Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 37:4. It’s a really significant passage with some serious implications about faith and judgment. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s judgment against a nation that is being deliberately misled by a powerful enemy. It’s essentially saying God is watching and reacting to their actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “It may be the LORD thy God…” : This immediately establishes the focus on God as the central figure. The verse isn't about us specifically, but rather about the divine judgment against a nation. “…will hear the words of Rabshakeh…” : Rabshakeh is a powerful king in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). He’s known for being a shrewd and manipulative ruler who was sending spies to harass and shame God's people. “Hearing” his words means receiving confirmation of his actions. “…whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God…” : This is the core of the problem. The Assyrian Empire, led by King Assyria, is actively trying to undermine God’s presence and worship. They are sending spies to criticize and shame His people – essentially, they're trying to make God look bad. “…and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard…” : “Reprove” means to criticize or condemn. The Assyrians are criticizing the message God is delivering through His prophets. The verse suggests that God’s people have been given a clear warning – and they're being ignored. “…wherefore lift up [thy] prayer for the remnant that is left?” : This is the crucial part. It’s asking us to pray for those who are still faithful to God, even though he’s being wronged. It's a plea for their protection and hope. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse often translates as: "Because the LORD our God is listening to the words of Rabshakeh, who is sending his spies to shame God’s people, we should pray for those remaining who are faithful." Why is this important? It highlights a larger struggle: The verse speaks about a conflict between God and evil. It emphasizes faithfulness: It reminds us that even when things seem bleak or difficult, we must remain steadfast in our belief and loyalty to God. It calls for hope: The prayer is a plea for deliverance and protection – offering a glimmer of faith amidst a dangerous situation. In short, this verse is a powerful warning about the potential for opposition and a call to continue praying for those who remain faithful to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss its historical context (the ancient Persian Empire)?