Old Testament
Isaiah 37:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah is in a time of crisis due to threats from the Assyrian king.
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
He sent Eliakim, the palace administrator, along with Shebna the court secretary and the senior priests — all wearing sackcloth — to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.
And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah is in a time of crisis due to threats from the Assyrian king. He sends a delegation to the prophet Isaiah, seeking guidance and help. The delegation includes Eliakim, who manages the palace, Shebna, the secretary, and senior priests, all dressed in sackcloth, a sign of mourning and humility. Their attire indicates the seriousness of the situation and their desperation for divine intervention. By reaching out to Isaiah, they demonstrate their recognition of the prophet's authority and the need for God's wisdom in facing their challenges. This moment highlights the importance of seeking spiritual counsel during difficult times and the role of leaders in turning to God for help. It also sets the stage for Isaiah's prophetic response, which will provide hope and reassurance to the people of Judah amidst their fears. Explore related adversity.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Isaiah 37:2 to your life
In times of trouble, it is essential to seek wise counsel and guidance, especially from spiritual leaders. Like Hezekiah, we should approach our challenges with humility and a willingness to listen to God's direction through prayer and the advice of trusted mentors.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 37:2 teach about seeking help in crisis?
Isaiah 37:2 illustrates the importance of seeking help during crises. King Hezekiah sends a delegation to the prophet Isaiah, indicating that in times of trouble, turning to spiritual leaders for guidance is crucial. Their act of wearing sackcloth symbolizes humility and the seriousness of their situation, reminding us that approaching God and His messengers with sincerity can lead to divine intervention.
Who were the key figures mentioned in Isaiah 37:2?
In Isaiah 37:2, the key figures are Eliakim, the palace administrator; Shebna, the court secretary; and the senior priests. Their roles highlight the leadership structure in Judah and their collective responsibility to seek divine guidance from the prophet Isaiah during a national crisis.
What does wearing sackcloth signify in Isaiah 37:2?
Wearing sackcloth in Isaiah 37:2 signifies mourning, humility, and a deep sense of urgency. It reflects the seriousness of the situation faced by King Hezekiah and his delegation as they seek help from the prophet Isaiah. This attire serves as a physical expression of their desperation and need for God's intervention.
How does Isaiah 37:2 relate to leadership during difficult times?
Isaiah 37:2 highlights the role of leaders in seeking guidance during difficult times. King Hezekiah's decision to send trusted officials to the prophet Isaiah demonstrates that effective leadership involves recognizing when to seek help and wisdom from spiritual authorities, especially in moments of crisis.
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.
Unlock the full Isaiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Isaiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 66 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Isaiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.