Isaiah 37:33

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֗ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר

H559

Therefore thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֣לֶךְ

H4428

concerning the king

a king

אַשּׁ֔וּר

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָבוֹא֙

H935

He shall not come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

הָעִ֣יר

H5892

into this city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#12

הַזֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#13

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

יוֹרֶ֥ה

H3384

nor shoot

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

#15

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#16

חֵ֑ץ

H2671

an arrow

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

#17

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

יְקַדְּמֶ֣נָּה

H6923

there nor come before

to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)

#19

מָגֵ֔ן

H4043

it with shields

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

#20

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ

H8210

nor cast

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

#22

עֳלֶ֖יהָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#23

סֹלְלָֽה׃

H5550

a bank

a military mound, i.e., rampart of besiegers

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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