For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.
For thus hath the LORD {H3068} spoken {H559} unto me, Like as the lion {H738} and the young lion {H3715} roaring {H1897} on his prey {H2964}, when a multitude {H4393} of shepherds {H7462} is called forth {H7121} against him, he will not be afraid {H2865} of their voice {H6963}, nor abase {H6031} himself for the noise {H1995} of them: so shall the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} come down {H3381} to fight {H6633} for mount {H2022} Zion {H6726}, and for the hill {H1389} thereof.
For here is what ADONAI says to me: "As a lion or lion cub growls at its prey and isn't frightened away by the shouts of hordes of shepherds called out against him - their voices do not upset him - so likewise ADONAI-Tzva'ot will descend to fight on Mount Tziyon, on its hill.
For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey— and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor— so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.
For thus saith Jehovah unto me, As the lion and the young lion growling over his prey, if a multitude of shepherds be called forth against him, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so will Jehovah of hosts come down to fight upon mount Zion, and upon the hill thereof.
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Amos 3:8
The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy? -
Hosea 11:10
They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west. -
Zechariah 2:5
For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her. -
Isaiah 42:13
¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. -
Zechariah 12:8
In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David [shall be] as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. -
Zechariah 14:3
Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. -
Revelation 5:5
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Isaiah 31:4 offers a powerful and vivid metaphor illustrating God's unwavering commitment to defend His people, Jerusalem, against their enemies. This verse is part of a larger prophecy where the prophet Isaiah warns the kingdom of Judah against relying on military alliances with Egypt for protection from the encroaching Assyrian Empire, urging them instead to trust in the LORD alone.
Context
At this time, Judah faced immense pressure from the powerful Assyrians, who had already conquered much of the ancient Near East. Fearing destruction, many in Judah looked to Egypt for military aid and chariots, a decision strongly condemned by Isaiah (see Isaiah 30:1-7). In this chapter, God uses a striking image to reassure Judah that He Himself would be their ultimate defender, far more formidable than any human army or alliance. The message is clear: human strength and political maneuvering are futile compared to divine intervention.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The metaphor of the "lion and the young lion roaring on his prey" is potent. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the lion symbolized strength, royalty, and ferocity. Here, it represents God's unyielding determination. The phrase "will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them" powerfully conveys God's utter disregard for the threats or combined efforts of His enemies. He is not intimidated or swayed by the multitude of adversaries.
Related Scriptures
The concept of God fighting for His people is a consistent theme in Scripture. For instance, in the Exodus, Moses declared, "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Similarly, Psalm 46:1 proclaims, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This verse reinforces the idea that God's presence is the ultimate safeguard for His chosen city, Mount Zion, which often symbolizes God's dwelling place and His people.
Practical Application
Isaiah 31:4 reminds believers today that our ultimate security and defense come from God, not from human efforts, political alliances, or material wealth. When faced with overwhelming challenges or threats, whether personal or communal, we are called to place our trust in the sovereign "LORD of hosts." Just as He fiercely defended Zion, He remains committed to protecting and sustaining those who rely on Him. This verse encourages us to relinquish our anxieties and confidently rest in His powerful and unwavering care, knowing that He will not be intimidated by the "noise" of our adversaries.