New International VersionNow Sennacherib received a report that Tirhakah, the king of Cush, was marching out to fight against him. When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah with this word:
New Living TranslationSoon afterward King Sennacherib received word that King Tirhakah of Ethiopia was leading an army to fight against him. Before leaving to meet the attack, he sent messengers back to Hezekiah in Jerusalem with this message:
English Standard VersionNow the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, “He has set out to fight against you.” And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Berean Standard BibleNow Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
King James BibleAnd he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
New King James VersionAnd the king heard concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “He has come out to make war with you.” So when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
New American Standard BibleNow he heard them say regarding Tirhakah king of Cush, “He has come out to fight against you,” and when he heard it he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
NASB 1995When he heard them say concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, “He has come out to fight against you,” and when he heard it he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
NASB 1977When he heard them say concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, “He has come out to fight against you,” and when he heard it he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Legacy Standard BibleThen he heard them say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “He has come out to fight against you.” So he heard it and sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Amplified BibleAnd Sennacherib king of Assyria, heard them say concerning Tirhakah king of Cush (Ethiopia), “He has come out to fight against you.” And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Christian Standard BibleThe king had heard concerning King Tirhakah of Cush, “He has set out to fight against you.” So when he heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe king had heard this about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” So when he heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, “
American Standard VersionAnd he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come out to fight against thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Contemporary English VersionAbout this same time, the king of Assyria learned that King Tirhakah of Ethiopia was on his way to attack him. Then the king of Assyria sent some messengers with this note for Hezekiah:
English Revised VersionAnd he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come out to fight against thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
GOD'S WORD® TranslationNow, Sennacherib heard that King Tirhakah of Sudan was coming to fight him. When he heard this, he again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Good News TranslationWord reached the Assyrians that the Egyptian army, led by King Tirhakah of Ethiopia, was coming to attack them. When the emperor heard this, he sent a letter to King Hezekiah
International Standard VersionNow King Sennacherib had received this report concerning King Tirhakah of Cush: "He has marched out to fight against you." When he heard it, he returned and sent messengers to Hezekiah:
NET BibleThe king heard that King Tirhakah of Ethiopia was marching out to fight him. He again sent messengers to Hezekiah, ordering them:
New Heart English BibleHe heard news concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, "He has come out to fight against you." When he heard it, he returned and sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he heard it said concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
World English BibleHe heard news concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “He has come out to fight against you.” When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he hears concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, saying, “He has come out to fight with you”; and he hears, and sends messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Young's Literal Translation And he heareth concerning Tirhakah king of Cush, saying, 'He hath come out to fight with thee;' and he heareth, and sendeth messengers unto Hezekiah, saying,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he heard concerning Tirhakah, king of Cush, saying, He came forth to war with thee. And he will hear, and send messengers to Hezekiah, saying, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he heard say about Tharaca the king of Ethiopia: He is come forth to fight against thee. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Ezechias, saying:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he heard from Tirhakah, the king of Ethiopia: “He has gone forth so that he may fight against you.” And when he had heard this, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying:
New American BibleThe king of Assyria heard a report: “Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia, has come out to fight against you.” Again he sent messengers to Hezekiah to say:
New Revised Standard VersionNow the king heard concerning King Tirhakah of Ethiopia, “He has set out to fight against you.” When he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He has come forth to fight with you. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he heard about Tarkhaq, King of KushEthiopia and went out to fight with him, and he heard, and he sent Messengers to Hezekiah OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia: 'He is come out to fight against thee.' And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying:
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Tharaca king of the Ethiopians went forth to attack him. And when he heard it, he turned aside, and sent messengers to Ezekias, saying,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Sennacherib's Blasphemous Letter8When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah. 9Now Sennacherib had been warnedaboutTirhakahkingof Cush:“He has set outto fightagainst you.”On hearing this,Sennacherib sentmessengerstoHezekiah,saying,10“Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.…
Cross References 2 Kings 19:9Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
2 Chronicles 32:21and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword.
Isaiah 36:1In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah.
