Isaiah 37:25

KJV

I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have digged {H6979}, and drunk {H8354} water {H4325}; and with the sole {H3709} of my feet {H6471} have I dried up {H2717} all the rivers {H2975} of the besieged places {H4693}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I dug [wells] and drank the water. The soles of my [soldiers'] feet dried up all the rivers of Egypt."

Berean Standard Bible

I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.”

American Standard Version

I have digged and drunk water, and with the sole of my feet will I dry up all the rivers of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:25 records the audacious boast of Sennacherib, King of Assyria, as he attempts to intimidate King Hezekiah and the people of Judah. Through his messengers, Sennacherib claims unparalleled power and dominion, asserting his ability to overcome any natural obstacle or fortified defense, symbolized by his army's capacity to "dig and drink water" in arid lands and "dry up all the rivers of the besieged places" simply by marching through them. This declaration serves as a psychological weapon, designed to erode the morale of Jerusalem and undermine their faith in the Lord, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between human arrogance and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal narrative in Isaiah 36-39, which recounts the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Specifically, Isaiah 37 details Sennacherib's second, more direct, and blasphemous message to Hezekiah, following the initial intimidation in [Isaiah 36](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's First Threat"). The boast in Isaiah 37:25 is part of a longer speech (verses 23-25) where Sennacherib directly challenges Yahweh, claiming that his conquests are due to his own might, not divine permission. This sets up the dramatic divine response and deliverance that follows in [Isaiah 37:33-36](/isaiah/37-33 "Isaiah 37:33-36 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem"), where God explicitly states He will turn Sennacherib back and defend Jerusalem for His own sake.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described occurred around 701 BC, a period when the Neo-Assyrian Empire was the dominant superpower in the ancient Near East. Under Sennacherib, Assyria had systematically conquered numerous kingdoms, including much of Judah, before setting its sights on Jerusalem. The Assyrians were notorious for their brutal military tactics, including devastating sieges, mass deportations, and psychological warfare. Sennacherib's boast reflects the typical rhetoric of ancient Near Eastern monarchs, who often attributed their victories to their own unparalleled strength and the superiority of their gods. By claiming to "dry up rivers" and conquer "besieged places," Sennacherib is not only asserting military dominance but also demonstrating contempt for the local deities, implying that even the natural defenses protected by their gods are no match for Assyrian might.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes illuminated by this verse include the **arrogance of human power** and the **futility of trusting in human strength over divine sovereignty**. Sennacherib's boast is a quintessential example of hubris, where a mortal king attributes absolute power and success to himself, completely disregarding the Lord's role in history. This human self-exaltation stands in stark contrast to the overarching theme of Isaiah, which consistently emphasizes God's ultimate control over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 40:15](/isaiah/40-15 "Isaiah 40:15 - Nations as a Drop in a Bucket") and [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God as Creator and Controller"). The narrative uses Sennacherib's pride as a foil to highlight God's glory and His ability to deliver His people against seemingly insurmountable odds, reinforcing the theme that true security lies in trusting in the Lord, not in military might or human boasting.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **digged (Hebrew, _qûwr'_):** H6979. A primitive root meaning "to trench" or "to throw forth"; by implication, "to wall up" or "to build a wall." In this context, it signifies the Assyrian army's capacity to construct channels or dig wells to secure water supplies even in hostile or arid territories, demonstrating their self-sufficiency and mastery over the environment. It implies a thorough and successful effort to overcome natural limitations.
