Isaiah 37:33
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.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
H804
אַשּׁ֔וּר
of Assyria
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
7 of 23
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
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבוֹא֙
He shall not come
H935
יָבוֹא֙
He shall not come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
9 of 23
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הָעִ֣יר
into this city
H5892
הָעִ֣יר
into this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
11 of 23
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יוֹרֶ֥ה
nor shoot
H3384
יוֹרֶ֥ה
nor shoot
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
14 of 23
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
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
חֵ֑ץ
an arrow
H2671
חֵ֑ץ
an arrow
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְקַדְּמֶ֣נָּה
there nor come before
H6923
יְקַדְּמֶ֣נָּה
there nor come before
Strong's:
H6923
Word #:
18 of 23
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
מָגֵ֔ן
it with shields
H4043
מָגֵ֔ן
it with shields
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
19 of 23
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
20 of 23
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ
nor cast
H8210
יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ
nor cast
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
21 of 23
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
Historical Context
Standard siege warfare included archery, shield walls, and siege ramps. God promises none of these will occur, a falsifiable prediction that would be dramatically fulfilled.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's willingness to make specific, falsifiable predictions demonstrate confidence in His power?
- What comfort comes from God's detailed promises of protection?
- How should fulfilled biblical prophecy strengthen our trust in unfulfilled promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prophecy "he shall not come into this city" is unambiguous—Sennacherib will not enter Jerusalem. The specifics "nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it" enumerate siege tactics that won't happen. This detailed prediction demonstrates God's comprehensive protection. The precision serves as test of true prophecy—any deviation would prove Isaiah false. The absolute certainty "Thus saith the LORD" stakes divine reputation on the outcome.