So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah.

ISAIAH 37:5KJV
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Isaiah 37:5 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:5 mean?

Isaiah 37:5 describes how the servants of King Hezekiah went to the prophet Isaiah. This verse shows the moment when Hezekiah’s officials, sent by the king, arrive to seek Isaiah’s counsel during a national crisis.

The setting is Jerusalem under threat from the Assyrian army. King Hezekiah, facing a dire situation, sends his trusted servants to Isaiah for guidance. The verse marks a turning point where the king turns to God’s prophet for help, showing the seriousness of the crisis and Hezekiah’s reliance on spiritual leadership.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:5

  • "servants" (עֲבָדִים, ʿavadim): This word refers to officials or attendants, not just lowly servants. In this context, it highlights that Hezekiah sent important representatives, showing the urgency and respect for Isaiah.
  • "came" (בּוֹא, bo): This verb simply means to come or arrive, but here it signals the official approach to Isaiah, marking the start of an important conversation in the story.

Why Isaiah 37:5 matters

  • This verse sets the stage for Isaiah’s prophetic response, which becomes a turning point in the story of Jerusalem’s deliverance.
  • It emphasizes Hezekiah’s humility and willingness to seek God’s guidance through His prophet, rather than relying solely on political or military solutions.
  • The verse connects Hezekiah’s leadership with faith in God, showing that even a king recognizes the need for spiritual direction in times of crisis.

Where else these words appear

“Isaiah” Hebrew H3470 · used in 39 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
  • 2 Kings 20:19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?
  • Isaiah 7:3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;

“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.