And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.

ISAIAH 37:14KJV
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Isaiah 37:14 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:14 mean?

Isaiah 37:14 describes how King Hezekiah, after receiving a threatening letter from enemy messengers, took the letter into the temple and laid it out before the LORD. This action shows Hezekiah turning directly to God with his problem, seeking help in a moment of great distress.

The verse takes place during a crisis: Jerusalem is under threat from the Assyrian king Sennacherib. Hezekiah, the king of Judah, has just received a message demanding surrender. Instead of responding politically or militarily, Hezekiah goes into the house of the LORD (the temple) and physically spreads out the letter, symbolizing his dependence on God and his desire for God to see and respond to the threat.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:14

  • "Spread" (פָּרַשׂ, pāraš): This word means to spread out, stretch, or display. Hezekiah’s act of physically spreading the letter before the LORD is a vivid gesture, showing openness and a plea for divine attention.
  • "Before" (לִפְנֵי, lifnē): This word means "in the presence of" or "before." Hezekiah is not just reading the letter privately; he is deliberately placing it before God, as if presenting the problem directly to Him.

Why Isaiah 37:14 matters

  • The verse highlights Hezekiah’s faith and humility, showing that he does not rely on his own strength but brings his fears honestly before God.
  • This moment sets the stage for the dramatic answer God gives later in the chapter, making it a turning point in the story.
  • The physical act of spreading the letter before God is a powerful image of prayer and trust, emphasizing that God is involved in the real, practical concerns of His people.

Where else these words appear

“spread” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 8:15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
  • Isaiah 25:11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.

“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.