Isaiah 37:34

KJV

By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

By the way {H1870} that he came {H935}, by the same shall he return {H7725}, and shall not come {H935} into this city {H5892}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'By the way he came he will return; he will not come to this city,' says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and he shall not come unto this city, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:34 stands as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty and unwavering protection, delivered by the Lord through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah. In the face of the overwhelming Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, this verse serves as God's direct and absolute promise that the formidable enemy, King Sennacherib, would be turned back by the very path he came, utterly failing to breach the city's defenses. It encapsulates God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations and His steadfast faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them of a miraculous deliverance against all human odds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 37:34 is situated within a pivotal narrative arc (Isaiah 36-39) that recounts the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Following Sennacherib's taunts and blasphemous challenge to Yahweh (recounted in [Isaiah 36](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Taunts")), King Hezekiah demonstrates profound humility and faith by tearing his clothes, covering himself with sackcloth, and entering the house of the Lord to pray ([Isaiah 37:1](/isaiah/37-1 "Isaiah 37:1 - Hezekiah's Distress and Prayer")). He sends messengers to Isaiah, seeking a word from the Lord. Isaiah's response, delivered directly from God, provides a series of prophecies culminating in the definitive assurance of Jerusalem's safety and Sennacherib's retreat and demise, of which Isaiah 37:34 is a key component. The immediate verses ([Isaiah 37:33](/isaiah/37-33 "Isaiah 37:33 - The Lord's Decree Against Assyria")) explicitly state what the Assyrians *will not* do to Jerusalem (shoot an arrow, come with a shield, cast up a bank), making verse 34 the conclusive statement of their forced retreat.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The late 8th century BCE was dominated by the Assyrian Empire, a ruthless and highly efficient military power that had systematically conquered vast territories, including the northern kingdom of Israel (722 BCE). Sennacherib, king of Assyria (705-681 BCE), launched a major campaign against Judah in 701 BCE, capturing many fortified cities and laying siege to Jerusalem. The Assyrians were known for their psychological warfare, using fear and intimidation to break the will of their enemies, as evidenced by the Rabshakeh's taunts outside Jerusalem's walls. For Judah, a small kingdom caught between powerful empires, the Assyrian threat was existential. King Hezekiah had initially attempted to appease Sennacherib with tribute ([2 Kings 18:14-16](/2_kings/18-14 "2 Kings 18:14-16 - Hezekiah's Tribute to Sennacherib")), but when this failed, he turned to God. The cultural understanding of divine intervention in warfare was prevalent, but the scale of the Assyrian threat made human solutions seem utterly futile, highlighting the need for a truly miraculous act of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major theological themes found throughout Isaiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His chosen city, Jerusalem. Despite the overwhelming military might of Assyria, God declares His ability to defend His own, emphasizing that human strength is no match for divine power, as seen in the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian army in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians"). Secondly, the passage emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Over Empires**. Sennacherib, the seemingly invincible world ruler, is revealed to be merely an instrument in God's hands, his movements and ultimate fate dictated by the Lord's will. This theme is echoed in other prophetic books, such as [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes Kings") where God is depicted as the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." Finally, the phrase "saith the LORD" reinforces the **Reliability and Authority of God's Word**. This is not a mere prediction but a divine decree, a guaranteed outcome that will inevitably come to pass, providing a bedrock of assurance for Hezekiah and for all who trust in God's promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Way (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, meaning "a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action." In this context, it refers literally to the physical path or route taken by the Assyrian army. The repetition of "by the way that he came, by the same" emphasizes the precise and inescapable nature of their retreat, mirroring their advance. It signifies a complete reversal of their intended course, dictated by divine intervention.
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." This word powerfully conveys the forced and complete withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces. It's not a strategic retreat but a divinely compelled turning back, signaling the utter failure of their campaign against Jerusalem.
* **Saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** From H5002, meaning "an oracle." This term is a crucial indicator of divine authority. When appended to a statement, as in "saith the LORD," it designates the preceding words as a direct, undeniable oracle or pronouncement from God Himself. It transforms the statement from a mere prediction into a divinely decreed certainty, leaving no room for doubt regarding its fulfillment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By the way that he came,"**: This clause establishes the specific route of the Assyrian army's advance towards Jerusalem. It sets the stage for the dramatic reversal that is about to be declared, emphasizing the precise nature of God's control over their movements. It implies a direct retracing of steps, a complete undoing of their forward progress.
* **"by the same shall he return,"**: This is the core of the divine decree, declaring that Sennacherib's army will be forced to retreat along the exact same path they used to approach Jerusalem. The repetition of "by the way... by the same" underscores the certainty and completeness of their withdrawal, signifying a humiliating and divinely enforced reversal of their aggressive campaign.
* **"and shall not come into this city,"**: This phrase is the ultimate assurance of Jerusalem's inviolability. Despite the Assyrian's overwhelming power and their siege, God explicitly promises that they will not succeed in entering the city. This directly counters Sennacherib's threats and provides absolute comfort to Hezekiah and the inhabitants, highlighting God's direct intervention to protect His people and His dwelling place.
* **"saith the LORD."**: This concluding declaration serves as the divine seal on the entire prophecy. The use of "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) signifies that this is not merely Isaiah's personal opinion or a hopeful wish, but the authoritative, unchangeable word of Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It guarantees the absolute certainty and inevitable fulfillment of the preceding promise, grounding it in the very character and power of God (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_).

