Isaiah 31:5

KJV

As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver [it; and] passing over he will preserve it.

KJV (with Strong's)

As birds {H6833} flying {H5774}, so will the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} defend {H1598} Jerusalem {H3389}; defending {H1598} also he will deliver {H5337} it; and passing over {H6452} he will preserve {H4422} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like hovering birds, ADONAI-Tzva'ot will protect Yerushalayim. In protecting it, he will rescue it; in sparing it, he will save it.

Berean Standard Bible

Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”

American Standard Version

As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from Isaiah 31:5 offers a profound and poetic assurance of God's unwavering protection over Jerusalem, employing the vivid imagery of birds hovering over their young to convey His vigilant and swift defense. It stands as a powerful declaration of divine intervention, emphasizing the LORD of hosts' comprehensive commitment to His people—not merely defending, but actively delivering and preserving them. This promise serves as a divine counter-narrative to Judah's inclination towards human alliances, asserting God's unique sovereignty and faithful, all-encompassing care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 31:5 is strategically placed within a section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) often characterized by "Woes" pronounced against Judah for their spiritual apostasy and misplaced trust. Specifically, this chapter directly confronts Judah's dangerous inclination to seek military aid from Egypt against the formidable Assyrian Empire. The preceding verses, particularly [Isaiah 31:1-3](/isaiah/31-1-3 "Isaiah 31:1-3 - Woe to those who go to Egypt for help"), sternly condemn this reliance on "horses and chariots" and "strength of Pharaoh," contrasting it sharply with the impotence of human power when confronted by God. Verse 5 follows a powerful declaration in [Isaiah 31:4](/isaiah/31-4 "Isaiah 31:4 - The Lord's fierce protection like a lion"), where God is depicted as a fierce lion protecting its prey, transitioning here to the more tender yet equally vigilant imagery of birds. This shift underscores the multifaceted nature of divine protection, capable of both overwhelming destructive force and nurturing, watchful care. The immediate context is a direct rebuttal to Judah's strategic folly, offering divine assurance as the true alternative to human schemes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy unfolds during a critical juncture in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Hezekiah (late 8th century BCE). The formidable Assyrian Empire, under Sennacherib, had already devastated many surrounding nations and was poised to conquer Jerusalem, culminating in the siege documented in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Hezekiah's Prayer"). Faced with this existential threat, Judah's leaders were sorely tempted to forge a military alliance with Egypt, a powerful regional player, for protection. This reliance on human strength and foreign powers was a direct violation of God's covenant commands and a recurring theme of prophetic condemnation throughout Isaiah (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to rebellious children and trust in Egypt")). Culturally, the imagery of birds protecting their young was universally understood and deeply resonant, evoking a sense of swift, vigilant, and devoted care. This made God's promise of defense relatable and profoundly reassuring to an anxious populace facing an overwhelming military force.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 31:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Isaiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Vigilance**, portraying God as an ever-watchful guardian, actively engaged in the safety of His people, much like a bird hovering protectively over its nest. This theme is central to Isaiah's message of hope amidst judgment, as seen in [Isaiah 25:4](/isaiah/25-4 "Isaiah 25:4 - A refuge from the storm"). Secondly, the title "[the LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts")" (Yahweh Sabaoth) underscores **God's Supreme Sovereignty and Power** over all earthly and heavenly armies, reassuring Judah that their defender is the omnipotent Commander of the universe, a truth echoed in [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - The Lord who calls out the stars"). Thirdly, the accumulation of verbs—"defend," "deliver," "preserve"—emphasizes the **Comprehensive Nature of God's Salvation**, promising not just a warding off of danger but active rescue and lasting security, a promise found throughout the book, such as in [Isaiah 43:2-3](/isaiah/43-2-3 "Isaiah 43:2-3 - When you pass through the waters"). Finally, implicit in this divine promise is a profound call for **Exclusive Trust in God Alone**, urging Judah to abandon their reliance on human strength and foreign alliances, a message echoed throughout Isaiah's prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease ye from man") and [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - I will trust and not be afraid")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Birds (Hebrew, _tsippôwr'_):** Refers to a little bird, often a sparrow or a similar small fowl. In this context, combined with the verb of "flying" (_ʻûwph_, to cover with wings or fly), it evokes the tender yet vigilant image of a parent bird hovering protectively over its nest or young. This imagery conveys a sense of swiftness, agility, and unwavering care, providing a comforting contrast to the fierce lion imagery of the preceding verse. It speaks to God's immediate, active, and nurturing presence in safeguarding Jerusalem.
* **Defend (Hebrew, _gânan'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hedge about" or "protect." This word emphasizes God's active and encompassing safeguarding of Jerusalem, implying the creation of a strong, protective barrier around the city. It signifies a deliberate act of warding off danger, much like building a hedge or wall for security, ensuring the city's inviolability against its enemies. This defense is not passive but an active, strategic intervention.
