What is the context?
The Assyrian speech reaches Hezekiah through his officials. He tears his clothes, puts on sackcloth and enters the Lord’s house. He sends the palace officials and leading priests to Isaiah, asking for prayer for the surviving remnant.
His comparison is painfully direct: children have reached the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. It pictures a crisis the people cannot resolve by their own power. He also brings the insult against the living God into the appeal.
Isaiah’s answer begins by telling the king not to fear the words he has heard. The Lord promises to put a spirit in the Assyrian king, who will hear a rumor, return to his own land and fall by the sword there. The threatened people receive a word from God before they see the promised outcome.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Henry’s explanation of the parallel account emphasizes Hezekiah’s concern for the dishonor done to God and his appeal for the prophet’s prayer. The USCCB notes explain the childbirth comparison as a picture of extreme distress and helplessness.
Gill discusses several explanations of the spirit in verse 7, including fear, an inclination to return, and an angelic action against the king. These are attempts to explain how God brings about the withdrawal; the announced result is the same.
The scene is commonly read as a turn from intimidation toward seeking the Lord. Its assurance rests on the message Isaiah delivers, rather than on Hezekiah discovering that his army is stronger than he thought.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.