Isaiah 37:22

KJV

This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the word {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} concerning him; The virgin {H1330}, the daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, hath despised {H959} thee, and laughed thee to scorn;{H3932} the daughter {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389} hath shaken {H5128} her head {H7218} at thee {H310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is ADONAI's answer concerning him: "'The virgin daughter of Tziyon despises you; she laughs you to scorn. The daughter of Yerushalayim shakes her head at you.

Berean Standard Bible

this is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.

American Standard Version

this is the word which Jehovah hath spoken concerning him: The virgin daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:22 delivers a powerful prophetic word from the LORD through the prophet Isaiah to King Sennacherib of Assyria, who had threatened Jerusalem and blasphemed God. In this divine retort, Jerusalem, personified as "the virgin, the daughter of Zion" and "the daughter of Jerusalem," is depicted as utterly despising, laughing to scorn, and shaking her head at the arrogant Assyrian king. This verse encapsulates God's absolute disdain for human pride and His unwavering commitment to protect His chosen city and people, demonstrating His supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 37:22 is a central component of a dramatic narrative spanning Isaiah 36-39 and paralleled in 2 Kings 18-19. Immediately preceding this verse, King Hezekiah of Judah has received a threatening and blasphemous letter from Sennacherib, boasting of Assyria's conquests and ridiculing Judah's God, YHWH, as no different from the gods of conquered nations (cf. [Isaiah 37:10-13](/isaiah/37-10 "Isaiah 37:10-13 - Sennacherib's Blasphemous Letter")). In response, Hezekiah humbles himself, spreads the letter before the LORD in the temple, and fervently prays for divine intervention (cf. [Isaiah 37:14-20](/isaiah/37-14 "Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer")). Isaiah 37:22 is the opening declaration of God's direct and scathing reply to Sennacherib, delivered through Isaiah, which continues through the end of the chapter, culminating in the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. This verse sets the tone for God's subsequent judgment against Assyria and His vindication of His own name and people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Isaiah 37 unfold around 701 BCE, during the reign of King Hezekiah in Judah and King Sennacherib in Assyria. Assyria was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns, siege warfare, and policy of deporting conquered peoples. Sennacherib had already devastated much of Judah, capturing fortified cities and leaving Jerusalem isolated and besieged. His taunts, delivered through his field commander (the Rabshakeh) and later in a letter, were designed to demoralize the Judeans and undermine their trust in God, a common psychological warfare tactic. The cultural understanding of divine protection for a capital city, especially one considered sacred like Jerusalem (Zion), was deeply ingrained. Sennacherib's blasphemy was not merely a political challenge but a direct affront to YHWH's honor, which, in the ancient mindset, demanded a divine response. The shaking of the head and scornful laughter were universal gestures of contempt and dismissal, underscoring the severity of Jerusalem's (and thus God's) reaction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Isaiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and uniqueness of YHWH** over all other gods and earthly powers. Sennacherib's arrogance and blasphemy are met with divine scorn, demonstrating that no human might can stand against the Almighty (cf. [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket")). Secondly, it highlights **God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His holy city, Jerusalem (Zion)**. Despite Jerusalem's vulnerability and past failings, God defends it, not for its own merit, but for His name's sake and His promises to David (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Thirdly, it exemplifies the biblical principle that **divine judgment awaits human pride and rebellion against God** (cf. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")). Sennacherib's boasts are turned into a spectacle of his own humiliation, emphasizing that God "opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (cf. [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) From the root `dâbar` (H1696), meaning "to speak" or "to arrange." `Dâbâr` refers to a "word," but by implication, it encompasses a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," or "report." In this context, it signifies a definitive, authoritative pronouncement from God. It is not merely a statement but a divine decree, carrying the weight of God's will and power, ensuring its fulfillment. This `dâbâr` is the very essence of God's response, a declaration that will bring about the promised outcome.