* **dried up (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** H2717. A primitive root meaning "to parch (through drought)," or by analogy, "to desolate, destroy, kill." Here, it is used hyperbolically to convey the idea of complete subjugation and devastation. Sennacherib claims his forces are so overwhelming that they can literally deplete water sources or render rivers impassable, effectively laying waste to the natural defenses of any land they conquer.
* **rivers (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** H2975. Of Egyptian origin, meaning "a channel," "a fosse," or "canal." Specifically, it often refers to the Nile, but also other major rivers like the Tigris, or even canals and streams. In this verse, "rivers" represent significant natural barriers and vital water sources. Sennacherib's claim to dry them up underscores the magnitude of his perceived power and his ability to overcome even the most formidable natural obstacles.
* **sole (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** H3709. From a root meaning "to bend" or "to stoop," referring to the hollow hand or palm, but also the paw of an animal, or the sole of a foot. Here, "sole of my feet" emphasizes the direct, physical, and overwhelming presence of his army. It's not just that he *can* dry them up, but that the mere act of his army marching (their "feet") is sufficient to accomplish this feat, signifying absolute dominance.
* **besieged places (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr'_):** H4693. The same as another word (H4692) in the sense of a "limit" or "fortification." It refers to places under siege or fortified cities. Sennacherib's boast extends to these places, implying that even the strongest human defenses, often reliant on water sources, are useless against his might.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have digged, and drunk water":** This clause highlights Sennacherib's self-proclaimed ingenuity and resourcefulness. It suggests that his army is not dependent on existing water sources but can create their own, even in arid or conquered territories. This speaks to their logistical prowess and their ability to sustain campaigns in challenging environments, further emphasizing their perceived invincibility and independence from natural limitations.
* **"and with the sole of my feet have I dried up":** This is a powerful, hyperbolic assertion of dominance. The "sole of my feet" implies the sheer physical presence and overwhelming force of his vast army. The act of "drying up" by merely marching signifies a complete and effortless conquest, as if the very presence of his forces causes natural elements to yield to his will. It conveys an image of unstoppable might.
* **"all the rivers of the besieged places":** This phrase specifies the extent of Sennacherib's claimed power. "Rivers" represent vital lifelines and natural defenses for cities. By claiming to dry up *all* of them, he is asserting absolute control over the resources and defenses of any city he chooses to conquer, rendering their resistance futile. This is a direct challenge to the security of Jerusalem, which relied on its water supply and fortifications.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Isaiah 37:25 is **Hyperbole**. Sennacherib's claims to have "dried up all the rivers of the besieged places" with the "sole of my feet" are a deliberate exaggeration, not meant to be taken literally, but to convey an overwhelming sense of military might and an unstoppable force. This extreme overstatement is designed to instill fear and despair in the hearts of the besieged. Additionally, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where "the sole of my feet" stands in for the entire Assyrian army and its overwhelming advance. The boast also contains a degree of **Irony**, as the very power Sennacherib boasts of will soon be dramatically curtailed by the Lord, demonstrating the ultimate futility of human pride against divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Sennacherib's boast in Isaiah 37:25 is a classic demonstration of human pride and self-exaltation, a recurring theme throughout biblical theology. It directly challenges the sovereignty of God, implying that human might can overcome any obstacle, even those ordained or protected by the divine. This arrogance sets the stage for God's dramatic intervention, underscoring the truth that ultimate power belongs to the Lord alone, and that those who exalt themselves will be humbled. The narrative serves as a profound lesson on the dangers of trusting in human strength or resources rather than in the living God, who controls all creation and history.

