Isaiah 37:35

KJV

For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I will defend {H1598} this city {H5892} to save {H3467} it for mine own sake, and for my servant {H5650} David's {H1732} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

'For I will defend this city and save it, both for my own sake and for my servant David's sake.'"

Berean Standard Bible

‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’”

American Standard Version

For I will defend this city to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:35 serves as a profound and pivotal declaration of Yahweh's unwavering commitment to protect Jerusalem from the formidable Assyrian threat. This verse encapsulates God's direct response to King Hezekiah's desperate prayer, promising divine defense and salvation for the city. Crucially, God's motivation is explicitly stated as being "for mine own sake" and "for my servant David's sake," underscoring that His actions are rooted not in human merit but in His intrinsic character, His glory, and His enduring covenant faithfulness. It stands as a powerful testament to divine sovereignty, grace, and the absolute certainty of God's word in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 37:35 forms the dramatic climax of a narrative arc spanning Isaiah 36-37, which meticulously details the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Following Sennacherib's successful siege of numerous fortified cities and his subsequent, blasphemous taunts against Yahweh and Jerusalem, King Hezekiah demonstrates exemplary faith by turning to God in fervent prayer. He lays the Assyrian king's threatening letter before the Lord in the temple, as recorded in [Isaiah 37:14-20](/isaiah/37-14-20 "Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's Prayer of Desperation"). In direct response to this humble appeal, the prophet Isaiah delivers God's definitive message of assurance and imminent deliverance. This powerful promise of divine protection in Isaiah 37:35 serves as the divine guarantee preceding the miraculous act of salvation. Its immediate and astonishing fulfillment is vividly recounted in the very next verse, [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Camp"), where the Angel of the Lord miraculously strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, compelling Sennacherib's ignominious retreat.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events depicted in Isaiah 37 transpired around 701 BC, a period marked by the formidable dominance of the Neo-Assyrian Empire in the ancient Near East. Under King Sennacherib, Assyria was renowned for its brutal military campaigns, its policy of mass deportation, and its overwhelming military might, which had subdued most of the region. Jerusalem, though fortified, found itself isolated and besieged by an Assyrian army that appeared invincible. The broader cultural context was characterized by polytheism, where nations typically believed their gods were powerful only within their own territories or were subject to more powerful deities. Sennacherib's taunts, articulated in passages like [Isaiah 36:18-20](/isaiah/36-18-20 "Isaiah 36:18-20 - Sennacherib's Blasphemous Taunts"), were strategically designed to undermine Judah's faith in Yahweh, portraying Him as merely another regional deity incapable of protecting His people. Therefore, God's defense of Jerusalem was far more than a military victory; it was a profound theological statement, demonstrating His unique sovereignty, His unparalleled power over all nations, and His absolute supremacy over all other gods.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core theological themes that resonate throughout biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty and His miraculous ability to intervene against overwhelming odds. The promise, "I will defend this city to save it," is a direct assertion of Yahweh's active and personal involvement in human history, demonstrating His power to rescue His people when all human hope has vanished. Secondly, the phrase "for mine own sake" highlights the profound theme of **God's Glory and Reputation**. God's primary motivation for acting is the vindication of His holy name and character in the face of blasphemous challenges. He acts to ensure His supremacy is recognized among the nations, as further emphasized in scriptures such as [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Zeal for His Holy Name"). Thirdly, the addition "and for my servant David's sake" emphasizes God's unwavering **Faithfulness to Covenant**. This points directly to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), where God solemnly promised David an enduring dynasty and the perpetual security of Jerusalem as the city of David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Enduring Promise to David")). God's action here is a powerful demonstration of His steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*) and His unyielding loyalty to His promises across generations, regardless of the current generation's faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **defend (Hebrew, _gânan'_):** This primitive root means "to hedge about," implying the creation of a protective enclosure or barrier. It speaks of active, vigilant guardianship, akin to a shepherd protecting his flock or a wall safeguarding a city from invaders. In this context, it conveys God's personal, comprehensive, and impenetrable protection, forming an unyielding shield around Jerusalem.
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** This term refers to a fortified settlement, a place guarded by constant watchfulness. It emphasizes Jerusalem's inherent vulnerability as a physical entity under siege, yet simultaneously highlights its profound significance as the chosen dwelling place of God and the capital of His covenant people.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be open, wide, or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." This word encompasses a broad range of meanings including deliverance, salvation, and the act of bringing victory. It signifies not merely temporary protection from harm, but a complete and decisive rescue from a state of danger or oppression, leading to a lasting state of safety and freedom.
* **servant (Hebrew, _ʻebed'_):** Derived from the verb "to work" or "to serve," this noun denotes one who serves, a bondman, or a servant. In the biblical context, especially when applied to figures like David, it often carries the profound connotation of devoted service, loyalty, and a unique relationship with God, highlighting one chosen and set apart for divine purposes, through whom God's covenant promises would be channeled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will defend this city":** This clause commences with a powerful declaration of divine intention and personal involvement. The emphatic "I" is Yahweh Himself, underscoring His sovereign power and direct action. The verb "defend" (H1598, *gânan*) signifies active, protective intervention, portraying God as the vigilant guardian who will personally stand between the city and its attackers, forming an impenetrable barrier. This is a direct, unconditional promise from the Almighty.
* **"to save it":** This phrase articulates the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of God's defense. The verb "save" (H3467, *yâshaʻ*) implies a complete and decisive deliverance from danger and a restoration to safety and freedom. It signifies not just a temporary reprieve but a comprehensive act of salvation that ensures the city's survival and its liberation from the overwhelming Assyrian threat. God's defense is purposeful, leading to full salvation.
* **"for mine own sake":** This is presented as the primary and most profound motivation for God's action. It signifies that God's intervention is intrinsically rooted in His own character, His inherent holiness, His unblemished glory, and His divine reputation. In the face of Sennacherib's audacious blasphemy, God acts to vindicate His name and to unequivocally demonstrate His unique power and supreme sovereignty to all nations, proving that He is indeed the one true God, unlike the impotent idols of other lands. His honor, His word, and His very being are at stake.
* **"and for my servant David's sake":** This secondary, yet deeply significant, motivation highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It refers specifically to the Davidic Covenant, where God solemnly promised David an eternal dynasty and the perpetual security of Jerusalem as the city of David. God acts to uphold His sacred word given to David, thereby demonstrating His steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*) and covenant loyalty across generations, ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 37:35 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological weight and underscore its prophetic significance. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, where God speaks directly and authoritatively ("I will defend... to save it"). This declaration unequivocally underscores His absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His spoken word. The phrase "for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake" masterfully employs **Repetition** and **Parallelism**, emphasizing the dual, yet interconnected, motivations behind God's decisive action. This structural choice highlights the intricate interplay between God's inherent glory and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism** in "for mine own sake," as God is portrayed as acting to preserve His reputation or honor, a concept relatable to human motivations but applied to the infinite and perfect divine character. The entire passage functions as a powerful **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired message delivered through Isaiah, confirming God's active and direct involvement in the historical events and His ultimate, sovereign control over the destiny of nations and His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:35 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power, His unyielding faithfulness, and the centrality of His own glory in all His actions. It profoundly reveals that while God certainly cares for His people and responds to their prayers, His ultimate motivation is the vindication of His holy name and the perfect fulfillment of His divine purposes. This verse teaches us that God's promises are not contingent upon human merit, performance, or even faithfulness, but are deeply rooted in His unchanging character and His unbreakable covenants. The miraculous salvation of Jerusalem was not merely a political or military victory; it was a profound theological demonstration of Yahweh's uniqueness among all gods, proving His absolute supremacy and His unwavering commitment to His word, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which laid the indispensable groundwork for the coming Messiah.

