King James Version

What Does Isaiah 36:7 Mean?

Isaiah 36:7 in the King James Version says “But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath take... — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?

Isaiah 36:7 · KJV


Context

5

I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? vain: Heb. a word of lips I have: or, but counsel and strength are for the war

6

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

7

But if thou say to me, We trust in the LORD our God: is it not he, whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, Ye shall worship before this altar?

8

Now therefore give pledges, I pray thee, to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy part to set riders upon them. pledges: or, hostages

9

How then wilt thou turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put thy trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The accusation that Hezekiah removed the high places (actually an act of faithfulness) is twisted into evidence of God's displeasure. This demonstrates how reforming obedience can be misrepresented as rebellion. The enemy always attempts to redefine righteousness as sin and faithfulness as folly. Hezekiah's reforms (2 Kings 18:4) were covenant faithfulness, not presumption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hezekiah's reformation included destroying the bronze serpent Moses made, showing that even God-ordained symbols can become idols. His centralization of worship in Jerusalem followed Deuteronomic law.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you experienced obedience to God being criticized or misunderstood by others?
  2. How can godly reforms in your life be misrepresented, and how should you respond?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וְכִי1 of 23
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר2 of 23

But if thou say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶל4 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 23

in the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ6 of 23

our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בָּטָ֑חְנוּ7 of 23

to me We trust

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

הֲלוֹא8 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

ה֗וּא9 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אֲשֶׁ֨ר10 of 23
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵסִ֤יר11 of 23

hath taken away

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

חִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙12 of 23

Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

אֶת13 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּמֹתָ֣יו14 of 23

is it not he whose high places

H1116

an elevation

וְאֶת15 of 23
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּזְבֵּ֥חַ16 of 23

and whose altars

H4196

an altar

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר17 of 23

But if thou say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִֽיהוּדָה֙18 of 23

to Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְלִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם19 of 23

and to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לִפְנֵ֛י20 of 23

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּזְבֵּ֥חַ21 of 23

and whose altars

H4196

an altar

הַזֶּ֖ה22 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

תִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ׃23 of 23

Ye shall worship

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Isaiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Isaiah 36:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Isaiah 36:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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