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Isaiah 37:32

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For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this.

For out of Jerusalem {H3389} shall go forth {H3318} a remnant {H7611}, and they that escape {H6413} out of mount {H2022} Zion {H6726}: the zeal {H7068} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} shall do {H6213} this.

for a remnant will go out from Yerushalayim, those escaping will go out from Mount Tziyon. The zeal of ADONAI-Tzva'ot will accomplish this.'

For a remnant will go forth from Jerusalem, and survivors from Mount Zion. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of mount Zion they that shall escape. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.

Commentary

This verse concludes the immediate prophecy given through Isaiah concerning King Hezekiah and the threatened invasion by the powerful Assyrian army under Sennacherib. It follows the miraculous destruction of the Assyrian forces, confirming God's promise to protect Jerusalem.

Context

Isaiah chapter 37 describes the dire situation of Jerusalem facing total annihilation by the Assyrians. King Hezekiah brings the matter before the LORD in prayer, laying out Sennacherib's boastful words. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's response: a promise of deliverance for Jerusalem, stating that the Assyrian king will not enter the city but will return by the way he came. Verse 32 solidifies this promise, explaining *why* this seemingly impossible deliverance will happen.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The verse emphasizes that the salvation of Jerusalem is not due to human strength but solely the LORD's action.
  • Preservation of a Remnant: It speaks of a "remnant" and "they that escape" coming out of Jerusalem/Zion, signifying that despite the surrounding devastation and threat, a faithful core will be preserved by God. This concept of God preserving a remnant is significant throughout prophecy.
  • The Zeal of the LORD: This is presented as the driving force behind the deliverance. God's passionate commitment to His covenant and His people ensures their protection.
  • Significance of Zion/Jerusalem: The mention of "mount Zion" highlights its status as God's dwelling place and the center of His redemptive plan, thus a place He is committed to defending.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the zeal of the LORD of hosts" translates the Hebrew qina יהוה tseva'ot. Qina can mean zeal, jealousy, or passion. Here, it signifies God's intense, protective passion for His name, His covenant, and His people, which compels Him to act decisively. This same phrase is used in other prophecies highlighting God's commitment, such as concerning the Messiah's kingdom (Isaiah 9:7).

Significance and Application

Historically, this verse was fulfilled when the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to retreat (Isaiah 37:36-37). The survivors in Jerusalem were indeed the remnant who escaped the surrounding destruction. Theologically, it demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to protect His chosen people and fulfill His purposes, not based on their merit, but on His own passionate nature ("zeal"). For believers today, it is a powerful reminder that God's power and commitment are the ultimate source of deliverance and security in times of overwhelming threat. His zeal for His own glory and for His people ensures that His promises will be kept.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 9:7 (5 votes)

    Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

  • 2 Kings 19:31 (4 votes)

    For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD [of hosts] shall do this.

  • Zechariah 1:14 (3 votes)

    So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

  • Joel 2:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

  • Isaiah 59:17 (3 votes)

    For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

  • Isaiah 37:20 (2 votes)

    Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou [art] the LORD, [even] thou only.