* [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army") - The immediate, miraculous fulfillment of God's promise to defend Jerusalem, demonstrating His absolute power and faithfulness.
* [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name") - A clear and powerful declaration of God acting for the vindication of His own holy name, paralleling the motivation expressed in Isaiah 37:35.
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Enduring Covenant with David") - The foundational passage detailing the Davidic Covenant, to which God explicitly refers when acting "for my servant David's sake."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 37:35 offers profound encouragement and timeless lessons for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life, especially when facing seemingly overwhelming circumstances. It serves as a powerful reminder that even when human strength fails, and external threats appear insurmountable, God's sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness remain our ultimate and most reliable hope. Just as King Hezekiah humbly laid his impossible situation before the Lord, we are called to bring our anxieties, fears, and challenges to God in fervent prayer, trusting implicitly that His divine purposes will ultimately prevail. This verse fosters a deep and abiding confidence that God acts not only for our immediate benefit but, more importantly, for the vindication of His own glory and the meticulous fulfillment of His eternal promises. It calls us to live with an acute awareness that our individual lives are part of a larger, grander divine narrative, where God is continually working to uphold His name and accomplish His perfect will, inviting us to align our trust completely with His unfailing character and His immutable word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, and how can the promise of God's defense in Isaiah 37:35 encourage you to trust Him more fully?**
* **How does understanding that God acts primarily "for His own sake" change your perspective on prayer and your expectations of divine intervention in your life and in the world?**
* **What specific promises of God, found in Scripture, can you cling to today, knowing with certainty that He is faithful to His word, just as He was to His servant David and the city of Jerusalem?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose to defend Jerusalem in this specific manner?**

