ISAIAH 37 COMMENTARY EDITED BY GLENN PEASE Jerusalem’s Deliverance Foretold 1 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. 1.BARNES, “When king Hezekiah heard it - Heard the account of the words of Rabshakeh Isa_36:22. That he rent his clothes - (See the note at Isa_36:22). He covered himself with sackcloth - (See the note at Isa_3:24). And went into the house of the Lord - Went up to the temple to spread out the case before Yahweh Isa_37:14. This was in accordance with the usual habit of Hezekiah; and it teaches us that when we are environed with difficulties or danger and when the name of our God is blasphemed, we should go and spread out our feelings before God, and seek his aid. 2. Pulpit, “This chapter is the sequel of the preceding, and is so closely connected with it that the two really constitute but one narrative. Isa_37:22 of Isa_36:1-22. is more closely connected with Isa_37:1-38, than with the position of the narrative to which it is attached. Isa_37:1 When King Hezekiah heard it; rather, heard them; i.e. the "words of Rabshakeh," which his officials reported to him. He rent his clothes. He did as they had done (Isa_36:22; see the comment on that verse). But he went further, showing a deeper sense of horror and affliction than the officials had shown by being covered with sackcloth (on the combination of the two modes of showing grief or horror, see Gen_37:34; 2Sa_3:31; 1Ki_21:27; Est_4:1, etc.). And went into the house of the Lord. The temple was not only a place for offering praise and sacrifice, but also a "house of prayer". Hezekiah can, on this occasion, have gone up to the house of the Lord only to pray.