Isaiah 31:5

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

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.

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

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.”

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

Isaiah 31:5 offers a powerful and poetic assurance of God's unwavering protection over Jerusalem, using vivid imagery to convey His commitment to His people. This verse stands as a declaration of divine intervention against overwhelming odds, emphasizing God's unique ability to defend, deliver, and preserve.

Context

This prophecy from Isaiah comes during a critical period for the Kingdom of Judah, specifically during the reign of King Hezekiah. Judah was facing the formidable military threat of the Assyrian Empire, led by Sennacherib, who had already conquered many surrounding nations and was poised to attack Jerusalem. Fearing Assyria's might, Judah's leaders were tempted to seek alliances with powerful nations like Egypt for military aid, a reliance that God, through Isaiah, consistently condemned (see Isaiah 30:1-2, Isaiah 31:1). In this context, verse 5 serves as a direct counter-message: true security and deliverance come not from human alliances or military strength, but solely from the LORD of hosts.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Vigilance: The imagery of "birds flying" suggests a swift, watchful, and protective presence. Just as a bird hovers over its nest to guard its young, so God vigilantly watches over Jerusalem, ready to defend it. This highlights God's active and immediate involvement in the safety of His people.
  • God's Sovereignty and Power: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) underscores God's supreme authority over all armies, both earthly and heavenly. It reassures that the defender of Jerusalem is not merely a local deity but the omnipotent Creator and Commander of all forces.
  • Comprehensive Deliverance: The repetition of verbs—"defend," "deliver," "preserve"—emphasizes the thoroughness of God's salvation. He doesn't just ward off danger; He actively rescues and ensures lasting safety, promising a complete preservation.
  • Trust in God Alone: Implicit in this promise is the call for Judah to abandon their reliance on human strength and foreign alliances. God's willingness to protect Jerusalem demonstrates that He is the only reliable source of help and security, a timeless message for all who face overwhelming challenges.

Linguistic Insights

  • "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth): This powerful divine title, frequently used in the Old Testament, signifies God as the commander of heavenly armies and the universe. It emphasizes His omnipotence and His ability to muster all necessary power to defend His people, far surpassing any earthly military might.
  • "Passing over" (Hebrew: pasah): This phrase carries profound historical and theological weight, directly echoing the Passover event in Exodus 12. In that foundational act of deliverance, the LORD "passed over" the houses of the Israelites, sparing them from judgment. Here, the use of pasah implies a similar divine act of specific, targeted protection and sparing, emphasizing God's personal and covenantal commitment to Jerusalem's preservation. It signifies a deliverance that is not just general but an intentional act of intervention to save from destruction.

Practical Application

Isaiah 31:5 offers enduring comfort and a timeless lesson for believers today. When facing personal trials, national crises, or spiritual battles, this verse reminds us to place our trust not in human solutions, political power, or material resources, but in the sovereign Lord. Just as God promised to defend Jerusalem, He promises to be our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1), a very present help in trouble. We are called to rest in His protective care, knowing that He is ever vigilant, ready to deliver and preserve those who rely on Him. This verse encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and to live with confidence in His unfailing faithfulness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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