Isaiah 37:37

KJV

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Sennacherib {H5576} king {H4428} of Assyria {H804} departed {H5265}, and went {H3212} and returned {H7725}, and dwelt {H3427} at Nineveh {H5210}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Sancheriv king of Ashur left, went and returned to live in Ninveh.

Berean Standard Bible

So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.

American Standard Version

So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 37:37 records the immediate and decisive withdrawal of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, from Judah and his return to his capital, Nineveh. This verse marks the climactic fulfillment of divine prophecy and the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from an overwhelming siege, serving as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to a dramatic narrative spanning [Isaiah chapters 36 and 37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Jerusalem's Deliverance"). It immediately follows the miraculous intervention of the Angel of the Lord, who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night ([Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army")). The preceding chapters detail Sennacherib's arrogant threats against Jerusalem and Yahweh, King Hezekiah's humble prayer for deliverance ([Isaiah 37:15-20](/isaiah/37-15 "Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance")), and Isaiah's prophetic assurance of God's protection and Sennacherib's eventual retreat and demise ([Isaiah 37:6-7](/isaiah/37-6 "Isaiah's Prophecy of Sennacherib's Retreat") and [Isaiah 37:33-35](/isaiah/37-33 "God's Promise to Defend Jerusalem")). Thus, [Isaiah 37:37](/isaiah/37-37 "Sennacherib's Retreat") provides the definitive resolution to the Assyrian crisis, confirming God's word through His prophet.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Invasion") are set during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah (c. 715-686 BC) and the Assyrian King Sennacherib (705-681 BC). Assyria was the dominant superpower of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal military campaigns and policy of deporting conquered peoples. In 701 BC, Sennacherib launched a major campaign against Judah, conquering many fortified cities and laying siege to Jerusalem. His boasts, recorded in [Isaiah 36](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36 - Sennacherib's Taunts"), reflect the typical Assyrian imperial rhetoric designed to demoralize enemies and assert the supremacy of their gods and military might. The retreat of such a formidable king, without conquering Jerusalem, was an unprecedented and humiliating defeat for Assyria, especially given their overwhelming military superiority and the common practice of kings staying until a siege was successful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present in the book of Isaiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. It highlights **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's direct intervention to protect His people from seemingly insurmountable threats, not by human might but by divine power ([Isaiah 31:5](/isaiah/31-5 "God's Protection of Jerusalem")). It underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, as Isaiah's specific predictions regarding Sennacherib's retreat and subsequent death are precisely realized ([Isaiah 37:7](/isaiah/37-7 "Prophecy of Sennacherib's Spirit") and [Isaiah 37:34](/isaiah/37-34 "God's Defense of Jerusalem")). Furthermore, it demonstrates **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, asserting that even the most powerful earthly rulers are ultimately subject to the will and judgment of Yahweh ([Psalm 2:4](/psalms/2-4 "God's Sovereignty Over Kings")). Finally, it exemplifies the efficacy of **Answered Prayer**, as Hezekiah's earnest plea for deliverance is met with God's miraculous response ([Isaiah 37:21](/isaiah/37-21 "Isaiah's Response to Hezekiah's Prayer")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **departed (Hebrew, _nâçaʻ'_):** From H5265, meaning "to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e. start on a journey." This word emphasizes the immediate and decisive nature of Sennacherib's withdrawal. It signifies not a strategic repositioning, but an abrupt breaking camp and leaving, indicative of a forced retreat.
* **returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, 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." The use of "returned" here highlights the reversal of his aggressive advance. He came to conquer, but he returned in defeat, not having achieved his objective.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, meaning "to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain." This word signifies a settled residence. Sennacherib's "dwelling" at Nineveh marks the end of his campaign against Judah and his return to his seat of power, where he would eventually meet his fate, as prophesied.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed":** This phrase immediately establishes the subject and the action. The "So" indicates a direct consequence of the preceding divine intervention, emphasizing that his departure was not voluntary but compelled by the decimation of his army. The identification of "Sennacherib king of Assyria" underscores the magnitude of the figure who was forced to withdraw.
* **"and went and returned":** This triple verb construction emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of his retreat. "Departed" (nâçaʻ) signifies the breaking of camp and setting out, "went" (yâlak) denotes the journey itself, and "returned" (shûwb) highlights the reversal of his previous advance. The repetition stresses the finality and humiliation of his forced withdrawal from Judah.
* **"and dwelt at Nineveh":** This final clause confirms his destination and the cessation of his campaign against Judah. Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, his seat of power. His "dwelling" there marks the end of his direct threat to Jerusalem and sets the stage for the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding his eventual death in his own land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Isaiah 37:37](/isaiah/37-37 "Sennacherib's Retreat") is **Conciseness** and **Understatement**. After the dramatic and miraculous intervention of the Angel of the Lord, the narrative quickly and simply states Sennacherib's departure. The brevity of the statement, "So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh," belies the monumental significance of the event. It avoids elaborate descriptions of his humiliation or the Assyrian army's defeat, allowing the preceding verse ([Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army")) to speak for itself regarding the cause of his retreat. This concise statement serves as a powerful **Climax** and **Resolution** to the entire Assyrian crisis narrative, demonstrating God's effortless victory over a seemingly invincible foe. The repetition of verbs ("departed, and went and returned") also functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the definitive and irreversible nature of his withdrawal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 37:37 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can thwart His divine will or overcome His protection of His chosen people. The retreat of Sennacherib, the most formidable ruler of his time, was not a result of Judah's military prowess but a direct consequence of Yahweh's intervention, fulfilling His promise to defend Jerusalem for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David. This event underscores the theme that true security and deliverance come from trusting in God alone, rather than relying on human alliances or military strength, a recurring message throughout Isaiah. It vividly illustrates that God is the ultimate King, whose word is unfailing and whose power is limitless, capable of turning back the tide of history with a single act.

