Isaiah 37:35
For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַנּוֹתִ֛י
For I will defend
H1598
וְגַנּוֹתִ֛י
For I will defend
Strong's:
H1598
Word #:
1 of 9
to hedge about, i.e., (generally) protect
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָעִ֥יר
this city
H5892
הָעִ֥יר
this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
3 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לְהֽוֹשִׁיעָ֑הּ
to save
H3467
לְהֽוֹשִׁיעָ֑הּ
to save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
לְמַֽעֲנִ֔י
H4616
לְמַֽעֲנִ֔י
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
וּלְמַ֖עַן
H4616
וּלְמַ֖עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Isaiah 31:5As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.Isaiah 38:6And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.2 Kings 20:6And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Jeremiah 30:9But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.Ephesians 1:14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.Ephesians 1:6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.Deuteronomy 32:27Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this.Ezekiel 20:9But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.Ezekiel 36:22Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.
Historical Context
The Davidic covenant promised an eternal dynasty and secure city. God's faithfulness to this covenant transcends circumstances, making Jerusalem's protection certain.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's commitment to His own glory guarantee His promises to His people?
- What role do covenant promises play in assuring God's faithfulness?
- How should understanding God's motivations strengthen our confidence in His protection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's promise "I will defend this city to save it" shows divine commitment. The dual motivation "for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake" reveals two reasons: God's glory and covenant faithfulness. God's "own sake" means His reputation is at stake—if Jerusalem falls after He promised protection, His name would be blasphemed. The Davidic covenant promise (2 Samuel 7:16) obligates God to preserve David's city. This demonstrates that God's promises are absolutely reliable because His character and covenant are involved.