Isaiah 37:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Since the nations reject Christ, who proclaims the resurrection, we shall demonstrate to them an even greater miracle than the resurrection, so that they may not doubt the lesser miracles. To convert the entirety of a faithless world to Christ is indeed a far greater miracle than the resurrection itself. The physical realm does not resist the intentions of the Creator; Divine liberty intended the formation of bodies, and they came into being. Furthermore, it intended that humanity should be virtuous, yet they fell short. When you witness a formidable feat accomplished, have faith in what is more attainable, for all things fall under Divine governance. Some matters, however, are not only under this governance, but also hinge upon your own free will. Likewise, prophecy is most effectively understood when it reveals not only God’s intentions but also your own desires. Observe the truth here: although God displays His might, the reason for this revelation rests with Him.

In my patience, I once held back my judgment, allowing them to exist; but now I have withdrawn my support, causing them to wither as plants do, turning to dry hay, insufficient and destined for the fire. Similarly, in another scripture, it is said: When the wicked fulfilled what was ordained by God and became arrogant, he was reminded by God, “How can the axe boast if it does not have the woodcutter? Or can the saw exalt itself apart from the one who wields it?” Just as these tools do not function on their own but depend on the hand that directs their use, so too, you are merely an instrument of divine judgment; you have not achieved these actions by your own effort, but rather have been like an axe or a saw, destined to fulfill the will of Him who guides you.

This is understood as spoken by God against the blasphemous words of the Assyrian, affirming that the Lord intended this to happen through you. Thus, what I decreed long ago has come to pass—that the hills, representing the leaders who once clashed against each other, and the fortified cities will be devastated when I withhold my support. They trembled, perished, and were unlike the olive tree or vine, but rather like the stubble and shoots on the rooftops—a hindrance to fruitfulness, wilting before maturity. I was already aware of your dwelling and your actions, as well as the madness of your defiance against Me. I had foretold it through My prophets, who knew you would one day boast: I will ascend to heaven, I will elevate my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:13-14). Your fury and arrogance have reached Me, and I can no longer tolerate your blasphemies so you may understand that your achievements were possible only by My will, not from your might. For vile nations and barren trees are deserving of being cut down, falling by your hand as if by My axe and saw. So I will place a ring or bridle in your nostrils to constrain your blasphemous words and will ensure you no longer speak such things; I will bridle your mouth to control your arrogance and will bring you back to Assyria. The Scriptures also employ this imagery in the Psalms against the wicked: With reins and bridles, You shall restrain their jaws, those who do not draw near to You (Psalm 31:9).