Isaiah 38:6

KJV

And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will deliver {H5337} thee and this city {H5892} out of the hand {H3709} of the king {H4428} of Assyria {H804}: and I will defend {H1598} this city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also I will rescue you and this city from the power of the king of Ashur; I will defend this city.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.

American Standard Version

And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 38:6 delivers a profound divine promise to King Hezekiah, assuring him of God's direct and decisive intervention to rescue both the king personally and the city of Jerusalem from the overwhelming threat posed by the formidable Assyrian Empire. This declaration, conveyed through the prophet Isaiah, powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to protect His chosen people and their holy city, providing vital assurance of security amidst a period of intense national crisis and personal affliction for the monarch.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 38:6 is intricately woven into a pivotal narrative within the book of Isaiah, immediately following King Hezekiah's miraculous recovery from a terminal illness. The preceding verses, [Isaiah 38:1-5](/isaiah/38-1-5 "Isaiah 38:1-5 - Hezekiah's Illness and Divine Response"), vividly recount Hezekiah's desperate prayer for healing and God's compassionate, immediate response, which extended his life by fifteen years. This promise of national deliverance from the Assyrian threat is presented as an integral component of God's comprehensive answer to Hezekiah's fervent supplication. The juxtaposition of personal healing and national salvation highlights God's holistic care, demonstrating that His concern extends beyond the king's individual well-being to the security and destiny of his kingdom and the city of Jerusalem, which held immense covenantal significance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this prophecy, the Kingdom of Judah faced an existential threat from the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the preeminent superpower of the ancient Near East. Under the aggressive leadership of King Sennacherib, Assyria had already devastated numerous cities in Judah and was actively laying siege to Jerusalem, as extensively documented in historical accounts like [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion and Jerusalem's Deliverance") and [Isaiah 36-37](/isaiah/36 "Isaiah 36-37 - Sennacherib's Campaign Against Judah"). The Assyrians were notorious for their brutal military tactics, including mass deportations, psychological warfare, and overwhelming force, making their presence a source of profound terror. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the site of God's Temple, held unparalleled religious and political importance. Its fall would have been perceived as a catastrophic blow to God's covenant promises, particularly those concerning the Davidic dynasty and the inviolability of His chosen city. The cultural context underscores the desperate need for divine intervention against an insurmountable human foe, where human strength was utterly inadequate.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in Isaiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's direct, miraculous, and often unexpected intervention to save His people from overwhelming odds. This theme resonates throughout Israel's history, from the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") from Egypt to the promised return from Babylonian exile. Secondly, it emphatically underscores **God's Faithfulness** to His covenant promises, especially those made to David regarding an enduring dynasty and the perpetual security of Jerusalem as His chosen city ([2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")). Thirdly, the confrontation with the mighty Assyrian Empire highlights God's **Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that even the most formidable earthly empires are ultimately subject to His divine will and purpose, serving as instruments or obstacles in His grand plan ([Psalm 33:10](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations")). Finally, it powerfully reiterates the **Power of Prayer**, as God's promise of deliverance is a direct, compassionate response to Hezekiah's earnest and humble supplication, emphasizing that God hears and acts upon the cries of His people ([Psalm 116:1-2](/psalm/116-1-2 "Psalm 116:1-2 - God Hears and Delivers")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This verb (H5337) signifies to snatch away, rescue, or pull out, often implying an urgent, forceful, and powerful act of salvation from danger or oppression. In this context, it conveys God's active, decisive intervention to extricate Hezekiah and Jerusalem from the imminent and overwhelming grip of the Assyrian threat, rather than merely a passive protection. It suggests a complete and forceful removal from a perilous, life-threatening situation.
* **Hand (Hebrew, _kaph'_):** The noun (H3709) literally refers to the hollow hand or palm, but figuratively, as used here, it represents power, control, dominion, or authority. The phrase "out of the hand of the king of Assyria" therefore means out of the complete control, oppressive dominion, or destructive power of the Assyrian king, emphasizing the total and definitive liberation from his tyrannical grasp.
* **Defend (Hebrew, _gânan'_):** This primitive root (H1598) means to hedge about, to protect, or to act as a guardian. It evokes the vivid imagery of surrounding or covering for protection, like a shield, a wall, or a hedge that fends off danger. While "deliver" speaks to the initial, decisive act of rescue from an immediate threat, "defend" implies an ongoing, steadfast, and vigilant protective presence, assuring Jerusalem's continued safety and preservation under God's watchful and powerful care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria:"** This opening clause establishes the dual scope of God's sovereign promise: personal deliverance for King Hezekiah ("thee") and corporate deliverance for Jerusalem ("this city"). The source of the threat is explicitly identified as "the king of Assyria," highlighting the specific, formidable, and seemingly unstoppable enemy. The crucial phrase "out of the hand" signifies a complete liberation from Assyrian control, power, and destructive intent, emphasizing God's absolute ability to break the enemy's grip and nullify their might.
* **"and I will defend this city."** This second clause powerfully reinforces and expands upon the initial promise of deliverance. While "deliver" implies a rescue from an immediate, acute danger, "defend" suggests an ongoing, active, and steadfast protection. God is not merely saving them once from the present crisis but committing to be a perpetual guardian and protector over Jerusalem, ensuring its security against this and future threats. The emphatic repetition of "this city" underscores the unique and particular object of God's unwavering covenantal care and protective presence.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 38:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance and certainty. **Divine Oracle** is central, as the verse is presented as a direct, authoritative declaration from God Himself ("I will deliver," "I will defend"), emphasizing the absolute certainty and reliability of the promise, emanating from the ultimate source of power. The strategic use of **Repetition** ("this city" appears twice) serves to underscore Jerusalem's unique and paramount status as the specific object of God's special protection and highlights the city's critical importance within God's covenant plan and redemptive history. **Metonymy** is powerfully present in the phrase "out of the hand of the king of Assyria," where "hand" stands for the entire power, control, and oppressive force of the Assyrian empire. This vivid imagery makes the abstract threat tangible and God's promised rescue more dramatic and impactful. The entire verse functions as a **Promise**, a foundational literary form in biblical prophecy, offering profound hope, certainty, and a basis for faith in a time of dire national crisis and overwhelming despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 38:6 stands as a profound testament to God's character as both a mighty Deliverer and a faithful Defender. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the affairs of His people, responding to their cries and actively intervening in history to uphold His covenant promises. The dual promise to Hezekiah—personal healing and national salvation—demonstrates God's holistic care, affirming that His sovereignty extends over both individual lives and geopolitical events, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes. This passage powerfully reinforces the theological truth that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human strength, military might, or favorable circumstances, but solely on His unchanging nature and His unwavering commitment to His chosen people and His divine plan for Jerusalem. It is a powerful reminder that when human resources fail, God's power prevails.