Isaiah 10:5-19Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. / But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. ...
Isaiah 31:8-9“Then Assyria will fall, but not by the sword of man; a sword will devour them, but not one made by mortals. They will flee before the sword, and their young men will be put to forced labor. / Their rock will pass away for fear, and their princes will panic at the sight of the battle standard,” declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 30:31-33For Assyria will be shattered at the voice of the LORD; He will strike them with His scepter. / And with every stroke of the rod of punishment that the LORD brings down on them, the tambourines and lyres will sound as He battles with weapons brandished. / For Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its funeral pyre is deep and wide, with plenty of fire and wood. The breath of the LORD, like a torrent of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze.
Isaiah 14:24-27The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. / I will break Assyria in My land; I will trample him on My mountain. His yoke will be taken off My people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” / This is the plan devised for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out over all the nations. ...
Isaiah 8:9-10Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! / Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”
Isaiah 7:7-9But this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘It will not arise; it will not happen. / For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be shattered as a people. / The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.’”
Jeremiah 37:5-10Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. / Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: / “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. ...
Nahum 1:11-14From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness. / This is what the LORD says: “Though they are allied and numerous, yet they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no longer. / For I will now break their yoke from your neck and tear away your shackles.” ...
Matthew 24:6-7You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Mark 13:7-8When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. / Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.
Luke 21:9-10When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” / Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
Revelation 19:19-21Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies assembled to wage war against the One seated on the horse, and against His army. / But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. / And the rest were killed with the sword that proceeded from the mouth of the One seated on the horse. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Treasury of Scripture And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with you. And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, he heard 1 Samuel 23:27,28 But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land… Ethiopia. Genesis 2:13 And the name of the second riveris Gihon: the sameis it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. 2 Kings 17:30 And the men of Babylon made Succothbenoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, 2 Kings 17:25 Andso it was at the beginning of their dwelling there,that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slewsome of them. Jump to Previous AttackCushCushiteEgyptEthiopiaFightForthHeardHearethHezekiahHezeki'ahMarchingMessengersNewsReceivedRepresentativesSennacheribTirhakahTirha'kahWarWordJump to Next AttackCushCushiteEgyptEthiopiaFightForthHeardHearethHezekiahHezeki'ahMarchingMessengersNewsReceivedRepresentativesSennacheribTirhakahTirha'kahWarWordIsaiah 37 1.Hezekiah mourning, sends to Isaiah to pray for them6.Isaiah comforts them8.Sennacherib, going to encounter Tirhakah, sends a blasphemous letter to Hezekiah14.Hezekiah's prayer21.Isaiah's prophecy of the destruction of Sennacherib, and the good of Zion36.An angel slays the Assyrians37.Sennacherib is slain at Nineveh by his own sons.Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush:Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for his military campaigns. Tirhakah, the king of Cush (modern-day Sudan and parts of Egypt), was a significant figure in the 25th Dynasty of Egypt. This mention indicates the geopolitical tensions of the time, as Cush was a powerful kingdom. The warning suggests a strategic threat to Sennacherib, highlighting the complex alliances and enmities in the region. This context underscores the historical reality of the biblical narrative, where empires often clashed for dominance. “He has set out to fight against you.”
