Definition: Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 37:10. It's a really important and dramatic passage about peace and danger. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Israel is in trouble: The verse comes after Israel has been experiencing hardship and uncertainty for a while. They are worried about the future. Hezekiah's King is Concerned: The message is directed to Hezekiah, the king of Judah, who is worried about his people. A Warning from God: Isaiah, a prophet, is speaking to him with a serious warning. He’s telling Hezekiah not to trust in God and to be cautious. Don't Believe a False Promise: The key part of the verse is: “Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” What Does It Mean? “Thy God” : This refers to God. It’s not just any God; it's the God who has always been with Israel and has promised protection. “In whom thou trustest” : This means that Hezekiah is relying on God for strength and guidance. "Deceive thee" : This is crucial. It means to lie or mislead, to be tricked by something. “Saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria” : This is the danger . Hezekiah’s advisors are telling him that God will not allow Assyrian forces (a powerful and aggressive empire) to take Jerusalem – the heart of Israel – from him. They're suggesting that Assyria, a powerful nation in the East, might invade and seize it. The Overall Message: Isaiah is saying that Hezekiah needs to be very careful about believing what his advisors say. It’s possible that God has already sent messengers from Assyria, and they are attempting to deceive him into thinking that Jerusalem will be lost. It's a warning about the potential for deception and danger. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a time of great anxiety and uncertainty in Israel’s history. It's a reminder to trust God completely, even when things seem bleak or uncertain. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its significance within the larger context of biblical prophecy? Provide a little more historical background about the Assyrian Empire?