Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,

ISAIAH 37:18KJV
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Isaiah 37:18 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:18 mean?

Isaiah 37:18 acknowledges that it is true—the kings of Assyria have destroyed many nations and their lands. The verse is an honest admission of Assyria’s real power and the devastation it has caused up to this point.

In this passage, King Hezekiah of Judah is praying to the LORD (God) after receiving a threatening message from the Assyrian king. Hezekiah does not deny the Assyrians’ military success; instead, he openly recognizes the reality of their conquests as he brings his fears and concerns before God. This sets the stage for Hezekiah’s request for help, showing both humility and realism in his prayer.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:18

  • "truth" (אֱמֶת, emet): This word means "truth" or "reality." Hezekiah is not exaggerating or in denial; he is honestly facing the facts.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for the God of Israel, emphasizing that Hezekiah is addressing the covenant God, not just any deity.
  • "waste" (חָרַב, charav): This word means "to lay waste" or "to destroy." It highlights the thoroughness of the destruction caused by the Assyrians.
  • "nations" and "countries" (אֶרֶץ, erets): Both words here are the same in Hebrew, meaning "land" or "earth." The repetition stresses the widespread nature of the Assyrian conquest.

Why Isaiah 37:18 matters

  • Isaiah 37:18 clears up any idea that Hezekiah was ignoring the real threat; he fully admits the power and success of Assyria, which makes his faith in God’s help more striking.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith does not mean denying reality; Hezekiah’s prayer is grounded in honesty about the situation.
  • This admission sets up the contrast between human power (Assyria) and divine power (the LORD), which is a key theme in the surrounding story.

Where else these words appear

“truth” Hebrew H551 · used in 9 verses

  • Ruth 3:12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
  • Job 9:2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
  • Job 19:5 If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:

“waste” Hebrew H2717 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.
  • Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
  • Jeremiah 51:36 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

“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.