Isaiah 37:33Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Thus declares the Lord regarding the ruler of Assyria: he will not set foot in this city. Observe the arrogance of the adversary and the triumph of the sovereign, achieved without bloodshed, as the prophet had prophesied, “A thousand shall fall beside thee” (Psalm 90:7), yet you shall only witness the downfall of your foes.

This passage conveys the essence of the previous discussion and succinctly clarifies the ultimate result of this occurrence. It states that there will be no need for conflict; prior to engaging in battle and even before brandishing his weapons, drawing his bow, or loosing an arrow, and before he sets aside his shield, he will establish a protection around it. It is essential to understand that by “fence,” the text refers to numerous stakes driven into the earth in trenches, sharpened to ensure that none who are vanquished can evade capture.

He revisits his earlier themes and, following a discussion of future hope, alleviates current anxieties. For the promise of joy tied to future events does not overshadow the immediate threats that loom large. He asserts that the Assyrian will retreat without raising a shield against Jerusalem, without launching any arrows, and the city will not be encompassed by walls or barriers. The enemy will return as he came, and Jerusalem will be freed from the present siege. He concludes with the declaration, "For My sake, and for the sake of David My servant," indicating that their salvation is not a result of their own righteousness but stems from God’s mercy, or more specifically, from honoring David, their forefather.

The prophet Isaiah conveyed these messages from the Lord to Hezekiah, who was distressed over the impending assault on Judah by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. Hezekiah had provoked Sennacherib's fury by refusing to acknowledge his sovereignty and by withholding the lavish tributes that Ahaz had previously offered. In retribution, Sennacherib launched a campaign against Judah, sending a vast army to capture fortified cities one after another, putting Jerusalem at great risk. In despair over Jerusalem’s defense, despite all the preparations made, Hezekiah opted to buy peace from Sennacherib with a substantial tribute; however, this peace was short-lived. Upon learning of Hezekiah’s alliances with Egypt's King Tirgak, Sennacherib sought to decisively crush the rebellious king of Judah.