Isaiah 37:29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult is come vp into mine eares: therefore will I put my hooke in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turne thee backe by the way by which thou camest. Isaiah 37:29 (KJV)

Isaiah 37 records the historical account of the Assyrian invasion of Judah during the reign of King Hezekiah. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had sent his representative Rabshakeh to intimidate the people of Jerusalem and challenge their trust in God. The wording above reflects a common translation of Isaiah 36:22; the King James Version renders the passage differently and the verse is found in chapter 36, not chapter 37.

Divine Intervention: The verse begins by acknowledging the rage and tumult of the Assyrian king against God’s people. However, God reassures His people that He is aware of the situation and has heard the enemy’s words. It highlights God’s omniscience and His attentiveness to the challenges and threats faced by His people.

Symbolic Language: The imagery used in this verse is metaphorical. God says He will put His hook in the nose and His bridle in the lips of the Assyrian king. This language portrays God’s complete control and dominance over the enemy. It symbolizes how God will bring the Assyrian army to a halt and redirect their path of attack. Just as a hook in the nose and a bridle guide and control an animal, God will exert His sovereignty over the enemy’s plans.

Divine Judgment: The phrase “I will turn thee back by the way whereby thou camest” indicates that God will cause the Assyrian king to retreat and abandon his invasion of Judah. God will reverse the course of the Assyrian army, forcing them to go back the way they came, without achieving their intended conquest. This verse reminds us that God has the power to thwart the plans of the wicked and bring deliverance to His people.

Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult commentaries or study resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.