Old Testament

Isaiah 37:17

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Isaiah 37:17, the speaker is urgently calling on God to pay attention to their plight.

Author: Isaiah the prophet
Written: Around 700 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Judah and the surrounding nations

CBTClear Bible Translation

Turn your ear toward me, LORD, and listen. Open your eyes, LORD, and see. Hear every word Sennacherib has sent to mock the living God.

KJVKing James Version

Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Isaiah 37:17, the speaker is urgently calling on God to pay attention to their plight. They are asking God to listen and see the threats made by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, who is mocking God and His people. This verse reflects a deep sense of desperation and faith, as the speaker believes that God can intervene in their situation. The plea emphasizes the importance of divine attention in times of crisis, highlighting the relationship between God and His people. The speaker is not just asking for help; they are also reminding God of the seriousness of the situation and the blasphemy being directed at Him. This moment captures the tension between human fear and divine sovereignty, illustrating the need for believers to seek God earnestly in their struggles, trusting that He hears and sees their circumstances. Explore related prayer.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Isaiah 37:17 to your life

When facing challenges or mockery for your faith, remember to turn to God in prayer. Like the speaker in Isaiah, express your concerns and trust that God hears you. This encourages a deeper relationship with Him during difficult times.

Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Isaiah 37:17 mean?

Isaiah 37:17 expresses a plea to God for attention and intervention in the face of threats from Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. The speaker is asking God to listen and see the mockery directed at Him, highlighting a deep sense of desperation and faith.

What is the significance of the phrase 'mock the living God' in Isaiah 37:17?

The phrase 'mock the living God' signifies the serious nature of Sennacherib's threats, as they not only challenge God's power but also insult His character. This highlights the urgency of the speaker's plea for God to respond to such blasphemy.

How can I apply Isaiah 37:17 to my life?

You can apply Isaiah 37:17 by turning to God in prayer when facing challenges or mockery for your faith. Like the speaker, express your concerns and trust that God hears you, which can strengthen your relationship with Him.

What themes are present in Isaiah 37:17?

Key themes in Isaiah 37:17 include prayer, divine attention, faith in crisis, and the mockery of God. The verse captures the urgency of seeking God's help and the tension between human fear and divine sovereignty.

Book Summary

The Book of Isaiah

Isaiah 41: Fear Not, I Am With You

The LORD calls the nations to keep silence before him and to renew their strength. He asks who raises up the righteous man from the east and gives nations before him, making him rule over kings. He says he gives them as dust to his sword and as driven stubble to his bow, and he declares he is the first and with the last.

The isles see and fear, and the ends of the earth draw near. Craftsmen encourage one another and strengthen idols with nails so they do not move. The LORD then speaks directly to Israel, calling him his servant, the seed of Abraham his friend. He tells Israel not to fear, for he is with him, and says he strengthens, helps, and upholds him with the right hand of his righteousness. He promises those who contend with Israel are as nothing, makes Israel a new sharp threshing instrument that threshes mountains, and answers the poor and needy by making rivers in high places and fountains in valleys. Isaiah 42: Behold My Servant The LORD presents his servant, whom he upholds and in whom his soul delights. He says he puts his spirit upon him and that he brings forth judgment to the Gentiles, not crying or lifting up his voice in the streets, and not breaking a bruised reed. The LORD says he calls him in righteousness, holds his hand, keeps him, and gives him for a covenant of the people and a light of the Gentiles. The LORD declares his glory he does not give to another nor his praise to graven images. He speaks of new things before they spring forth and calls for a new song from the ends of the earth. The chapter describes the LORD going forth as a mighty man and crying out against his enemies. It describes a people robbed and spoiled, snared in holes, yet not saying, “Restore,” and it says they do not lay it to heart. The LORD pours upon them fury of his anger and the strength of battle, yet they do not know or consider.

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