* **Virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** (H1330) A feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning "to separate." It denotes a "virgin" (from her privacy) and sometimes, by continuation, a "bride." Figuratively, it can refer to a "city or state." Here, "the virgin, the daughter of Zion" is a poetic and symbolic epithet for Jerusalem. The term "virgin" implies a state of purity, inviolability, and being unconquered. Despite the Assyrian siege and threats, Jerusalem is declared by God to remain untouched and undefiled by the enemy's hand, emphasizing God's protective shield and the city's eventual preservation from invasion.
* **Despised (Hebrew, _bâzâh'_):** (H959) A primitive root meaning "to disesteem," "despise," "disdain," or "contemn." This strong verb conveys a profound sense of contempt and utter disregard. When applied to Jerusalem's attitude towards Sennacherib, it signifies a complete lack of respect or fear, reflecting God's own view of the Assyrian king's empty boasts. It is a powerful declaration that the mighty Sennacherib is viewed as utterly insignificant and contemptible in the eyes of God and His protected city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him;":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and authority of the message that follows. It is not Isaiah's opinion or Hezekiah's hope, but the direct, authoritative "word" (`dâbâr`) of "the LORD" (`Yᵉhôvâh`), the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel. The phrase "concerning him" directly identifies Sennacherib as the target of this divine pronouncement, setting the stage for God's direct confrontation with the arrogant king.
* **"The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn;":** Here, Jerusalem is personified using two poetic titles: "the virgin, the daughter of Zion." "Daughter of Zion" is a common biblical idiom for the city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, often emphasizing its spiritual identity as God's dwelling place. The addition of "virgin" highlights its inviolability and purity, signifying that despite the overwhelming threat, Jerusalem would remain unconquered and undefiled by the Assyrian forces. The actions attributed to her – "despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn" – are vivid expressions of utter contempt, mockery, and derision. This is not a physical act by Jerusalem's army, but a divinely empowered scorn, reflecting God's own disdain for Sennacherib's pride and blasphemy.
* **"the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.":** This final clause reinforces the previous one through parallelism, employing another synonymous poetic title for the city, "the daughter of Jerusalem." The action "hath shaken her head at thee" is a culturally recognized gesture of dismissal, contempt, or rejection, akin to a gesture of disbelief or scorn. It adds another layer to the imagery of utter disdain, portraying Jerusalem as confidently and dismissively rejecting Sennacherib's threats, knowing that God stands as her defender.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:22 is rich in **Personification**, a key literary device employed to give human attributes to the city of Jerusalem. By portraying "the virgin, the daughter of Zion" and "the daughter of Jerusalem" as actively "despising," "laughing to scorn," and "shaking her head" at Sennacherib, the prophet imbues the city with a vibrant, defiant personality. This is not merely a city under siege, but a living entity, empowered by God, expressing divine contempt. The verse also utilizes powerful **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second and third clauses ("The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee") repeat the same idea in different words, intensifying the message of scorn and dismissal. This repetition emphasizes the absolute nature of Jerusalem's (and God's) disdain for Sennacherib. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** at play: the mighty Assyrian king, who has conquered vast territories and boasts of his invincibility, is here depicted as being scorned and mocked by a seemingly vulnerable, besieged city. This reversal of expectations highlights God's power to humble the proud and protect the weak, turning the tables on human arrogance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:22 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God is the ultimate sovereign, who humbles the proud and exalts the humble. It serves as a powerful testament to His active involvement in human history, intervening to protect His people and vindicate His name against those who defy Him. The scorn directed at Sennacherib is, in essence, God's own scorn for human arrogance and self-sufficiency that dares to challenge divine authority. This divine derision is not petty but righteous, a demonstration of God's unyielding commitment to justice and His covenant promises. The virginity of Zion, though threatened, remains intact, symbolizing God's faithfulness to preserve His chosen dwelling place and, by extension, His people, against all odds.