* **Passing over (Hebrew, _pâçach'_):** This word is highly significant, directly echoing the verb used for the original Passover event. It means "to hop," "skip over," or "spare." Its use here implies a selective, intentional act of divine intervention where God "skips over" Jerusalem, sparing it from destruction while judgment falls elsewhere. This profound connection reinforces God's covenant faithfulness and His specific, redemptive action on behalf of His chosen people, reminiscent of His saving act in Egypt. It highlights God's sovereign choice to protect and preserve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As birds flying":** This opening simile immediately establishes the nature of God's protective action. It evokes the image of parent birds hovering over their nest, wings outstretched, ready to defend their vulnerable young. This suggests a swift, agile, and vigilant defense, characterized by tender care and constant watchfulness, ensuring no harm befalls what is under their wings. It speaks to God's immediate and active presence.
* **"so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem":** This clause directly applies the avian imagery to God's divine commitment. The title "[the LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts")" (_Yahweh Sabaoth_) underscores His supreme authority and omnipotence, signifying Him as the commander of all heavenly armies, far surpassing any earthly military might. His promise to "defend" Jerusalem is an assurance of His active, powerful, and encompassing protection against all threats, both visible and unseen.
* **"defending also he will deliver it":** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's intervention. The repetition of "defending" highlights the continuous and proactive nature of His protection. Beyond merely warding off danger, God promises to "deliver" Jerusalem, meaning to rescue it from peril, snatching it away from the grasp of its enemies. This speaks to a complete and effective salvation, where God actively intervenes to bring His people out of harm's way.
* **"and passing over he will preserve it":** This final clause culminates the promise of divine protection with a profound theological echo. "Passing over" (Hebrew: _pâçach_) directly alludes to the Passover event, where God "passed over" the houses of Israel, sparing their firstborn from judgment ([Exodus 12:23](/exodus/12-23 "Exodus 12:23 - The Lord will pass over the door")). Here, it signifies God's specific, targeted act of mercy and preservation, ensuring Jerusalem's survival and continued existence. It is a promise of enduring safety and covenant faithfulness, highlighting God's sovereign choice to spare and sustain.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 31:5 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing a powerful **Simile** and significant **Allusion**. The opening phrase, "As birds flying," establishes a vivid **Simile**, comparing the LORD's protective action to that of birds hovering over their nest. This imagery conveys swiftness, vigilance, and tender, yet fierce, defense, making the abstract concept of divine protection tangible and relatable. The use of the divine title "[the LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts")" serves as a form of **Appellation**, emphasizing God's supreme authority and military might, contrasting with the vulnerability implied by the bird imagery, thereby highlighting the paradox of His tender power. Furthermore, the phrase "passing over" functions as a profound **Allusion** to the original Passover event in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover"). This **Intertextual Reference** imbues the promise with deep historical and theological resonance, recalling God's foundational act of deliverance for His people. The accumulation of verbs—"defend," "deliver," "preserve"—creates a sense of **Climax** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the thoroughness and certainty of God's comprehensive salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 31:5 articulates a fundamental theological truth: God is the ultimate defender and preserver of His people. This verse challenges the human tendency to rely on earthly power, wealth, or alliances, asserting divine sovereignty over all circumstances. The imagery of the "[the LORD of hosts](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Lord of Hosts")" defending Jerusalem underscores that true security is found not in military might or political maneuvering, but in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God. His "passing over" echoes the covenantal protection demonstrated at the Exodus, reinforcing His unwavering commitment to His chosen ones. This passage thus serves as a powerful reminder that God's protection is comprehensive, active, and rooted in His character as the covenant-keeping God, who intervenes decisively on behalf of those who trust in Him. It calls for a radical reorientation of trust from human capabilities to divine omnipotence and unwavering love.
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Deuteronomy 32:11](/deuteronomy/32-11 "Deuteronomy 32:11 - God's care like an eagle")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus laments over Jerusalem like a hen")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 31:5 offers enduring comfort and a timeless lesson for believers today. In a world fraught with uncertainties, where we are constantly tempted to place our trust in human solutions, financial security, or political systems, this verse redirects our gaze to the sovereign Lord. Just as God promised to defend Jerusalem against an overwhelming Assyrian threat, He promises to be our refuge and strength in times of personal trials, national crises, or spiritual battles. The vivid image of God hovering like a protective bird invites us to rest in His vigilant and tender care, knowing that He is ever-present, ready to deliver and preserve those who rely on Him alone. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of radical dependence, bringing our anxieties to God in prayer ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything")) and living with confidence in His unfailing faithfulness, rather than succumbing to fear or misplaced trust. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate security lies and to align our trust with the omnipotent and compassionate "LORD of hosts."
#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Egypts" or "Assyrias" in your life that tempt you to trust in human solutions instead of God?**
* **How does the imagery of God "flying" and "passing over" encourage you in your current circumstances, reminding you of His specific, tender care?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you demonstrate greater reliance on the "LORD of hosts" this week, rather than on your own strength or external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does Isaiah use both lion and bird imagery to describe God's protection in this chapter?**

