Isaiah 37 35

Isaiah 37:35 kjv

For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.

Isaiah 37:35 nkjv

'For I will defend this city, to save it For My own sake and for My servant David's sake.' "

Isaiah 37:35 niv

"I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!"

Isaiah 37:35 esv

For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David."

Isaiah 37:35 nlt

'For my own honor and for the sake of my servant David,
I will defend this city and protect it.'"

Isaiah 37 verses

Isaiah 37 35 Meaning

This verse declares that God will defend and deliver Jerusalem for His own sake and for the sake of His servant David. This protection is an unconditional divine act, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His predetermined plan, which encompasses both His glory and the continuation of David's lineage through whom the Messiah would come.

Isaiah 37 35 Context

This verse is found within the narrative of Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had already conquered many surrounding nations and was now threatening Jerusalem, boasting about his military might and attributing his successes to his gods. Hezekiah, in response, had repaired the city's defenses and sought God's intervention through the prophet Isaiah.

Chapter 37 recounts Isaiah’s prophecy to Hezekiah that the Assyrian king would fail to conquer Jerusalem. This verse, Isaiah 37:35, is the divine declaration of God’s commitment to save the city, a promise that is ultimately fulfilled through supernatural intervention – the angel of the LORD striking down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight (Isaiah 37:36). This event would have provided immense assurance to the Judeans, demonstrating God's active involvement in protecting His people and His city, directly countering the blasphemous claims of Sennacherib and solidifying their faith.

Isaiah 37 35 Word Analysis

• וְ (və) - "And." A conjunctive particle, linking this statement to the preceding promise of divine action.

• חָֽצַנְתִּי (ḥāṣantî) - "I will defend." The Niphal infinitive construct of צוּר (ṣūr), meaning "to surround, besiege." In the Niphal, it signifies "to be defended, guarded, protected." However, some interpret the Piel form as "to defend." Regardless of the vocalization nuance, the core meaning is divine protection.

• עַל־ (ʿal-) - "upon, concerning, for." A preposition indicating the object of the defense.

• הָעִ֣יר (hāʿîr) - "the city." Refers specifically to Jerusalem.

• לְהוֹשִׁיעָֽהּ (ləhôšîʿâ) - "to save it." The infinitive construct of הוֹשִׁיעַ (hôšîaʿ), meaning "to save, deliver, help." It indicates the purpose of the divine defense.

• לְמַ֙עַן֙ (ləmaʿan) - "for the sake of, on account of." Indicates the reason or motivation for God's action.

• דִּבְרָתִ֣י (divrātî) - "my own sake." Derived from דָּבָר (dāḇār) "word, deed," and often referring to God's character, reputation, or honor.

• וּלְמַ֙עַן֙ (ūləmaʿan) - "and for the sake of." Another conjunction introducing a second, related motivation.

• עַבְדִּ֣י (ʿaḇdî) - "my servant." Refers to David, emphasizing the covenant God made with him and the promise of a lasting dynasty. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

• דָּוִֽד (dāwîḏ) - "David." The beloved king of Israel, through whom God's covenant of kingship was established, and from whose line the Messiah would come.

• words-group by words-group analysis data:

  • "I will defend this city to save it": This is a declaration of active divine intervention. God is not a passive observer but a powerful protector. The purpose is explicitly "to save it," emphasizing complete deliverance.
  • "for my own sake": The primary motivation is God's honor and glory. He acts to vindicate His name, to show His power and faithfulness, and to prove that He is the true God, not the idols of the Assyrians.
  • "and for the sake of my servant David": This points to the Davidic covenant. God's faithfulness to David and his lineage is a critical reason for His protection of Jerusalem, as it is through David's line that His ultimate plan for redemption would unfold.

Isaiah 37 35 Bonus Section

The statement "for my own sake" (לְמַ֙עַן֙ דִּבְרָתִ֣י) underscores the theological principle that God’s actions are ultimately tied to His divine nature and purposes. This is a recurring theme in Isaiah and throughout Scripture, highlighting that God’s faithfulness is not contingent on human merit alone but on His unchanging character and His sovereign plan. This declaration prefigures God's ultimate act of salvation through Jesus Christ, who is both the descendant of David and the embodiment of God’s glory. The deliverance of Jerusalem in Isaiah 37 serves as a foreshadowing of the spiritual deliverance God provides through Christ, saving not just a city but humanity itself, all for His glorious name. The concept of God defending His people for His name’s sake is also found in Ezekiel 36:22-23, where God states He will sanctify His great name, which the nations have profaned.

Isaiah 37 35 Commentary

God declares His sovereign intent to defend Jerusalem. This protection stems from two core motivations: His own honor and His faithfulness to King David. He acts not merely out of pity for His people but because His reputation is on the line. By saving Jerusalem, He proves His supremacy over Assyrian gods and His power as the true deity. Furthermore, His covenant with David, guaranteeing a perpetual dynasty, is a foundational reason for preserving the city. This commitment assures His people of His active involvement and ultimate victory against overwhelming odds. It's a testament to God’s covenantal love and His immutable purposes, ensuring that His plan, even through the line of David, would not be thwarted.

• Practical usage: When facing overwhelming opposition or seemingly impossible situations, believers can draw assurance from this verse that God fights for His own name and for the fulfillment of His promises. It encourages trust in God’s power and faithfulness, even when circumstances are dire.