“‘Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should make fortified cities crash into heaps of ruins,
English Standard Version (ESV)
God isn't just reacting to Sennacherib's threat; He's revealing that this entire situation, from the rise of empires to their destruction, has been meticulously planned by Him from eternity. Sennacherib, the mighty conqueror, is actually just a tool God "formed" long ago to carry out His purposes, a fact he seems to have missed entirely.
“‘Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should make fortified cities crash into heaps of ruins,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, has just sent a terrifying message through his messenger, Rabshakeh, boasting about his conquests and demanding Jerusalem's surrender. In response, King Hezekiah and the people are praying and seeking God's help. Now, God speaks through Isaiah, directly addressing Sennacherib's arrogance by revealing that all his past victories and even his current campaign were not his own doing, but were planned by God from long ago to serve His purposes.
Have you ever felt like just a pawn in a game? Sennacherib certainly did, but this verse reveals a deeper truth about how God uses even the proudest rulers.
The Bible often shows us that God's eternal plan includes the actions of humanity, even those who are unaware or opposed to Him.
A Plan from Eternity
Isaiah 37:26 emphasizes that the events unfolding—Sennacherib's conquests—were not spontaneous. God speaks of planning and forming these events 'long ago' and 'from days of old.' This points to a divine decree and foresight that stretches back before time.
Instruments of Purpose
While Sennacherib saw himself as the architect of his victories, God reveals that he was an instrument. His power to 'lay waste fortified cities' was something God had 'brought to pass' through him. This doesn't excuse Sennacherib's cruelty, but it shows God sovereignly working through human actions to fulfill His purposes.
Why would God orchestrate the destruction of cities? This verse hints at a specific, albeit harsh, divine objective.
God's plans are not arbitrary. Even when His purposes involve devastation, there is a reason behind it, often tied to judgment or the execution of His will against opposition.
Judgment on Fortifications
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The verse specifically mentions 'fortified cities' being reduced to 'heaps of ruins.' This imagery speaks of absolute demolition, rendering defenses useless. In the context of Isaiah, these fortified cities often represent human pride, reliance on military might, and centers of opposition to God's people or His purposes.
God's Power Over Human Strength
By bringing about the destruction of these formidable cities through Assyria, God demonstrates His ultimate power. He is showing that no human fortification, no matter how strong, can stand against His determined plan. It's a stark reminder that ultimate security is found not in walls, but in God.
Understand the original words
asah asiti merahoq yatzarti otah mimei qedem... · Hebrew Verb
In biblical theology, this refers to God's eternal purposes and sovereign decree established before the creation of the world. It emphasizes that God is the primary mover of history and that human actions occur within the framework of His divine will.
This verse reveals God's sovereign, eternal plan behind seemingly human-driven events. Sennacherib's conquests, though devastating, were long foreseen and orchestrated by God to fulfill His ancient purposes, highlighting that human power is ultimately subject to divine will.
c. 745–727 BC
Tiglath-Pileser III's Expansion
The Assyrian Empire under Tiglath-Pileser III begins a period of aggressive expansion, conquering many surrounding nations and establishing Assyrian dominance.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire, under Sargon II, conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel and deports its population, an event that would have been a stark warning to Judah.
705 BC
Sennacherib Ascends the Assyrian Throne
Sennacherib becomes king of Assyria, inheriting a vast and powerful empire. He soon launches campaigns to consolidate and expand Assyrian power.
701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Campaign Against Judah
Sennacherib invades the Kingdom of Judah, conquering numerous fortified cities and besieging Jerusalem. This event is the direct historical backdrop for Isaiah's prophecy.
c. 701 BC
Miraculous Deliverance of Jerusalem
According to the biblical account, the Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem is struck by a divine plague, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw, saving the city.
This passage directly parallels Isaiah 37:26, describing Assyria as God's 'rod' and 'anger' to punish other nations, highlighting the theme of God using human instruments for His purposes.
Jeremiah 51:20This verse echoes the idea of God using a powerful entity as His 'battle axe' and 'weapon of war' to break nations, similar to how Sennacherib is portrayed in Isaiah 37:26.
Romans 9:20-21This New Testament passage discusses God's sovereign right to fashion 'vessels' for His purposes, reflecting the ancient concept of God shaping nations and kings, like Sennacherib, for His predetermined plans.
Psalm 33:10-11This Psalm speaks about God bringing the plans of the nations to nothing and making the counsel of His own heart stand forever, a powerful affirmation of the divine sovereignty over history that underlies Isaiah's message.
cambridgeIsaiah 37:26: "Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps."
26 . The verse reads, with a slight change of pointing: Hast thou not heard? Long ago have I made it, from the days of old have I formed it: now I bring it to pass, and so hast thou been ( able ) to lay waste in ruined heaps defenced cities . Cf. ch. Isaiah 22:11 , Isaiah 44:7 , Isaia…
gillIsaiah 37:26: "Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps."
Hast thou not heard long ago?.... By report, by reading the history of ancient times, or by means of the prophets; these are the words of the Lord to Sennacherib. The Targum adds, "what I did to Pharaoh king of Egypt;'' it follows: how I have done it; and of ancient times that I have…
God isn't just reacting to Sennacherib's threat; He's revealing that this entire situation, from the rise of empires to their destruction, has been meticulously planned by Him from eternity. Sennacherib, the mighty conqueror, is actually just a tool God "formed" long ago to carry out His purposes, a fact he seems to have missed entirely.
Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, has just sent a terrifying message through his messenger, Rabshakeh, boasting about his conquests and demanding Jerusalem's surrender. In response, King Hezekiah and the people are praying and seeking God's help. Now, God speaks through Isaiah, directly addressing Sennacherib's arrogance by revealing that all his past victories and even his current campaign were not his own doing, but were planned by God from long ago to serve His purposes.
Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, has just sent a terrifying message through his messenger, Rabshakeh, boasting about his conquests and demanding Jerusalem's surrender. In response, King Hezekiah and the people are praying and seeking God's help. Now, God speaks through Isaiah, directly addressing Sennacherib's arrogance by revealing that all his past victories and even his current campaign were not his own doing, but were planned by God from long ago to serve His purposes.
"“‘Have you not heard that I determined it long ago? I planned from days of old what now I bring to pass, that you should make fortified cities crash into heaps of ruins," — God isn't just reacting to Sennacherib's threat; He's revealing that this entire situation, from the rise of empires to their destruction, has been meticulously planned by Him from eternity. Sennache…
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Last reviewed October 2026