Isaiah 37:3

Isaiah 37:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.

King James Version KJV

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

American Standard Version ASV

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of contumely; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they said to him, Hezekiah says, This day is a day of trouble and punishment and shame: for the children are ready to come to birth, but there is no strength to give birth to them.

Free Bible Version FBV

They told him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of trouble and of punishment. It's like when babies arrive at the entrance to the birth canal but there's no strength to deliver them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they sayd vnto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of tribulation and of rebuke and blasphemie: for the children are come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring foorth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they say unto him, 'Thus said Hezekiah, A day of distress, and rebuke, and despising, [is] this day; for come have sons unto the birth, and power there is not to bear.

World English Bible WEB

They said to him, “Hezekiah says, ‘Today is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of rejection; for the children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to give birth.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they said to him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they said to him: Thus saith Ezechias: This day is a day of tribulation, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Translation for Translators T4T

He said to them, “Tell this to Isaiah: ‘King Hezekiah says that this is a day when we are greatly distressed. Other nations are causing us to be insulted and disgraced. We are like [SIM] a woman who is about to give birth to a baby, but she does not have the strength that she needs to do it.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 37:3

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 37:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֗י/ו כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ יוֹם צָרָ֧ה וְ/תוֹכֵחָ֛ה וּ/נְאָצָ֖ה הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/זֶּ֑ה כִּ֣י בָ֤אוּ בָנִים֙ עַד מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר וְ/כֹ֥חַ אַ֖יִן לְ/לֵדָֽה

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 Hezekiah N-proper

יוֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

צָרָ֧ה tsârâh H6869 dearth N-fs

וְ/תוֹכֵחָ֛ה tôwkêchâh H8433 rebuke Conj | N-fs

וּ/נְאָצָ֖ה nᵉʼâtsâh H5007 contempt Conj | N-fs

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

בָ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בָנִים֙ bên H1121 son N-mp

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר mishbêr H4866 birth N-ms

וְ/כֹ֥חַ kôach H3581 reptile Conj | N-ms

אַ֖יִן ʼayin H369 nothing Part

לְ/לֵדָֽה yâlad H3205 to beget Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 37:3

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלָ֗י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

חִזְקִיָּ֔הוּ Chizqîyâh H2396 "Hezekiah" N-proper

Hezekiah was a king of Judah who served Jehovah and removed idolatrous practices. He was the son of Ahaz and Abijah, and a great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet. His name means Jehovah is my strength.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Zep.1.1; father of: Amariah (H0568O) § Hezekiah or Hizkiah or Hizkijah = "Jehovah is my strength" 1) 12th king of Judah, son of Ahaz and Abijah; a good king in that he served Jehovah and did away with idolatrous practices 2) great-great-grandfather of Zephaniah the prophet 3) son of Neariah, a descendant of David 4) head of a family of returning exiles in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: Hezekiah, Hizkiah, Hizkijah. Compare H3169 (יְחִזְקִיָּה). See also: 2 Kings 16:20; 2 Chronicles 31:20; Proverbs 25:1.

יוֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

צָרָ֧ה tsârâh H6869 "dearth" N-fs

A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.

Definition: death, destitution

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.

וְ/תוֹכֵחָ֛ה tôwkêchâh H8433 "rebuke" Conj | N-fs

This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.

Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.

וּ/נְאָצָ֖ה nᵉʼâtsâh H5007 "contempt" Conj | N-fs

Contempt or scorn refers to a strong feeling of disrespect, often directed at God or others. This word is used in the Bible to describe blasphemy, emphasizing the seriousness of such actions. In the book of Numbers, contempt is shown towards God's laws.

Definition: contempt, contumely Another spelling of ne.a.tsah (נֶאָצָה "contempt" H5007B)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: blasphemy. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Nehemiah 9:26; Isaiah 37:3.

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בָ֤אוּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

בָנִים֙ bên H1121 "son" N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

מַשְׁבֵּ֔ר mishbêr H4866 "birth" N-ms

This term refers to the womb or birth, describing the place where a baby is born. In the Bible, it is used to describe the miracle of childbirth. The KJV translates it as birth or breaking forth.

Definition: 1) place of breaking forth, place of breach, opening 1a) of womb

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: birth, breaking forth. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Isaiah 37:3; Hosea 13:13.

וְ/כֹ֥חַ kôach H3581 "reptile" Conj | N-ms

Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.

Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.

אַ֖יִן ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

לְ/לֵדָֽה yâlad H3205 "to beget" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.

Study Notes — Isaiah 37:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Isaiah 37:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 37:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 37:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 37:3
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 37:3
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 37:3
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 37:3
Sermons on Isaiah 37:3

Context — Isaiah’s Message of Deliverance

1On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. 2And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz

3to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.

