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.”

Context:Isaiah 37 records the historical account of King Hezekiah of Judah and the Assyrian invasion led by King Sennacherib. The Assyrians had already conquered many cities and were threatening to besiege Jerusalem. Hezekiah sought the prophet Isaiah for guidance and consolation from the Lord.

Divine Assurance:In this verse, Isaiah delivers a message of hope and assurance from God to Hezekiah. God declares that the Assyrian king will not enter Jerusalem or be successful in his invasion. The same way he came, he will return, indicating that his plans will fail, and Jerusalem will remain protected by God.

God’s Sovereignty:This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. Despite the imminent danger, God reassures Hezekiah that He has complete control over the situation. Hezekiah can trust in God’s power and faithfulness to protect and deliver His people.

Fulfillment of Prophecy:This verse also serves as a prophecy of what will happen to the Assyrian king. In the following verses, we read how God fulfils this prophecy. An angel of the Lord strikes down the Assyrian army, resulting in Sennacherib’s retreat and eventual demise (Isaiah 37:36-38).

Trusting in God’s Promises:Isaiah 37:34 encourages believers to place their trust in the Lord, even in times of great adversity. Just as Hezekiah found comfort and hope in God’s promises, we too can rely on God’s faithfulness. When we face challenging circumstances, we can hold onto His word, knowing that He is in control and will fulfil His promises.

Application:This verse reminds us to seek God’s guidance and assurance in our lives. It encourages us to trust in His sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. We can find strength and peace by relying on His promises and seeking His wisdom in every situation.

• Isaiah 37:34 assures King Hezekiah that the Assyrian king will not succeed in his invasion of Jerusalem.
• It emphasises God’s sovereignty over nations and encourages us to trust in His promises and seek His guidance in all circumstances.