Isaiah 37:22
This is the worde which the Lord hath spoken concerning him: The virgin, the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorne, the daughter of Ierusalem hath shaken her head at thee. Isaiah 37:22 (KJV)
This
is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee,
and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee. Isaiah 37:22 (KJV)
To fully understand this verse, it’s helpful to provide some context. At this time, Hezekiah was the king of Judah, and the powerful Assyrian king Sennacherib had invaded the land, capturing many cities. Hezekiah sought the Lord’s help through the prophet Isaiah, and Isaiah received a message from God to deliver to Hezekiah. In verse 22, the Lord speaks through Isaiah, addressing Sennacherib, and delivers a message of judgment and assurance regarding the Assyrian threat. “And the LORD said, Behold, I will give him, and his sons, and his people, and the people of the land, into the hand of the king of Assyria, and into the hand of his servants.”
“The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee”: In biblical poetry, the terms “daughter of Zion” and “virgin” are often used to refer to the city of Jerusalem. Here it signifies the people of Jerusalem, who had maintained their integrity and faithfulness to God. Despite the Assyrian invasion and the threats of Sennacherib, they did not succumb to fear or lose hope. Instead they held on to their trust in the Lord and despised the arrogant boasting of their enemy.
“Laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee”: This imagery portrays the people of Jerusalem reacting with derision and mockery toward Sennacherib. They found his threats and boasts against God and His people to be empty and meaningless. Their response was one of confidence, knowing that the Lord was their protector and defender.
Overall, this verse conveys a powerful message of trust in God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. It demonstrates that even in the face of overwhelming odds, God’s faithful people can find strength and hope in Him. The people of Jerusalem remained steadfast and unshaken because of their unwavering trust in the Lord’s deliverance.
This verse can also be seen as a reminder to us today. It encourages us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with daunting challenges or the mockery of the world. Just as the people of Jerusalem trusted in God’s promises, we too can find assurance in His faithfulness and find courage to face our own trials.
In summary, Isaiah 37:22 highlights the steadfastness and confidence of the people of Jerusalem in the face of the Assyrian threat. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and encourages us to trust in Him, knowing that He is capable of delivering us from any situation.
