Isaiah 36–40
The Holy Bible interpreted through Divine Principle insight and the words of True Father.
This study page continues Isaiah with chapters 36 through 40. Commentary is attached where the text strongly reflects Divine Principle themes such as the crisis of faith under foreign threat, the contrast between arrogant worldly speech and trust in the LORD, the prayer and healing of Hezekiah, the danger of showing worldly glory, and the great turning toward comfort, preparation, and the majesty of God in chapter 40.
36:1–3 Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against the fenced cities of Judah, and Rabshakeh came to Jerusalem with a great army.
36:4–10 Rabshakeh attacked Judah’s confidence, mocked trust in Egypt, mocked trust in the LORD, and even claimed the LORD had sent him.
36:11–22 He spoke in the Jews’ language to weaken the people directly, but they held their peace and answered him not a word.
37:1–7 Hezekiah rent his clothes, went into the house of the LORD, and sent to Isaiah. Isaiah answered: Be not afraid of the words thou hast heard.
37:14–20 Hezekiah spread the threatening letter before the LORD and prayed for deliverance so all kingdoms would know that the LORD alone is God.
37:21–38 God answered through Isaiah, rebuked Assyria’s pride, promised that Judah’s remnant would take root downward and bear fruit upward, and struck the Assyrian camp.
Hezekiah’s first response is to go into the house of the LORD and seek the prophet. Divine Principle strongly resonates because in a providential crisis the right movement is vertical: to God, to His word, and to the central prophetic direction.
Hezekiah spreads the threatening letter before the LORD. True Father often emphasized that what overwhelms man must be brought openly before Heaven rather than managed only through human anxiety.
God answers not only by preserving Jerusalem but by reaffirming the remnant principle: Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward. This strongly resonates with restoration, where survival is not enough; Heaven seeks rootedness and future fruit.
38:1–8 Hezekiah was sick unto death. Isaiah told him to set his house in order, but Hezekiah prayed and wept. God added fifteen years to his life and gave the sign of the shadow returning backward.
38:9–20 Hezekiah’s writing speaks of being cut off, of sorrow, and then of restored praise and thanksgiving for healing.
38:21–22 A lump of figs was laid for the boil, and the king also asked concerning the sign.
Hezekiah’s illness becomes a place of deep prayer. Divine Principle strongly resonates because even a king must come to the point where life is returned to Heaven. Added years are not merely personal favor but renewed time under God’s sovereignty.
Hezekiah’s song turns from grief to gratitude. True Father often emphasized that life preserved by Heaven should return as testimony, song, and deeper attendance before God rather than casual relief.
39:1–2 Merodachbaladan of Babylon sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, and Hezekiah showed the envoys all his treasure, armor, and house.
39:3–8 Isaiah asked what the men had seen, then declared that the days would come when all would be carried to Babylon, and even sons would be taken away.
After deliverance and healing, Hezekiah fails in discernment by displaying his glory to Babylon. Divine Principle strongly resonates because central figures may pass one test and still fail another if vigilance and humility are lost.
Isaiah exposes the consequence: the very glory shown to Babylon becomes tied to future loss and captivity. True Father often emphasized that boasting before the world about what Heaven has given can open the door to later invasion and sorrow.
40:1–2 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people... speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem...
40:3–5 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD... and the glory of the LORD shall be revealed.
40:6–8 All flesh is grass... but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
40:9–11 O Zion, that bringest good tidings... behold your God!... he shall feed his flock like a shepherd.
40:12–26 Who hath measured the waters... lift up your eyes on high... that bringeth out their host by number...
40:27–31 Why sayest thou... My way is hid from the LORD?... they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles...
Isaiah 40 marks a major turning point from warning toward comfort and preparation. Divine Principle strongly resonates because after long courses of indemnity, Heaven again speaks tenderly and prepares a way for direct restoration.
All flesh is grass, but the word of God stands forever. This strongly resonates with the providential principle that human greatness fades, while Heaven’s word remains the enduring axis of history and restoration.
The chapter holds together good tidings, shepherd imagery, and the incomparable greatness of God. True Father often emphasized that the God who comforts is also the Creator who measures the waters, names the stars, and stands above all idols.
Waiting upon the LORD and renewing strength strongly resonate with the long providential course. Heaven’s people may grow weary, but those who wait rightly are given new strength to run, walk, and continue the course under God’s sustaining power.
Isaiah 36 shows a classic crisis in which a worldly power mocks both human and divine trust. Divine Principle strongly resonates because Satanic accusation often works through intimidation, twisted logic, and the attempt to sever a people from confidence in Heaven.
Rabshakeh speaks in the people’s language to undermine them directly, but the people hold their peace. True Father often emphasized that in moments of accusation and provocation, silence before Heaven can be wiser than reaction from wounded emotion.