4Perhaps the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to defy the living God, and He will rebuke him for the words that the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up a prayer for the remnant that still survives.” 5So the servants of King Hezekiah went to Isaiah,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 66:9	Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God.
2	Hosea 13:13	Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb.
3	Isaiah 26:17–18	As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD. We were with child; we writhed in pain; but we gave birth to wind. We have given no salvation to the earth, nor brought any life into the world.
4	2 Kings 19:3	to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.
5	Psalms 50:15	Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”
6	Isaiah 33:2	O LORD, be gracious to us! We wait for You. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble.
7	2 Chronicles 15:4	But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.
8	Psalms 91:15	When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
9	Revelation 3:19	Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
10	Psalms 95:8	do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness,

Isaiah 37:3 Summary

Isaiah 37:3 describes a desperate situation where King Hezekiah is facing a great crisis and feels overwhelmed. He acknowledges that it's a day of trouble and shame, and that he needs God's help to deliver him, much like a woman in labor who needs strength to give birth (as seen in 2 Kings 19:3). Hezekiah's response teaches us to humble ourselves, seek God's guidance, and pray for His intervention in times of trouble, as encouraged in Psalm 50:15. By trusting in God's power and love, we can find strength and hope even in the most difficult situations, and remember that God is our rock and refuge (Psalm 18:2).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the phrase 'day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace' mean in Isaiah 37:3?

This phrase indicates a time of great trouble and shame, where God's people are being reproached and punished, as seen in Isaiah 37:3, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 28:15 and Jeremiah 30:15.

What is the meaning of 'children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them'?

This metaphor, found in Isaiah 37:3, describes a desperate situation where God's people are on the verge of a breakthrough or deliverance, but lack the strength or resources to achieve it, much like a woman in labor who is too weak to give birth, as mentioned in 2 Kings 19:3.

Why does Hezekiah send his officials to Isaiah in Isaiah 37:3?

Hezekiah sends his officials to Isaiah to seek the prophet's guidance and prayer, because he recognizes the severity of the situation and the need for divine intervention, as seen in Isaiah 37:4 and 2 Kings 19:4.

What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to crisis in Isaiah 37:3?

Hezekiah's response teaches us the importance of humility, seeking God's guidance, and praying for His intervention in times of crisis, as encouraged in Psalm 50:15 and Jeremiah 33:3.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond to times of distress and trouble in my own life, and what can I learn from Hezekiah's example in Isaiah 37:3?
In what ways can I, like Hezekiah, acknowledge my own weaknesses and limitations, and seek God's strength and deliverance?
What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am 'in labor' but lack the strength to 'give birth' to something new, and how can I trust God to provide the necessary strength?
How can I, like Hezekiah, prioritize seeking God's guidance and prayer in times of crisis, and what role can the community of believers play in supporting me?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him,.... The messengers to the prophet: thus saith Hezekiah; this is the message he has sent us with; this is what he would have us lay before thee, and has given us in charge to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 37:3

And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 37:3

(3) The children are come to the birth.—The bold language of the text stands where we should use an adjective of which we half forget the meaning. Things had come to such a pass that all plans and counsels were literally abortive. (Comp. Isaiah 26:17-18, and Hosea 13:13 for a like simile.)

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 37:3

3. a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy] Rather, of distress and chastisement and rejection. The word for “blasphemy” (Nehemiah 9:18; Nehemiah 9:26; Ezekiel 35:12) is differently pointed from that here used, which occurs only here and in 2 Kings 19:3. The sense “rejection” suits the context better; the king speaks of the “distress” as a Divine dispensation. the children are come to the birth …] Obviously a proverbial expression for a crisis which becomes dangerous through lack of strength to meet it (cf. ch. Isaiah 66:9; Hosea 13:13).

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 37:3

This is a day of rebuke - This may refer either to the reproaches of Rabsbakeh, or more probably to the fact that Hezekiah regarded the Lord as rebuking his people for their sins.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 37:3

2, 3. He sent Eliakim… Shebna — Two of the previous commissioners, together with the elders of the priests, or heads of Levitical families, unto Isaiah, whose sacred teaching, as a great prophet in

Sermons on Isaiah 37:3

	Sermon	Description
	Prevailing Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of evangelism in Africa and Scotland, where they would spend several weeks before making any invitations to allow people to be con
	True Gospel - Pt6 - Acceptance in the Beloved by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on his journey with God. He talks about how he initially approached serving God with a strong work ethic, bu
	Humility by Andrew Murray	The preacher delves into the concept of 'irrevocable' in the Bible, emphasizing that God's gifts and callings are unchangeable and incapable of being taken back. This means that Go
	Letter 134. by James Bourne	James Bourne emphasizes the importance of pastors being spiritually vigilant and diligent in their ministry, ensuring their message comes directly from the Lord to avoid worldly di
	November 10. 1678. the Wilderness. by Jane Lead	Jane Lead preaches about the imminent return of the Redeemer, likening it to a woman in labor about to give birth to something glorious. Despite the chaos and noise of the world, b
	Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala	This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl
	Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes