Old Testament
Isaiah 37:38
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One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword. They escaped to the land of Armenia, and his son Esarhaddon became king in his place.
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And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.
What Isaiah 37:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the downfall of King Sennacherib of Assyria. While he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, betrayed him and killed him with a sword. This act of violence highlights the treachery that can exist even within a family. After the assassination, the sons fled to Armenia, indicating that they were aware of the consequences of their actions. Following Sennacherib's death, his son Esarhaddon ascended to the throne, marking a significant transition in leadership. This event illustrates the fragility of power and the unexpected turns that can occur in leadership, especially when trust is broken. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from true worship, as Sennacherib was focused on a false god at the time of his demise.
How to apply Isaiah 37:38 to your life
This verse teaches us about the dangers of misplaced trust and the consequences of turning away from God. It encourages us to seek true worship and integrity in our lives, reminding us that betrayal can come from unexpected places, even within our families.
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 37:38 mean?
Isaiah 37:38 describes the assassination of King Sennacherib of Assyria by his own sons, Adrammelech and Sharezer, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch. This event highlights themes of betrayal and the consequences of idolatry, as Sennacherib's focus on a false god led to his downfall.
What is the significance of Sennacherib's death in Isaiah 37:38?
Sennacherib's death marks a pivotal moment in Assyrian history, showcasing the fragility of power and the unexpected nature of leadership transitions. His assassination by his sons illustrates the dangers of misplaced trust and the potential for conflict within families.
Who are Adrammelech and Sharezer in Isaiah 37:38?
Adrammelech and Sharezer are the sons of King Sennacherib, who betrayed and killed him. Their actions reflect deep familial conflict and the extreme measures taken in the pursuit of power.
What lessons can we learn from Isaiah 37:38?
Isaiah 37:38 teaches about the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from true worship. It serves as a reminder that betrayal can occur from unexpected sources, even among family members.
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