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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Isaiah 37:21–38.
We may here observe, 1. That those who receive messages of terror from men with patience, and send messages of faith to God by prayer, may expect messages of grace and peace from God for their comfort, even when they are most cast down. Isaiah sent a long answer to Hezekiah's prayer in God's name, sent it in writing (for it was too long to be sent by word of mouth), and sent it by way of return to his prayer, relation being thereunto had: "Whereas thou hast prayed to me, know, for thy comfort, that thy prayer is heard." Isaiah might have referred him to the prophecies he had delivered (particularly that ch. 10) and bid him pick out an answer from thence; but, that he might have abundant consolation, a message is sent him on purpose. The correspondence between earth and heaven is never let fall on God's side. 2. Those who magnify themselves, especially who magnify themselves against God and his people, do really vilify themselves, and made themselves contemptible, in the eyes of all wise men: "The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised Sennacherib, and all his impotent malice and menaces; she knows that, while she preserves her integrity, she is sure of the divine protection, and that though the enemy may bark he cannot bite. All his threats are a jest; it is all but brutum fulmen - a mere flash," 3. Those who abuse the people of God affront God himself; and he takes what is said and done against them as said and done against himself: "Whom hast thou reproached? Even the Holy One of Israel, whom thou hast therefore reproached because he is a Holy One." And it aggravated the indignity Sennacherib did to God that he not only reproached him himself, but set his servants on to do the same: By thy servants, the abjects, thou hast reproached me. 4. Those who boast of themselves and their own achievements reflect upon God and his providence: "Thou hast said, I have digged, and drunk water; I have done mighty feats, and will do more; and wilt not own that I have done it," Isa 37:24-26. The most active men are no more than God makes them, and God makes them no more than of old he designed to make them: "What I have formed of ancient times, in an eternal counsel, now have I brought to pass" (for God does all according to the counsel of his will), "that thou shouldst be to lay waste defenced cities; it is therefore intolerable arrogance to make it thy own doing." 5. All the malice, and all the motions and projects, of the church's enemies, are under the cognizance and check of the church's God. Sennacherib was active and quick, here, and there, and every where, but God knew his going out and coming in, and had always an eye upon him, Isa 37:28. And that was not all; he had a hand upon him too, a strict hand, a strong hand, a hook in his nose and a bridle in his lips, with which, though he was very headstrong and unruly, he could and would turn him back by the way which he came, Isa 37:29. Hitherto he shall come and no further. God had signed Sennacherib's commission against Judah (Isa 10:6); here he supersedes it. He has frightened them, but he must not hurt them, and therefore is discharged from going any further; nay, his commitment is here signed, by which he is clapped up, to answer for what he had done beyond his commission. 6. God is his people's bountiful benefactor, as well as their powerful protector, both a sun and a shield to those that trust in him. Jerusalem shall be defended (Isa 37:35), the besiegers shall not come into it, no, nor come before it with any regular attack, but they shall be routed before they begin the siege, Isa 37:33. But this is not all; God will return in mercy to his people, and will do them good. Their land shall be more than ordinarily fruitful, so that their losses shall be abundantly repaired; they shall not feel any of the ill effects either of the enemies' wasting the country or of their own being taken off from husbandry. But the earth, as at first, shall bring forth of itself, and they shall live and live plentifully upon its spontaneous productions. The blessing of the Lord can, when he pleases, make rich without the hand of the diligent. And let them not think that the desolations of their country would excuse them from observing the sabbatical year, which happened (as it should seem) the year after, and when they were not to plough or sow; no, though they had not now their usual stock beforehand for that year, yet they must religiously observe it, and depend upon God to provide for them. God must be trusted in the way of duty. 7. There is no standing before the judgments of God when they come with commission. (1.) The greatest numbers cannot stand before them: one angel shall, in one night, lay a vast army of men dead upon the spot, when God commissions him so to do, Isa 37:36. Here are 185,000 brave soldiers in an instant turned into so many dead corpses. Many think the 76th Psalm was penned upon occasion of this defeat, where from the spoiling of the stout-hearted, and sending them to sleep their long sleep (Isa 37:5), it is inferred that God is more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey (Isa 37:4), and that he, even he, is to be feared, Isa 37:7. Angels are employed, more than we are aware of, as ministers of God's justice, to punish the pride and break the power of wicked men. (2.) The greatest men cannot stand before them: The great king, the king of Assyria, looks very little when he is forced to return, not only with shame, because he cannot accomplish what he had projected with so much assurance, but with terror and fear, lest the angel that had destroyed his army should destroy him; yet he is made to look less when his own sons, who should have guarded him, sacrificed him to his idol, whose protection he sought, Isa 37:37, Isa 37:38. God can quickly stop their breath who breathe out threatenings and slaughter against his people, and will do it when they have filled up the measure of their iniquity; and the Lord is known by these judgments which he executes, known to be a God that resists the proud. Many prophecies were fulfilled in this providence, which should encourage us, as far as they look further, and are designed as common and general assurances of the safety of the church and of all that trust in God, to depend upon God for the accomplishment of them. He that has delivered does and will deliver. Lord, forgive our enemies; but, so let all thy enemies perish, O Lord!
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 33, 34.) Therefore, thus says the Lord about the king of Assyria: He shall not enter this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with a shield, nor build siege works against it. By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not enter this city, says the Lord. I will defend this city and save it for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David. It turns back to its purpose and dispels present fear after the hope of future things. For there was not so much joy upon the things which she had promised would come after a long time, as there was care for the impending. But what she says about Assyria returning and not lifting up a shield against Jerusalem, not shooting arrows, nor that the city should be fortified with walls and a rampart, and that the enemy would return by the way he had come, and that the city should be freed from the present siege, and finally she brings forth: for my sake and for the sake of my servant David, this signifies that they are preserved not by their own merit, but by the clemency of God, indeed by the memory of their father David. In which both his own negligence and that person's trustworthiness and justice are admonished, because God loves justice to such an extent that he protects even the descendants of holy men, not by their own merit, but by the virtue of their ancestors.
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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), 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). 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) 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), 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. 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 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
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.
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.
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 (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), 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.
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).
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.
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
FAQ
How was the prophecy in Isaiah 37:34 fulfilled?
The prophecy of Isaiah 37:34 was dramatically and miraculously fulfilled. As detailed in Isaiah 37:36, "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 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?
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). 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). 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). 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).