Isaiah 31:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 31:5
5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 31 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, worship, wisdom. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-9: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 31:5
5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.
Analysis
As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem (כְּצִפֳּרִים עָפוֹת כֵּן יָגֵן יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת עַל־יְרוּשָׁלִָם, ketsipporim afot ken yagen YHWH tseva'ot al-Yerushalaim)—like צִפֳּרִים (tsipporim, birds) עוּף (uf, flying, hovering), Yahweh will גָּנַן (ganan, defend, shield). Defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it (גָּנוֹן וְהִצִּיל פָּסֹחַ וְהִמְלִיט, ganon vehitsil pasoach vehimlit)—doubling the verbs for emphasis: protecting-He will deliver, passing over-He will rescue.
The metaphor shifts from lion to birds—perhaps eagles hovering over nest (Deuteronomy 32:11) or mother hen sheltering chicks (Matthew 23:37). The verb פָּסַח (pasach, pass over) deliberately evokes Passover (פֶּסַח, Pesach) when God 'passed over' Israelite homes marked with blood, sparing firstborns while judging Egypt (Exodus 12:13). God will 'pass over' Jerusalem—sparing it from judgment that strikes enemies. This is grace in action: defending, delivering, preserving despite unworthiness.
Historical Context
The Passover allusion is deliberate. Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt through the Passover lamb, He will deliver Jerusalem from Assyria. The pattern continues: Christ, our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7), delivers believers from judgment. God's hovering protection and Passover-like sparing characterize His covenant faithfulness throughout redemptive history.
Reflection
- How does the image of birds hovering protectively differ from the lion imagery, and what does each reveal about God?
- What does the Passover language teach about God's protection—grace sparing the undeserving through substitutionary blood?
- How does Christ as 'our Passover' connect this Old Testament promise to New Testament salvation?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 37:40
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 38:6, Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11, Psalms 46:5, 91:4