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Book of Isaiah - Chapter 36 - Verse 20

36:20
Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?

Meaning

In this verse, the Assyrian king Sennacherib is questioning the power of the Lord compared to the gods of other lands. He asks, "Who are they among all the gods of these lands, that have delivered their land out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?" Sennacherib is essentially challenging the authority and ability of the Lord to protect Jerusalem from his army. This verse highlights the arrogance and pride of the Assyrian king, who believed that no god could stand against him. However, as the story unfolds, we see how the Lord does indeed deliver Jerusalem from Sennacherib's hand, demonstrating His supreme power and sovereignty over all other gods. This verse serves as a reminder of the foolishness of putting one's trust in worldly powers, and the importance of acknowledging and relying on the true God for deliverance and protection.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the Assyrian king questions the power of the gods of the nations he has conquered, comparing them to the God of Israel, who he acknowledges as the LORD. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the arrogance and pride of the Assyrian king, as he questions the ability of any other god to deliver a nation from his powerful army. This verse serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and power of the one true God, who is the ultimate defender and protector of His people. The word study of "gods of these lands" emphasizes the belief in multiple gods prevalent in the ancient world, contrasting it with the monotheistic faith of Israel. The use of the term "LORD" in all capitals signifies the divine name of God, emphasizing His supreme authority over all gods and nations. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in the LORD for deliverance and protection, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

American Standard Version

Who are they among all the gods of these countries, that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Jehovah should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?
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