Victory Fellowship Bible Study
273 23rd St. S.W., Barberton, OH 44203
Wednesdays at 7pm - Roderick D. Grabski (330) 858-0223
WEBPAGE: victoryfellowshipministries.com
Session Sixteen: Proof of the Power of Prayer and Prophesy
1) GATHERING and OPENING PRAYER
2) READ / LISTEN to Isaiah 36:1 – 37:38
a) What are your initial impressions? Are there notable differences in various translations?
3) SOME HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
a) The events of Isaiah chapters 36-39 are almost word for word from the account in 2 Kings 18:13 – 20:19. A similar account is also found in 2 Chronicles 32:1-31.
b) See page for Judah after the Northern Kingdom Falls and for Sennacherib’s Advances
c) See page for Hezekiah’s Provisions
4) ASSYRIA ASSERTS AUTHORITY: (36:1-22)
a) (vv. 1-2) It is in the year 701 B.C. Rabshakeh is meeting Judah officials in the same place that Isaiah confronted Ahaz (7:3).
b) (vs. 3) To recall who these officials are, see Isaiah 22:15-25 (Lesson 11).
c) (vs. 4) In his disrespect and arrogant message from Sennacherib, Rabshakeh refuses to acknowledge Hezekiah as King of Judah.
d) (vv. 5-6) Hezekiah is ridiculed for his trust in Egypt as an ally.
e) (vs. 7) Sennacherib’s message reveals his pagan mindset. He ridicules Hezekiah for tearing down the pagan altars that Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, had built.
f) (vv. 8-9) An offer of 2000 horses are given with the taught that Judah doesn’t even have enough troops to mount a defense.
g) (vs. 10) Through his messenger, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib claims to have God’s blessing to destroy Judah. Why do you think he would claim that?
h) (vv. 11-20) Thus far Rabshakeh has been shouting in the Hebrew language. The officials ask them to speak in Aramaic. This only emboldens Rabshakeh to call out to those on the wall. What is his promise for surrender? What is his mistake about the Lord God?
i) (vv. 21-22) Why would they tear their clothes when they report to Hezekiah?
5) A RIGHTEOUS RULER REWARDED: (37:1-38)
a) (vv. 1-4) What did Hezekiah do in these verses that was the right thing to do?
b) (vv. 5-7) How does God respond to Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah?
c) (vv. 8-13) What is the message Sennacherib sent back to Hezekiah?
d) (vv. 20) Again, Hezekiah does the right thing. What is the heart of his prayer to Yahweh?
e) (vv. 21-29) Isaiah brings God’s message against Assyria to Hezekiah. Note God’s words.
f) (vv. 30-38) The Lord’s promise to Judah and Jerusalem.
6) APPLICATION:
a) Trust that God is with you, even in times of suffering. (Romans 8:16-18)
b) Ignore worldly promises that draw you away from God. (1st John 2:15)
c) Practice the power of prayer in your daily living. (James 5:16)
7) WRAP UP and CLOSE IN PRAYER
NEXT LESSON:
Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery - Read Isaiah 38:1 – 39:8 to prepare.