This phrase indicates an imminent military confrontation. The movement of Tirhakah's forces against Sennacherib suggests a coalition against Assyrian expansion. Historically, such coalitions were common as smaller states and kingdoms sought to resist the overwhelming power of empires like Assyria. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using various nations to fulfill His purposes, often involving judgment or deliverance. On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,
Sennacherib's response to the threat from Tirhakah was to send messengers to Hezekiah, king of Judah. This action reveals Sennacherib's strategic approach, attempting to secure his position by addressing potential threats on multiple fronts. Hezekiah, a king noted for his faithfulness to God, was under pressure from Assyria. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for God's intervention on behalf of Judah. The sending of messengers is a common diplomatic practice in ancient times, reflecting the importance of communication in warfare and politics. This also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God defending His people against overwhelming odds, as seen in other scriptures like2 Kings 19 and2 Chronicles 32. Persons / Places / Events 1. SennacheribThe king of Assyria, known for his military campaigns and attempts to conquer Jerusalem. His pride and defiance against God are central themes in this account. 2. TirhakahThe king of Cush (modern-day Sudan and parts of Egypt), who was advancing to engage Sennacherib in battle. His movement is a pivotal event that influences Sennacherib's actions. 3. HezekiahThe king of Judah, known for his faithfulness to God and his efforts to reform the religious practices of his people. He is a central figure in the account, representing reliance on God. 4. CushA region in Africa, south of Egypt, known for its powerful kingdom during this period. The mention of Tirhakah, king of Cush, highlights the geopolitical dynamics of the time. 5. AssyriaA dominant empire during this period, known for its military prowess and expansionist policies. Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is part of Assyria's broader strategy of conquest. Teaching Points Trust in God's SovereigntyHezekiah's response to the Assyrian threat exemplifies a deep trust in God's sovereignty. In times of crisis, believers are encouraged to rely on God's power and wisdom rather than their own understanding. The Futility of Human PrideSennacherib's arrogance and defiance against God serve as a warning against pride. Scripture consistently teaches that human pride leads to downfall, while humility before God brings blessing. God's Protection and DeliveranceThe account highlights God's ability to protect and deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable threats. Believers can find assurance in God's faithfulness and His promises of deliverance. The Role of Prayer in CrisisHezekiah's prayerful response to the Assyrian threat underscores the importance of seeking God in times of trouble. Prayer is a powerful tool for believers to align their hearts with God's will and seek His intervention. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 37:9?
2.How does Isaiah 37:9 demonstrate God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and nations?
3.What can we learn from Hezekiah's response to threats in Isaiah 37:9?
4.How does Isaiah 37:9 connect with God's promises in earlier chapters of Isaiah?
5.How should believers today respond to challenges, inspired by Isaiah 37:9?
6.What role does faith play in facing adversities, as seen in Isaiah 37:9?
7.How does Isaiah 37:9 fit into the historical context of Assyrian threats to Judah?
8.What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Isaiah 37:9?
9.How does Isaiah 37:9 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 37?
11.Why does Isaiah 37:9 mention Tirhakah, king of Cush, if some historians question the timing of his reign during Sennacherib’s campaign?
12.If Hezekiah's faith in Isaiah 37 supposedly led to Jerusalem's deliverance, how does this align with other biblical passages where faith did not prevent disasters for Israel?
13.How does the promise of safety in Isaiah 33:16 align with observable instances of righteous people facing disaster historically?
14.In Isaiah 37:30-32, how can a devastated Judah produce such an abundant harvest within a single season after the Assyrian siege?What Does Isaiah 37:9 Mean Now Sennacherib had been warned• The Assyrian king is in the midst of besieging Jerusalem (Isaiah 36:1;2 Kings 18:13). • This “warning” is the exact “rumor” God promised Sennacherib would hear (Isaiah 37:7;2 Kings 19:7). • God’s sovereignty surfaces: even pagan intelligence reports fulfill divine prophecy (Proverbs 21:30).
about Tirhakah king of Cush• Tirhakah (also spelled Taharqa) rules Cush/Egypt’s 25th Dynasty, a formidable southern power (Isaiah 20:4;2 Kings 19:9). • Assyria often battled Egypt, so the news signals a real threat to Sennacherib’s rear flank. • Though Judah had been tempted to trust Egypt (Isaiah 30:2), God uses Egypt without Judah compromising faith—He alone is Deliverer (Isaiah 31:1).
“He has set out to fight against you.”• The report confirms Tirhakah’s armies are marching, forcing Sennacherib to weigh a multi-front war. • Fulfillment continues: the LORD stirs conflict to draw Assyria away (Isaiah 37:7;Isaiah 10:5-7). • Human power proves fragile—one rumor can unravel imperial plans (Psalm 33:10-11).
