Isaiah 37:34
By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ
By the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֥רֶךְ
By the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
1 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָב֖וֹא
and shall not come
H935
יָב֖וֹא
and shall not come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יָשׁ֑וּב
by the same shall he return
H7725
יָשׁ֑וּב
by the same shall he return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 12
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
הָעִ֥יר
into this city
H5892
הָעִ֥יר
into this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 12
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Military campaigns typically ended with either conquest and plunder or devastating defeat. Mere withdrawal without engagement was unusual and humiliating.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes defeat enemies without His people needing to fight?
- What does forced retreat without accomplishing objectives teach about God's sovereignty over plans?
- How should this encourage us when facing seemingly unstoppable opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The declaration "By the way that he came, by the same shall he return" promises complete retreat. "Shall not come into this city" repeats the promise for emphasis. Sennacherib's retreat by the same route he came depicts total military failure—no conquest, no plunder, just humiliating withdrawal. The repetition underscores certainty. This reversal demonstrates that human pride and power mean nothing when God determines the outcome.