* [Psalm 46:1-3](/psalm/46-1-3 "Psalm 46:1-3 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "Exodus 14:13-14 - Stand Firm and See the Salvation of the Lord")
* [2 Kings 19:32-34](/2_kings/19-32-34 "2 Kings 19:32-34 - God's Promise to Defend Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 38:6 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Just as God heard Hezekiah's desperate prayer and intervened with miraculous deliverance for both him and Jerusalem, so too does He remain a faithful Deliverer and Defender for His people today. This passage profoundly encourages us to bring our anxieties, our seemingly insurmountable challenges, and our deepest fears before God in earnest prayer, trusting implicitly that His power is infinitely greater than any human threat, any personal affliction, or any spiritual adversary. It reminds us that God's promises are steadfast, His protective presence is constant, and His active intervention is certain, even when circumstances appear bleak or hope seems lost. We are called to rest in His sovereign control, knowing that He actively works to rescue us from spiritual bondage, emotional distress, and even physical dangers, and to defend us against the forces that seek to harm us. This verse cultivates a posture of dependent trust, inviting us to witness God's mighty hand at work in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently need God's miraculous deliverance or steadfast defense?**
* **How does understanding the dire historical context of Judah's threat from Assyria deepen your appreciation for the magnitude of God's promise in this verse?**
* **What practical lessons can you draw from Hezekiah's fervent prayer and God's immediate, comprehensive response regarding the power and efficacy of earnest supplication?**
* **How can intentionally remembering God's past acts of deliverance, both in biblical history and in your personal life, strengthen your trust in Him for future challenges?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary threat to Jerusalem at the time of this prophecy?**

Answer: The primary threat to Jerusalem at this time was the formidable Neo-Assyrian Empire, led by King Sennacherib. Assyria was the dominant military power in the ancient Near East, renowned for its brutal conquests, mass deportations, and highly effective siege warfare. They had already conquered many cities in Judah and were poised to attack Jerusalem, making their presence an existential threat to the kingdom of Judah and its capital city, as recorded in [2 Kings 18:13](/2_kings/18-13 "2 Kings 18:13 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah").

**How did God ultimately deliver and defend Jerusalem from the Assyrians?**

Answer: God delivered and defended Jerusalem through a miraculous and decisive intervention. According to [Isaiah 37:36](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians") and [2 Kings 19:35](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes Down the Assyrians"), the Angel of the Lord struck down an astonishing 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night. This devastating and supernatural blow forced Sennacherib to withdraw his remaining forces and return to Assyria, effectively ending the siege without Jerusalem being conquered or suffering significant damage. This extraordinary event dramatically fulfilled God's specific promise to Hezekiah, showcasing His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 38:6 speaks of a historical deliverance for King Hezekiah and the physical city of Jerusalem, its profound themes of divine deliverance and steadfast defense find their ultimate, most comprehensive, and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ is the supreme Deliverer, not merely from earthly enemies or physical ailments, but from the far greater bondage of sin, death, and the dominion of darkness ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). Just as God defended Jerusalem, Christ offers eternal defense and security to all who are in Him, protecting His church—His spiritual city—from the relentless assaults of the enemy and the gates of hell itself ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail")). The promise of God's unwavering protection for Jerusalem foreshadows the spiritual security and eternal dwelling place found in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")), where believers are forever safe under the glorious reign of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In Christ, we experience not just a temporary reprieve from earthly threats, but a complete, everlasting salvation and an unshakeable hope, secured by His atoning work on the cross and His ongoing intercession as our great High Priest ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). He is our ultimate refuge, our impregnable fortress, and our eternal Defender and Deliverer.

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 37:35

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

Isaiah 31:4

For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, [he] will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

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.

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

2 Chronicles 32:22

Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all [other], and guided them on every side.