It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.

ISAIAH 37:4KJV
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Isaiah 37:4 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:4 mean?

Isaiah 37:4 expresses hope that the LORD (God of Israel) will hear and respond to the insulting words spoken by the Assyrian official Rabshakeh, who was sent by the king of Assyria to mock the living God. The verse urges prayer for the small group of Israelites who remain, asking God to defend His honor and help His people.

In this verse, King Hezekiah’s officials are speaking to the prophet Isaiah during a crisis: Jerusalem is under threat from the powerful Assyrian army. Rabshakeh, the Assyrian spokesman, has just delivered a message full of insults against God. The officials ask Isaiah to pray for the “remnant” — the survivors still left in Jerusalem — hoping that God will answer by rebuking the Assyrians and protecting His people.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:4

  • The word “reproach” (חָרַף, ḥārap̄) means to insult or taunt. Here, it highlights that Rabshakeh’s words are not just against Israel, but directly challenge the living God.
  • “Living” (חַי, ḥay) describes God as active and real, in contrast to the lifeless idols worshiped by other nations. This underlines the seriousness of the insult.
  • “Remnant” (שְׁאֵרִית, še’ērit) refers to those few Israelites who have survived the Assyrian attacks. The focus is on the small, vulnerable group still trusting God.
  • The verb “hear” (שָׁמַע, shāma‘) is often used not just for listening, but for God responding with action. The hope is that God will not ignore the insult, but will act to defend His name.

Why Isaiah 37:4 matters

  • This verse shows that the crisis is not just political or military, but spiritual — the honor of God Himself is at stake, not just the safety of Jerusalem.
  • The request for prayer highlights the importance of seeking God’s help in desperate times, especially when human strength is not enough.
  • Isaiah 37:4 connects to the larger story of God defending His people and His reputation, setting up the dramatic answer God will give later in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Rabshakeh” Hebrew H7262 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:17 And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
  • 2 Kings 18:37 Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

“reproach” Hebrew H2778 · used in 40 verses

  • Leviticus 19:20 And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.
  • 2 Kings 19:23 By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, and the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, and into the forest of his Carmel.
  • Psalms 89:51 Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.

“reprove” Hebrew H3198 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 20:16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.
  • Job 15:3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?
  • Proverbs 15:12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

“remnant” Hebrew H7611 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 45:7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
  • Jeremiah 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
  • Ezekiel 11:13 And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?