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{{DOD-August}}
Chapters 36--39 form an historical parenthesis connecting the first part of the book (chapters 1--35) and the last part of the book (chapters 40--66).
In chapter 36 the arrogant conqueror, Sennacherib, openly challenges the [[Lord]] and His people and the [[Assyria]]n army was overthrown. This is recorded three times--in these chapters, in 2 Kings 18 and 19, and 2 Chronicles 32. This is one of the most astounding miracles of the [[Old Testament]]. In one night the [[Assyria]]n army is destroyed by a direct stroke from [[heaven]] (chapter 37:36). [[Isaiah]] had given the assurance in at least nine chapters of his writings that this would take place. Evidently there were two invasions by the [[Assyria]]ns. Sennacherib, leader of the [[Assyria]]n army, invaded [[Judah]] in 713 b.c., and took many cities. If we refer to 2 Kings 18:14-16 we see that Hezekiah bought him off at this time, but Sennacherib came again in 701 b.c., at which time Hezekiah, rather than trusting in himself, trusted in the [[Lord]], and the angel smote the [[Assyria]]n army (2 Kings 17). If Hezekiah had turned to the [[Lord]] at the time of the first invasion, [[God]] would have smitten the enemy then.
Chapter 38 covers the time of King Hezekiah's deliverance from serious illness. [[God]] promised to add 15 years to the king's life, and confirmed that promise by the sign (verses 4-8). Hezekiah's song of thanksgiving and praise is recorded in verses 9- 20.
In chapter 39 we again see Hezekiah's foolish pride. [[Isaiah]] rebuked him for displaying all his wealth and power before the Chaldean, who was pretending to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery from illness. In verse 6 [[Isaiah]] foretells the captivity of [[Babylon]].
