So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: 'He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. Therefore this is what the LORD saysThis phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction signals a divine decree, highlighting that the following message is not merely a human prediction but a divine promise. In the context of Isaiah, this serves as a reassurance to the people of Judah that God is actively involved in their deliverance. about the king of Assyria
The Assyrian Empire was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its military prowess and brutal conquests. The "king of Assyria" refers to Sennacherib, who historically besieged Jerusalem. This phrase sets the stage for a confrontation between the earthly power of Assyria and the divine power of Yahweh. Historically, Assyria's campaigns were feared, but this statement foreshadows their impending failure against Jerusalem. He will not enter this city
The promise that the king of Assyria "will not enter this city" is a direct assurance of protection for Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for "enter" (בּוֹא, bo) implies not just physical entry but also conquest and domination. This divine assurance would have been profoundly comforting to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were under the threat of siege. It highlights God's protective power over His chosen city. or shoot an arrow into it
The imagery of shooting an arrow signifies an act of aggression and warfare. In ancient warfare, arrows were often the first line of attack, signaling the commencement of battle. The promise that not even an arrow will be shot into the city emphasizes the completeness of God's protection. It suggests that the threat will be neutralized before any harm can be inflicted, showcasing God's preemptive deliverance. He will not come before it with a shield
The shield, in ancient military terms, was used for protection during an assault. The phrase indicates that the Assyrian army will not even reach the point of preparing for a siege. This further emphasizes the futility of Assyria's efforts against Jerusalem. Theologically, it underscores the idea that God can thwart the plans of even the mightiest armies without the need for human intervention. or build up a siege ramp against it
Siege ramps were crucial in ancient warfare for breaching city walls. The construction of such ramps was a sign of a determined and prolonged siege. The assurance that no siege ramp will be built signifies that the enemy will not have the opportunity to lay siege to Jerusalem. This promise highlights God's ability to protect His people from seemingly insurmountable threats, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention and deliverance. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe sovereign God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Isaiah, assuring His people of His protection and power. 2. The King of AssyriaRefers to Sennacherib, the Assyrian king who threatened Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of Judah, under threat from the Assyrian army but promised divine protection by God. 4. IsaiahThe prophet through whom God delivers His message of assurance and deliverance to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. 5. HezekiahThe king of Judah who sought the Lord's help in the face of the Assyrian threat and received assurance of deliverance. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionGod is in control of all nations and rulers. His plans cannot be thwarted by human power or military might. Faith in Times of CrisisLike Hezekiah, believers are encouraged to turn to God in prayer and trust His promises when facing overwhelming challenges. Divine AssuranceGod's promises are reliable. He assures His people of His presence and protection, even when circumstances seem dire. The Power of God's WordThe prophetic word delivered through Isaiah demonstrates the power and authority of God's word to change situations and bring deliverance. God's DeliveranceThe deliverance of Jerusalem serves as a reminder that God can save His people in miraculous ways, beyond human understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the assurance given in Isaiah 37:33 reflect God's character and His relationship with His people? 2. In what ways can we apply the example of Hezekiah's faith and reliance on God in our own lives when facing challenges? 3. How does the promise of protection in Isaiah 37:33 connect with the broader biblical theme of God's deliverance? 4. What are some modern-day "sieges" or threats that believers face, and how can the message of Isaiah 37:33 provide comfort and guidance? 5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises, as demonstrated in Isaiah 37:33, in our daily walk with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 19:32-34This passage parallels Isaiah 37:33, providing a historical account of the same event, emphasizing God's promise of protection. Psalm 46This psalm reflects the themes of God's protection and presence, encouraging believers to trust in God's power over earthly threats. Isaiah 54:17This verse echoes the assurance of divine protection, stating that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper. People Adrammelech, Amoz, Assyrians, David, Eliakim, Esarhaddon, Haran, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Sennacherib, Sharezer, Shebna, TirhakahPlaces Ararat, Arpad, Assyria, Cush, Egypt, Gozan, Hamath, Haran, Hena, Ivvah, Jerusalem, Lachish, Lebanon, Libnah, Mount Zion, Nineveh, Rezeph, Sepharvaim, Telassar, Tigris-Euphrates Region, ZionTopics Arms, Arrow, Asshur, Assyria, Bank, Build, Cast, Cause, Earthwork, Enter, Mound, Mount, Pour, Ramp, Says, Shield, Shields, Shoot, Siege, Throw, Thus, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Isaiah 37:21-38 5800 blasphemy Isaiah 37:33-35 5292 defence, divine Library Where to Carry Troubles
And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord.'--ISAIAH xxxvii. 14. When Hezekiah heard the threatenings of Sennacherib's servants, he rent his clothes and went into the house of the Lord, and sent to Isaiah entreating his prayers. When he received the menacing letter, his faith was greater, having been heartened by Isaiah's assurances. So he then himself appealed to Jehovah, spreading …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Triumph of Faith
'And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 15. And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, 16. O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth. 17. Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear; open Thine eyes, O Lord, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations, …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was Ready to Die. He Attempts to Kill Himself. He Commands Antipater to be Slain.
1. Now Herod's distemper became more and more severe to him, and this because these his disorders fell upon him in his old age, and when he was in a melancholy condition; for he was already seventy years of age, and had been brought by the calamities that happened to him about his children, whereby he had no pleasure in life, even when he was in health; the grief also that Antipater was still alive aggravated his disease, whom he resolved to put to death now not at random, but as soon as he should …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and Salvation for Us.
1. Christ not only the minister, but also the author and prince of salvation. Divine grace not obscured by this mode of expression. The merit of Christ not opposed to the mercy of God, but depends upon it. 2. The compatibility of the two proved by various passages of Scripture. 3. Christ by his obedience truly merited divine grace for us. 4. This grace obtained by the shedding of Christ's blood, and his obedience even unto death. 5. In this way he paid our ransom. 6. The presumptuous manner in which …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Harbinger
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD , make straight in the desert a high-way for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. T he general style of the prophecies is poetical. The inimitable simplicity which characterizes every …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Concerning the Lord's Supper
There are two passages which treat in the clearest manner of this subject, and at which we shall look,--the statements in the Gospels respecting the Lord's Supper, and the words of Paul. (1 Cor. xi.) Matthew, Mark, and Luke agree that Christ gave the whole sacrament to all His disciples; and that Paul taught both parts of it is so certain, that no one has yet been shameless enough to assert the contrary. Add to this, that according to the relation of Matthew, Christ did not say concerning the bread, …
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Isaiah
CHAPTERS I-XXXIX Isaiah is the most regal of the prophets. His words and thoughts are those of a man whose eyes had seen the King, vi. 5. The times in which he lived were big with political problems, which he met as a statesman who saw the large meaning of events, and as a prophet who read a divine purpose in history. Unlike his younger contemporary Micah, he was, in all probability, an aristocrat; and during his long ministry (740-701 B.C., possibly, but not probably later) he bore testimony, as …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Isaiah 37:33 NIVIsaiah 37:33 NLTIsaiah 37:33 ESVIsaiah 37:33 NASBIsaiah 37:33 KJV
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