlights the psychological tactics used by the Assyrians, showing that their strategy was not only military but also aimed at breaking the spirit and faith of their enemies.
  • Isaiah 37:10 connects directly to the larger narrative of trust in God versus trust in human power, a central theme throughout Isaiah and the story of Hezekiah’s reign.
  • The verse clarifies that the conflict is not just political or military, but also spiritual, as it challenges the very foundation of Hezekiah’s leadership and the people’s faith in God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“deceive” Hebrew H5377 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 3:13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
  • Psalms 55:15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.
  • Jeremiah 29:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

“Hezekiah” Hebrew H2396 · used in 78 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Kings 20:3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
  • 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.

“trustest” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Isaiah 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

“Assyria” Hebrew H804 · used in 138 verses

  • Genesis 2:14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.
  • 2 Kings 20:6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
  • Isaiah 36:8 Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them.