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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 37 - Verse 17

37:17
Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is calling out to the LORD, asking for His attention and intervention in a situation where Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, is trying to taunt and dishonor the living God. By asking the LORD to incline His ear and hear, the speaker is pleading for God to pay attention to the words of Sennacherib and take action against his blasphemy. The speaker is acknowledging God's power and sovereignty, asking Him to open His eyes to see what is happening and to hear every word spoken against Him. This verse demonstrates a deep faith in God's ability to protect and defend His people, even in the face of insults and threats from powerful enemies. It is a reminder to trust in God's righteousness and justice, knowing that He sees and hears all things, and will ultimately vindicate His name.

Theological Overview

When the prophet Isaiah uttered these words in 2 Kings 19:16, he was pleading with God to listen and see the threats and insults made by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. The use of the word "incline" signifies a humble request for God to pay attention to the situation at hand. The act of inclining the ear was seen as a sign of attentiveness and willingness to hear. As for the phrase "open thine eyes," it conveys a sense of urgency for God to be aware of what was happening. This verse reflects the deep faith Isaiah had in God's power and ability to protect His people. By asking God to hear and see, Isaiah was acknowledging God's omniscience and omnipresence. The mention of "Sennacherib" serves as a reminder of the enemy's threats against God's people, and by asking God to hear those words, Isaiah was entrusting the situation into God's hands, knowing that He would ultimately defend His people and uphold His name. This verse showcases the importance of trust and reliance on God in the face of adversity.

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