* [2 Kings 19:36](/2_kings/19-36 "2 Kings 19:36 - Sennacherib's Return and Death")
* [2 Chronicles 32:21](/2_chronicles/32-21 "2 Chronicles 32:21 - The Lord Destroys the Assyrian Army")
* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The abrupt and humiliating departure of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, as recorded in [Isaiah 37:37](/isaiah/37-37 "Sennacherib's Retreat"), offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often dominated by seemingly insurmountable challenges, overwhelming threats, and powerful forces that appear to defy justice or hope, this verse reminds us that God remains sovereign. Just as He miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the brink of destruction, He is capable of intervening in our personal lives, our communities, and global events. This account encourages us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence and fervent prayer, much like King Hezekiah, recognizing that our strength is found not in our own abilities or resources, but in the unfailing power and faithfulness of God. When faced with situations that seem hopeless or adversaries that appear invincible, we are called to remember that the same God who turned back the Assyrian tide is still at work, able to bring about deliverance and fulfill His purposes, often in ways that defy human expectation. Our faith is grounded in a God who acts decisively on behalf of those who trust Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Sennacheribs" or overwhelming threats are you facing in your life today, and how does this passage encourage you to respond?**
* **How does the swift and decisive nature of God's intervention in this account shape your understanding of His power and timing?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when circumstances seem beyond your control?**

### FAQ
**What was the immediate cause of Sennacherib's departure from Judah?**

Answer: Sennacherib's departure was directly caused by the miraculous intervention of the Angel of the Lord, who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night ([Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army")). This devastating blow crippled his army, leaving him with no choice but to abandon the siege of Jerusalem and retreat to his own land.

**Did Sennacherib ever return to attack Judah after this event?**

Answer: No, Sennacherib never returned to attack Judah after this humiliating defeat. [Isaiah 37:37](/isaiah/37-37 "Sennacherib's Retreat") explicitly states that he "departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh." The very next verse, [Isaiah 37:38](/isaiah/37-38 "Sennacherib's Assassination"), records his assassination by his own sons in Nineveh, fulfilling another part of Isaiah's prophecy ([Isaiah 37:7](/isaiah/37-7 "Prophecy of Sennacherib's Spirit")).

**How does this event relate to King Hezekiah's faith?**

Answer: This event is a powerful testament to King Hezekiah's faith and prayer. When faced with Sennacherib's overwhelming threats and blasphemous taunts against the Lord, Hezekiah humbled himself, tore his clothes, and went to the house of the Lord to pray, sending for the prophet Isaiah ([Isaiah 37:1-4](/isaiah/37-1 "Hezekiah's Distress and Appeal to Isaiah")). His earnest prayer for deliverance ([Isaiah 37:15-20](/isaiah/37-15 "Hezekiah's Prayer for Deliverance")) was directly answered by God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating that God honors the faith of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib's siege in [Isaiah 37:37](/isaiah/37-37 "Sennacherib's Retreat") serves as a profound Old Testament type and shadow pointing to the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as God miraculously defended His earthly city from a formidable human adversary, so too does Christ, the greater King and Son of David, provide ultimate and eternal deliverance from the far more insidious enemies of sin, death, and the devil. Sennacherib's boastful pride and ultimate defeat foreshadow the spiritual adversary, Satan, whose power is decisively broken by Christ's victory on the cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The secure dwelling of Sennacherib in Nineveh, only to be assassinated, hints at the final judgment awaiting all who oppose God, while Christ's "dwelling" at the right hand of the Father signifies His eternal reign and the secure dwelling place He prepares for His people ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "Jesus Prepares a Place")). Ultimately, the physical salvation of Jerusalem from a temporal threat prefigures the spiritual and eternal salvation offered through the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), establishing a kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "The Eternal Kingdom of God")).

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

Jonah 3:3

So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.

Jonah 1:2

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.

Isaiah 31:9

And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the LORD, whose fire [is] in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.

Nahum 1:1

¶ The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

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.

Genesis 10:11

Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,