“And this shall be the sign for you: this year eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs of the same. Then in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a promise of future food; it's a declaration of God's power over famine. The "sign" isn't just for the people to observe, but for them to actively participate in by eating what the land spontaneously provides, demonstrating God's immediate restoration, not just a distant hope. It highlights the faithful, gradual return of normal life, a tangible sign that God's judgment has passed and His provision has returned.
“And this shall be the sign for you: this year eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs of the same. Then in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After the Assyrian army under Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem and its people, God sends a prophet, Isaiah, to assure King Hezekiah that the city will be saved. This prophecy from God, delivered through Isaiah, assures them that despite the immediate destruction and the Assyrians' arrogance, life will return to the land, and they will be able to rebuild and flourish again. The following verses show God's swift intervention, leading to the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army and their withdrawal.
When King Hezekiah faced the terrifying threat of Assyria, God didn't just offer comfort – He gave a concrete sign. What does this sign reveal about God's care?
A Promise in Three Years
God's message to Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19 isn't just about a future event; it's a sign, a tangible promise of security and restoration.
This three-year progression is a powerful reminder that even in dire straits, God can sustain His people and bring them back to a place of flourishing.
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Why would God give such a specific, agricultural sign? It speaks volumes about His character and His commitment to His promises.
God's Covenantal Faithfulness
This sign is rooted in God's deep commitment to His covenant people. When Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, he was not just attacking a city; he was challenging God's chosen people and the throne of David. God's response, through Isaiah, is a demonstration of His power and His faithfulness.
Understand the original words
oth · Hebrew Noun
A miraculous evidence or token intended to confirm the truth of a prophecy or the presence and power of God to His people.
This promise from Isaiah wasn't just about food; it was a profound assurance of God's direct intervention and a sign that Judah would not only survive but recover its land and prosperity after the immediate crisis.
705 BC
Hezekiah's Reign Begins
Hezekiah, a righteous king, ascends the throne of Judah, facing a powerful Assyrian empire.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
King Sennacherib of Assyria launches a massive campaign, conquering many Judean cities and threatening Jerusalem.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib's army surrounds Jerusalem, demanding Hezekiah's surrender. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's message of deliverance.
c. 701 BC
Divine Intervention and Assyrian Withdrawal
An inexplicable plague or disaster strikes the Assyrian camp, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw from Jerusalem.
c. 700 BC
Hezekiah's Reforms
Following the miraculous deliverance, Hezekiah continues his faithful reforms, emphasizing trust in God.
This passage speaks of God's provision for the land to rest and still yield enough food, mirroring the promise of sustenance despite the disruption of normal farming.
Isaiah 37:30This is the parallel account in Isaiah, directly linking the sign to King Hezekiah's faith and God's deliverance from Assyrian threat, reinforcing the divine origin of the promise.
Hosea 2:21-22These verses describe a future time of restoration and abundant harvest, showing how God promises to answer the sky and the earth to bring forth fruitfulness, much like in 2 Kings 19:29.
Psalm 85:12This psalm declares that God will indeed give good things and that the land will yield its crops, echoing the assurance of provision and blessing found in the sign given to Hezekiah.
This isn't just a promise of future food; it's a declaration of God's power over famine. The "sign" isn't just for the people to observe, but for them to actively participate in by eating what the land spontaneously provides, demonstrating God's immediate restoration, not just a distant hope. It highlights the faithful, gradual return of normal life, a tangible sign that God's judgment has passed and His provision has returned.
After the Assyrian army under Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem and its people, God sends a prophet, Isaiah, to assure King Hezekiah that the city will be saved. This prophecy from God, delivered through Isaiah, assures them that despite the immediate destruction and the Assyrians' arrogance, life will return to the land, and they will be able to rebuild and flourish again. The following verses show God's swift intervention, leading to the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army and their withdrawal.
After the Assyrian army under Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem and its people, God sends a prophet, Isaiah, to assure King Hezekiah that the city will be saved. This prophecy from God, delivered through Isaiah, assures them that despite the immediate destruction and the Assyrians' arrogance, life will return to the land, and they will be able to rebuild and flourish again. The following verses show God's swift intervention, leading to the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army and their withdrawal.
"“And this shall be the sign for you: this year eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs of the same. Then in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit." — This isn't just a promise of future food; it's a declaration of God's power over famine. The "sign" isn't just for the people to observe, but for them to actively participate in by eating what the…
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Last reviewed October 2026