A historical section is included, telling of an Assyrian attack and of Hezekiah's sickness and recovery.

These chapters contain historical information, drawing the curtain on the Assyrian crisis. Isaiah describes the siege of Jerusalem under Sennacherib and the glorious deliverance by the Lord.

Just prior to attacking Jerusalem, King Sennacherib of Assyria sends his military commander to threaten, ridicule, and intimidate King Hezekiah and his people.

Three of Hezekiah's top officials-Eliakim, Shebna, and Joahmeet with Sennacherib's military commander.

In essence the commander's warning is twofold:

Pharaoh is unreliable.

Hezekiah has insulted God.

In a word, surrender!

Hezekiah tears his clothes and dresses in sackcloth.

The king informs Isaiah of the terrible danger and begs him to pray for God's help.

Isaiah tells the king that his foe Sennacherib will soon experience defeat and death.

"I'lI destroy you!"

"Please deliver us!"

The wicked king arrogantly ridicules the Holy One of Israel.

Sennacherib will be led back to Assyria with a hook in his nose and a bit in his mouth.

God assures the king of two things:

In the third year, the people will be able to plant crops and vineyards.

God will defend the city.

That very night God's angel destroys 185,000 Assyrian troops! Sennacherib flees back to Nineveh, where he is killed by his own sons.

These chapters contain historical information, raising the curtain on the Babylonian crisis. Isaiah describes King Hezekiah's sickness, healing, and self-exaltation.

He is afflicted by a fatal illness.

In desperation he cries out to the Lord.

Isaiah tells Hezekiah that God will add fifteen more years to his life.

God says the shadow on Hezekiah's sundial will go backward ten degrees as a sign to assure him that he will be healed.

It seems unfair to be cut down while in the prime of life.

It is like being torn apart by lions.

God has healed Hezekiah's body and has forgiven his sins.

He will write songs of God's faithfulness and will sing them daily.

Make an ointment of figs to spread over the king's boils so that he will recover.

He asks for a sign assuring him that he will go to the Temple in three days.

He unwisely shows some visiting Babylonian officials all of Judah's treasures.

Isaiah warns the king that someday the entire Babylonian army will be back, this time to plunder and enslave the people of Judah.

The selfish king responds, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime!"