Old Testament
Isaiah 37:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Hezekiah took the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.
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And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
What Isaiah 37:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Hezekiah receives a threatening letter from messengers sent by the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. Instead of reacting with fear or despair, Hezekiah chooses to bring the letter to the house of the LORD, which signifies his reliance on God for help. By spreading the letter out before the LORD, he is laying his concerns and fears before God, seeking divine intervention. This act demonstrates Hezekiah's faith and trust in God's power to protect and deliver his people from their enemies. It highlights the importance of turning to God in times of distress and seeking His guidance and support. Hezekiah's actions serve as a model for believers today, showing that when faced with challenges, we should bring our worries and fears to God, trusting in His ability to handle our situations.
How to apply Isaiah 37:14 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, like Hezekiah, we should bring our concerns to God in prayer. Spreading our worries before Him allows us to seek His guidance and strength. Trusting in God's power can help us face our fears with courage and faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: The LORD Defends Jerusalem (Isaiah 37:1–38)
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Isaiah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 37:14 mean?
Isaiah 37:14 describes King Hezekiah receiving a threatening letter from the Assyrian king, Sennacherib. Instead of panicking, Hezekiah brings the letter to the house of the LORD, showing his faith and reliance on God for help.
What is the significance of spreading the letter before the LORD in Isaiah 37:14?
Spreading the letter before the LORD symbolizes Hezekiah's act of laying his fears and concerns before God. It demonstrates his trust in God's ability to intervene and protect his people from their enemies.
What can we learn from Hezekiah's actions in Isaiah 37:14?
Hezekiah's actions teach us the importance of turning to God in times of distress. By bringing our worries to God in prayer, we can seek His guidance and strength to face our challenges.
How does Isaiah 37:14 relate to prayer?
Isaiah 37:14 illustrates the power of prayer as Hezekiah seeks God's help in a difficult situation. It encourages believers to bring their concerns to God, trusting in His divine intervention.
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