Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.

ISAIAH 37:33KJV
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Isaiah 37:33 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 37:33 mean?

Isaiah 37:33 states that the king of Assyria will not enter Jerusalem, will not shoot an arrow there, will not approach the city with shields, and will not build a siege ramp against it. This verse promises that Jerusalem will be protected from the Assyrian army’s attack and that their king will not even begin an assault on the city.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is relaying God’s message to King Hezekiah of Judah during a time when Jerusalem was threatened by the powerful Assyrian empire. The verse emphasizes God’s direct intervention, declaring that the feared enemy will not be able to harm the city in any way. This statement comes in the middle of a dramatic story where Jerusalem’s survival seems impossible, highlighting the certainty and completeness of God’s protection.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 37:33

  • "saith" (אָמַר, 'amar): This word signals that the following promise comes directly from God, lending authority and certainty to the statement.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): The personal name of Israel’s God is used here, stressing that this is not just any god but the God of Israel making this promise.
  • "cast a bank" (יָצַק סֹלְלָה, yatzaq solelah): The phrase refers to building a siege ramp, a common military tactic. The verse specifically says the Assyrians will not even begin the typical steps of attacking a fortified city, underscoring the total security God is giving.

Why Isaiah 37:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s protection is not partial or hesitant; the enemy will not even get to start an attack, let alone succeed.
  • Isaiah 37:33 stands out in the story as a turning point, where God’s word decisively reverses what seemed like certain defeat for Jerusalem.
  • The verse connects to the larger narrative of trust in God versus reliance on military strength, showing that God’s promises can overturn even the most threatening situations.

Where else these words appear

“bank” Hebrew H5550 · used in 11 verses

  • 2 Samuel 20:15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.
  • Jeremiah 32:24 Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.
  • Ezekiel 17:17 Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

“before” Hebrew H6923 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:4 Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.
  • Psalms 17:13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
  • Psalms 89:14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

“arrow” Hebrew H2671 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Proverbs 7:23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life.

“shields” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:10 O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.