* [Isaiah 37:29](/isaiah/37-29 "God's Response to Sennacherib")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Psalm 33:16](/psalm/33-16 "God's Deliverance, Not Human Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:25 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Sennacherib's boast mirrors the human tendency to rely on our own strength, intellect, or resources, especially when facing daunting challenges. We often fall into the trap of self-sufficiency, believing that our achievements or capabilities are solely a result of our own efforts, forgetting that "every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good Gift is From God")). This verse calls us to humility, reminding us that true power and ultimate victory belong to God. When confronted with overwhelming circumstances, whether personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual attacks, we are tempted to despair or to trust in worldly solutions. However, the narrative of Isaiah 37 demonstrates that God is sovereign over all, capable of delivering His people even when human odds seem impossible. Our security and peace are found not in our ability to "dry up rivers" or conquer "besieged places" but in our unwavering trust in the Lord, who defends His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely more on my own strength or resources than on God's provision?**
* **How does Sennacherib's boast challenge my perception of what true power and authority entail?**
* **When facing "besieged places" or overwhelming obstacles in my life, what are my initial responses, and how can I cultivate a greater reliance on God's intervention?**
* **How can I guard against the subtle forms of pride and self-exaltation that might creep into my heart?**

### FAQ
**Who is speaking in Isaiah 37:25, and what is the purpose of this boast?**

Answer: The speaker in Isaiah 37:25 is Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, though the words are delivered through his messengers, primarily the Rabshakeh. The purpose of this boast is to engage in psychological warfare against King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem. Sennacherib's aim was to instill fear, demoralize the city, and undermine their trust in the Lord, thereby compelling them to surrender without a prolonged siege. He claims absolute power and dominion over all obstacles, both natural and man-made, to demonstrate his perceived invincibility and the futility of resistance.

**What does Sennacherib mean by "drying up all the rivers of the besieged places with the sole of my feet"?**

Answer: This is a hyperbolic statement, not meant to be taken literally, but to convey the overwhelming might and logistical capability of the Assyrian army. "Drying up rivers" signifies their ability to overcome natural barriers, either by diverting water, consuming it, or simply marching through it with such a vast force that it renders the water source useless as a defense. "With the sole of my feet" emphasizes the sheer physical presence and effortless dominance of his troops. It's a boast that his army is so numerous and powerful that their mere advance can neutralize any natural or fortified defense, making surrender the only logical option for the besieged.

**How does God respond to Sennacherib's arrogance and boastful claims?**

Answer: God responds directly and decisively to Sennacherib's arrogance. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord sends a message to Hezekiah, assuring him that He has heard Sennacherib's blasphemy and will not allow Jerusalem to fall. God states that He will put a hook in Sennacherib's nose and turn him back the way he came ([Isaiah 37:29](/isaiah/37-29 "Isaiah 37:29 - God's Response to Sennacherib")). True to His word, that very night, an angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat in shame and return to Nineveh, where he is later assassinated by his own sons ([Isaiah 37:36-38](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36-38 - God's Deliverance and Sennacherib's Demise")). This divine intervention dramatically demonstrates the futility of human pride against the sovereign power of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Sennacherib's boast in Isaiah 37:25, a declaration of human power and self-sufficiency against divine authority, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Sennacherib claimed to "dry up rivers" and conquer "besieged places" through brute force, Christ demonstrates true authority not through destructive conquest but through creative power and redemptive sacrifice. The boast of Sennacherib, representing the pride of earthly kingdoms and the futility of relying on human might, is utterly subverted by the humility and ultimate triumph of the Lamb of God. Jesus, by His death and resurrection, truly "dried up" the rivers of sin and death, not with the sole of His feet in a military march, but by His own blood, conquering the ultimate "besieged place"—the human heart held captive by sin ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the one who has authority over all creation, calming storms with a word ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and offering living water that truly satisfies ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Living Water")). Unlike Sennacherib, whose boast led to his humiliating defeat, Christ's humble obedience led to His exaltation, and through Him, believers find deliverance from the true enemies—sin, death, and the devil—enemies far more formidable than any earthly army ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He is the true King who delivers His people, not by the might of human armies, but by the power of His cross and resurrection, establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")).

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

1 Kings 20:10

And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

Isaiah 36:12

But Rabshakeh said, Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee to speak these words? [hath he] not [sent me] to the men that sit upon the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?

Deuteronomy 11:10

For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, [is] not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst [it] with thy foot, as a garden of herbs:

2 Kings 19:23

By thy messengers thou hast reproached the Lord, and hast said, With the multitude of my chariots I am come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down the tall cedar trees thereof, [and] the choice fir trees thereof: and I will enter into the lodgings of his borders, [and into] the forest of his Carmel.

2 Kings 19:24

I have digged and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.