Answer: God chose to defend Jerusalem in such a miraculous and decisive manner primarily to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and unique power over all other gods and nations. Sennacherib's taunts directly challenged Yahweh's ability to protect His people, thereby placing God's honor and reputation at stake before Judah and the surrounding world. By miraculously destroying the Assyrian army, God unequivocally proved Himself to be the one true God, vindicating His holy name and demonstrating His supremacy. This extraordinary act also showcased His unwavering faithfulness to the [Davidic Covenant](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), ensuring the continuation of the Davidic line and the preservation of Jerusalem, the city of David, as He had solemnly promised.

**What is the significance of God acting "for my servant David's sake"?**

Answer: The phrase "for my servant David's sake" highlights God's profound and enduring covenant faithfulness. In [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), God made an unconditional and eternal covenant with David, promising him an enduring dynasty and that his throne would be established forever. Jerusalem was famously known as the "city of David," and its preservation was integral to the continuation of this sacred covenantal line. God's defense of the city was not based on Judah's current righteousness or merit, but solely on His steadfast love (Hebrew: *hesed*) and His unwavering commitment to His prior promises made to David, thereby demonstrating that His word is immutable and His covenants are unbreakable.

**How does this event reveal God's character?**

Answer: This event profoundly reveals several key aspects of God's character: He is sovereign, faithful, and zealous for His own glory. He is a God who meticulously keeps His promises, even when His people are undeserving or unfaithful. He is powerful enough to deliver His people from any threat, no matter how overwhelming or seemingly insurmountable. Crucially, He acts "for His own sake," meaning His ultimate motivation is the magnificent display of His holiness, His justice, and His supreme authority. This emphasizes that God's actions are always consistent with His perfect nature and His overarching plan for redemptive history, ensuring that His name is honored and glorified among all peoples, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/ezekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God Acts for His Holy Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 37:35, with its profound declaration of divine protection for Jerusalem "for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The preservation of Jerusalem and the Davidic line was not an end in itself, but a vital and necessary step in God's unfolding redemptive plan, meticulously ensuring the lineage through which the promised Messiah would come. Jesus is the quintessential "servant David," the long-awaited Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), who perfectly embodies and fulfills God's covenant faithfulness. He is the one who truly defends and saves His people, not from a physical army, but from the far greater enemies of sin, death, and the power of the grave, offering eternal salvation through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as God acted for His own sake in Isaiah to vindicate His holy name, so too in Christ, God's glory is supremely revealed. Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")), through whom all of God's purposes are fully accomplished, bringing all things into subjection to Himself and reconciling them to God ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - The Supremacy of Christ")). In Him, God's eternal promise to David is eternally secured, and His own name is glorified as the ultimate Savior and King of all creation.

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 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.

2 Kings 20:6

And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

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.

Ephesians 1:14

Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.