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:34 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the phrase "By the way that he came, by the same shall he return." This reiteration emphasizes the certainty and precision of the Assyrian retreat, creating a sense of inescapable destiny for Sennacherib. It highlights the complete reversal of their aggressive advance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Divine Oracle** or **Prophetic Decree**, explicitly marked by the concluding phrase "saith the LORD." This formal declaration elevates the statement from a prediction to an authoritative, unalterable divine command, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty. There is also an element of **Contrast** at play, juxtaposing the immense, seemingly unstoppable military might of the Assyrian Empire with the simple, declarative power of God's word, demonstrating that even the greatest human force is utterly subject to the divine will. The verse also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, predicting Sennacherib's ultimate failure and retreat, which is dramatically fulfilled later in the chapter ([Isaiah 37:36-38](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36-38 - The Destruction of the Assyrian Army and Sennacherib's Death")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:34 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that divine protection is not merely a possibility but a guaranteed reality for those who trust in Him, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. This event serves as a historical testament to God's ability to intervene directly in human affairs, turning back the most formidable enemies with a mere word. The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem reinforces the sanctity of God's dwelling place and His chosen people, foreshadowing His ultimate triumph over all forces that oppose His kingdom. It teaches that God's word is not just informative but performative, bringing to pass what it declares.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Zechariah 2:5](/zechariah/2-5 "Zechariah 2:5 - God as a Wall of Fire Around Jerusalem")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:34 offers profound encouragement and a powerful lesson in faith for believers today. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, whether personal struggles, societal pressures, or spiritual battles, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign and capable of delivering us from seemingly impossible situations. Just as Hezekiah, facing the might of the Assyrian Empire, turned to God in desperate prayer, we are called to place our complete trust in God's power and His unfailing promises. This passage reassures us that no enemy, no circumstance, and no threat is too great for the Lord. He has the ultimate authority to turn back any adversary, ensuring that His purposes prevail and His people are protected according to His divine will. It invites us to rest in the certainty of His word, knowing that when God declares something, it will undeniably come to pass, providing a foundation of hope and peace even amidst chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Assyrian armies" or overwhelming threats are you currently facing in your life that seem insurmountable?**
* **How does Hezekiah's response to the crisis (prayer and trust in God's word) challenge or encourage your own approach to difficulties?**
* **In what ways does the phrase "saith the LORD" strengthen your confidence in God's promises for your own life?**

### FAQ
**How was the prophecy in Isaiah 37:34 fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy of Isaiah 37:34 was dramatically and miraculously fulfilled. As detailed in [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians"), "Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses." This devastating blow to Sennacherib's army, without any human intervention from Judah, forced him to immediately abandon the siege of Jerusalem and return to his own land. [Isaiah 37:37-38](/isaiah/37-37 "Isaiah 37:37-38 - Sennacherib's Retreat and Death") further recounts that Sennacherib "departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh," and was later assassinated by his own sons while worshipping in the house of his god. Thus, he returned "by the way that he came" and never entered Jerusalem, precisely as the Lord had declared.

**What does this verse teach us about God's character?**

Answer: Isaiah 37:34 reveals several key aspects of God's character. Firstly, it showcases His **omnipotence and sovereignty**, demonstrating that He holds ultimate control over all earthly powers and events, even the most formidable empires. He is not limited by human strength or military might. Secondly, it highlights His **faithfulness and covenant-keeping nature**. God had promised to protect Jerusalem and His people, and He honored that promise despite the dire circumstances. Thirdly, it underscores His **justice and righteousness**, as He judges the arrogance and blasphemy of Sennacherib. Finally, it reveals His **compassion and willingness to deliver** those who humble themselves and seek Him in prayer, as Hezekiah did.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 37:34 speaks directly to a historical deliverance of Jerusalem from a physical enemy, it profoundly foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The divine protection promised to Jerusalem, God's chosen city, points to the ultimate security and inviolability of God's spiritual kingdom, the Church, which Christ Himself declared that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Just as God turned back the Assyrian king who sought to conquer His earthly city, so Christ, the true King of Kings, decisively defeated the ultimate spiritual enemy, Satan, and the forces of sin and death. The "way that he came" for Satan was through temptation and the power of death, but by His crucifixion and glorious resurrection, Christ "returned" by the way of victory, disarming principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The promise that the enemy "shall not come into this city" finds its spiritual parallel in the New Covenant, where believers are secure in Christ, shielded from the ultimate dominion of sin and spiritual death, for "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Christ's triumph ensures that no spiritual adversary can ultimately conquer the hearts and lives of those who belong to Him, establishing a heavenly Jerusalem that will never be breached ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")).

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

Isaiah 37:29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.