On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying• Instead of retreating, Sennacherib doubles down on intimidation, sending letters that blaspheme God (Isaiah 37:10-13;2 Chronicles 32:16-17). • His tactic reveals fear masked as bravado; pride keeps him from acknowledging the LORD (Isaiah 37:23-24). • Hezekiah responds with prayer, placing the letter before God in the temple (Isaiah 37:14-15), illustrating how adversity should drive believers to seek the LORD.
summaryIsaiah 37:9 marks the turning point in the siege of Jerusalem. God causes Sennacherib to hear a strategically timed report about Tirhakah, fulfilling prophecy and exposing the limits of earthly might. The verse reassures believers that the LORD orchestrates global events for His purposes, can upend the plans of the proud with a single rumor, and invites His people to trust Him rather than human alliances. (9) Tirhakah.--The third of the twenty-fifth, or Ethiopian dynasty of kings, So, or Sabaco, with whom Hoshea, the last king of Israel, allied himself, being the first ( 2Kings 17:4). He is described in Assurbanipal's inscriptions ( Records of the Past,i. 60) as king of Mizr and Cush-- i.e., Egypt and Ethiopia. The policy of Hezekiah's counsellors had led them to court his alliance, as in Isaiah 30, 31. Now, however, the Egyptian army was at least mobilised. "Rahab" was no longer "sitting still" ( Isaiah 30:7). When he heard it.--The message is in substance a repetition of its predecessors, more defiant, perhaps, as if in answer to the threatened attack of Tirhakah's armies, which Sennacherib could scarcely fail to connect with Hezekiah's confident hope of deliverance. Verse 9. - Tirhakah, King of Ethopia. Tirhakah is among the most famous of the monarchs belonging to this period. The Greeks called him "Tearchon," the Assyrians "Tarku" or "Tarqu." His name, as represented on his own monuments, is "Tahark" or "Tahrak." According to the Egyptian remains, he had a reign of at least twenty-six years in Egypt - from B.C. 693 to B.C. 667. He would seem, however, to have been King of Ethiopia, and lord paramount of the lower valley of the Nile, from about B.C. 700, Shabatok for some years ruling Egypt, or a portion of it, as his deputy (Rawlinson, 'Hist. of Ancient Egypt,' vol. 2. p. 450). Hezekiah's negotiations had, it is probable, been with Tirhakah (ch. 19:13; 20:5; 30:1-6). This monarch, having engaged to help him, now put his forces in motion, and began to descend the Nile valley to his relief. His movement rather provoked than alarmed Sennacherib, who, having defeated one Egyptian army in B.C. 701 ('Eponym Canon,' pp. 133, 134), was confident of success against another. He sent messengers. It is not very clear what advantage Sennacherib expected from this second embassy. He had no fresh argument to bring forward, unless it were a suggestion that Hezekiah's God was endeavouring to deceive him. In the main, vers. 10-13 are a mere expansion of Isaiah 36:18-20.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Now Sennacherib had been warnedוַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyaboutעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstTirhakahתִּרְהָ֤קָה(tir·hā·qāh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8640:Tirhakah -- a king of Egyptkingמֶֽלֶךְ־(me·leḵ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428:A kingof Cush:כּוּשׁ֙(kūš)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3568:A son of Ham, also his descendants, also a land in the southern Nile Valley“He has set outיָצָ֖א(yā·ṣā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximto fightלְהִלָּחֵ֣ם(lə·hil·lā·ḥêm)Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3898:To feed on, to consume, to battleagainst you.”אִתָּ֑ךְ(’it·tāḵ)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854:Nearness, near, with, by, at, amongOn hearing this,וַיִּשְׁמַע֙(way·yiš·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlySennacherib sentוַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח(way·yiš·laḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outmessengersמַלְאָכִ֔ים(mal·’ā·ḵîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4397:A messenger, of God, an angeltoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toHezekiahחִזְקִיָּ֖הוּ(ḥiz·qî·yā·hū)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2396:Hezekiah -- 'Yah has strengthened', a king of Judah, also several other Israeliteswith the order:לֵאמֹֽר׃(lê·mōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559:To utter, say
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 37:9 He heard news concerning Tirhakah king (Isa Isi Is) |