* [2 Kings 19:21](/2_kings/19-21 "2 Kings 19:21 - God's Word Against Sennacherib")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight for You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:22 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. When faced with overwhelming adversaries, whether spiritual, relational, or circumstantial, this verse reminds us that our ultimate security lies not in our own strength or strategic alliances, but in the sovereign power of God. Just as Hezekiah humbled himself and sought the LORD, we are called to bring our fears and challenges to God in prayer, trusting that He hears and acts. The image of Jerusalem scorning Sennacherib encourages us to adopt a posture of faith-filled defiance against the "giants" in our lives, knowing that the battle belongs to the Lord. This verse also serves as a stark warning against pride and self-reliance, reminding us that God ultimately opposes the arrogant. Our response to life's threats should be humility, prayer, and confident trust in the God who has the final word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "the virgin, the daughter of Zion" despising and mocking Sennacherib challenge your perspective on facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be relying on your own strength or resources, rather than humbly seeking God's intervention and protection?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's sovereignty and active presence, allowing it to transform your fear into faith?**

### FAQ
**Who is "him" that the LORD has spoken concerning in this verse?**

Answer: The "him" refers to King Sennacherib of Assyria. The preceding verses in [Isaiah 37:8-13](/isaiah/37-8 "Isaiah 37:8-13 - Sennacherib's Threat to Hezekiah") describe Sennacherib's threatening messages and blasphemous taunts against King Hezekiah and the God of Judah. This verse, [Isaiah 37:22](/isaiah/37-22 "Isaiah 37:22 - God's Scorn for Sennacherib"), marks the beginning of God's direct, scornful reply to Sennacherib's arrogance and defiance.

**Why is Jerusalem referred to as "the virgin, the daughter of Zion"?**

Answer: "Daughter of Zion" is a common poetic and symbolic title for Jerusalem and its inhabitants, often emphasizing its spiritual identity as the place where God dwells. The addition of "virgin" (Hebrew: `bᵉthûwlâh`) is highly significant in this context. It implies that despite the Assyrian siege and Sennacherib's threats, Jerusalem would remain unconquered, undefiled, and untouched by the enemy's hand. It highlights God's protective shield over His city, signifying its purity and safety from invasion, a testament to His faithfulness and power to preserve His chosen place.

**What was the ultimate fate of Sennacherib and his army after this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecy in [Isaiah 37:22](/isaiah/37-22 "Isaiah 37:22 - God's Scorn for Sennacherib") was dramatically fulfilled. As described in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the LORD Strikes Assyria"), that very night, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Sennacherib himself retreated in shame to Nineveh, and later, while worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, he was assassinated by his own sons ([Isaiah 37:37-38](/isaiah/37-37 "Isaiah 37:37-38 - Sennacherib's Death")). This swift and decisive divine intervention underscored God's absolute sovereignty and vindicated His word against the arrogant king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 37:22, with its depiction of God's people scorning a mighty, blasphemous enemy, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God defended Jerusalem against Sennacherib's pride, Christ, as the incarnate LORD, decisively triumphed over the ultimate adversary, Satan, who likewise boasts and seeks to destroy God's people. The "virgin, daughter of Zion," representing God's vulnerable yet protected people, foreshadows the Church, the Bride of Christ, whom He loves and for whom He gave Himself ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The scorn and derision directed at Sennacherib by Jerusalem prefigure the ultimate and eternal contempt with which Christ views all evil and rebellion against God, having conquered sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). In Christ, believers are part of a new Jerusalem, a heavenly city that will never be conquered or defiled ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends")), and they share in His victory, knowing that if God is for us, who can be against us ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")). The ultimate shaking of the head and scorn is reserved for those who oppose the Lamb of God, whose reign is eternal.

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

Job 16:4

I also could speak as ye [do]: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

Jeremiah 14:17

¶ Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

Psalms 9:14

That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

Isaiah 1:8

And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.

Zechariah 2:10

¶ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

Zephaniah 3:14

¶ Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.