Answer: The use of both lion ([Isaiah 31:4](/isaiah/31-4 "Isaiah 31:4 - The Lord's fierce protection like a lion")) and bird imagery ([Isaiah 31:5](/isaiah/31-5 "Isaiah 31:5 - God's defense like birds flying")) in Isaiah 31 highlights the multifaceted nature of God's protection. The lion symbolizes fierce, unyielding power and destructive force against enemies, representing God's active opposition to those who threaten His people. This portrays God as a formidable warrior who will utterly defeat adversaries. In contrast, the bird imagery evokes a sense of tender, vigilant, and swift care, like a mother bird hovering protectively over her nest. This portrays God as a nurturing guardian, providing intimate and constant watchfulness over His vulnerable ones. Together, these images convey that God's defense is both formidable and compassionate, capable of both overwhelming His adversaries and tenderly preserving His beloved. This dual portrayal assures Judah that God's protection is comprehensive, encompassing both aggressive defense and nurturing preservation, tailored to the specific needs of the moment.

**How does "passing over" in Isaiah 31:5 relate to the Passover in Exodus?**

Answer: The Hebrew word translated "passing over" in Isaiah 31:5 is _pâçach_ (H6452), which is the very same root word used to describe the original Passover event in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover"). In Exodus, the LORD "passed over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing their firstborn from the plague of death while judgment fell upon Egypt. This strong linguistic and thematic connection in Isaiah 31:5 serves as a powerful **allusion**, reminding Judah of God's foundational act of covenantal deliverance. It implies that just as God specifically and miraculously intervened to save His people from destruction in Egypt, He would similarly "pass over" Jerusalem, sparing it from the Assyrian threat through a targeted act of divine mercy and protection. This link underscores God's consistent character as a faithful deliverer who remembers His covenant promises and acts decisively to preserve His chosen people, demonstrating His sovereign power to distinguish between those He judges and those He protects.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 31:5 speaks to God's immediate protection of Jerusalem, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological resonance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD of hosts promised to defend and preserve His people, Christ embodies God's ultimate act of deliverance. He is the true "Lamb of God" who was "passed over" by judgment on the cross, not in the sense of being spared, but by willingly taking upon Himself the judgment due to humanity, so that those who believe in Him might be "passed over" from eternal death to life ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The imagery of a bird protecting its young finds its tenderest expression in Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, desiring to gather her children "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus laments over Jerusalem like a hen")), a poignant picture of His protective love and desire for their salvation. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ has secured not merely temporal preservation but eternal deliverance from sin and its consequences, offering a spiritual "Passover" for all who trust in Him ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ our Passover Lamb")). He is the ultimate defender of His Church, promising that the gates of Hades will not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church built on the rock")), and His Holy Spirit continually preserves believers until the day of redemption ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Grieve not the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Isaiah's prophecy points forward to the comprehensive and eternal salvation offered through Christ, the true LORD of hosts, who perfectly fulfills God's promise to defend, deliver, and preserve His people forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

Deuteronomy 32:11

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Psalms 37:40

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Isaiah 37:35

For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

Isaiah 38:6

And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.

Isaiah 10:14

And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs [that are] left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

Psalms 46:5

God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early.