Definition: [Beware] lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 36:18. It's a really dramatic and important passage about a powerful encounter between God and King Hezekiah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Hezekiah is Asking: King Hezekiah, the ruler of Judah, is asking God to protect them from Assyria. He's worried about being attacked. God’s Response – A Warning: God responds with a clear warning to Hezekiah: "Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you..." This isn’t just a casual suggestion; it’s a serious alert. Hezekiah's Argument: Then, Hezekiah makes this argument: “The LORD will deliver us.” He’s suggesting that God will save them. The Shocking Revelation: The verse continues with a startling revelation: “Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?” What it Means – A Deeper Look: This verse is about divine protection and challenging power. Here’s what it suggests: The Threat from Assyria: Assyria was a powerful, militaristic empire that ruled over vast territories in the Near East. They were known for their brutal conquests and military might. God's Perspective: The verse highlights God's perspective – He is actively intervening to protect His people against Assyrian aggression. The Question of Divine Intervention: It’s a question of whether any other gods (like those of the nations around them) could have saved them. It implies that Assyria was seen as a formidable and potentially dangerous threat. Symbolic Meaning & Context: Isaiah's Role: Isaiah is a prophet who wrote this passage during a time when Assyria was expanding its power. He was warning people about the dangers of this growing empire. God’s Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty – His control and protection over humanity. In short, it’s a story about divine intervention, a challenge to a king’s confidence, and a reminder that God is always watching over his people. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example: We could delve deeper into the symbolism of the Assyrian Empire? I can give you some historical context around the time this passage was written?