Returning by Another Way: A Study on 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." - Isaiah 37:34
In the book of Isaiah, we find profound instances of God’s sovereignty and power. Specifically, Isaiah 37:34 presents a promise from God that reveals His authority over nations and their leaders: "By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD" (KJV). This verse is addressed to King Hezekiah of Judah during a time of crisis, as the Assyrian king Sennacherib threatened Jerusalem, intending to conquer and destroy it.
Understanding the context of this verse is crucial. The Assyrian Empire was a powerful force, having already devastated many kingdoms. Sennacherib’s blasphemous challenge not only aimed at defeating Jerusalem militarily but also sought to undermine the very faith of its people in God’s protection. Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, taunting the people of Judah, and questioning their faith in the Lord. However, God, through the prophet Isaiah, brings reassurance and divine intervention.
When God declares that Sennacherib will return by the same way he came, it symbolizes that the Assyrian king will not be able to breach the gates of Jerusalem or possess the city. Instead, Sennacherib will retreat, leaving behind not only his ambitions but also a demonstration of God’s power and faithfulness. The phrase "shall not come into this city" powerfully expresses God’s protection, fulfillment of His covenant, and assurance that the city of Jerusalem is under His divine care.
This passage teaches us about the unchanging nature of God’s promises. Reflecting on this text long after its initial writing, one can find comfort in understanding that regardless of the situations that come against us—whether they are literal giants like Sennacherib or modern-day personal struggles—God remains our ultimate protector and advocate. The threats we face may seem formidable, but they will not prevail against us if we stand firm in faith. God’s directives are not conditional upon the strength of our enemies but rather grounded in His unwavering nature.
In our modern lives, we may often find ourselves surrounded by battles that seem insurmountable. Whether it is the fight against fear, anxiety, sickness, or any form of oppression, we have the assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. Just as God sent His word to Hezekiah to provide comfort and direction, so too does He continue to speak to us through His Word today. The challenges that confront us might follow patterns familiar to past struggles; however, we must stand in faith that, like Sennacherib, they will not be able to penetrate the walls of God's safety.
Thus, the crux of the lesson in Isaiah 37:34 surfaces: not only will our adversaries return from where they came, but they will do so without achieving their aims against us. This gives us hope, assurance, and strength to confront the proverbial ‘Sennacheribs’ in our lives with confidence.
In practical application, how can we engage with this promise? Firstly, we need to reinforce our faith through prayer, seeking God’s presence and wisdom. Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture strengthens our resolve and helps us see our enemies in light of God’s ultimate authority. When fear or doubt creeps in, let’s remind ourselves of the promises made in Isaiah 37:34 and how God intervened for Hezekiah.
We are encouraged to remember that the battles we fight are often not ours alone. God is with us, guiding, protecting, and assuring us. Just as Sennacherib was sent packing, our fears and struggles shall also retreat as we claim victory through faith in the Lord who protects and defends us. In conclusion, let us walk away from this powerful verse with renewed confidence and hope that God’s promises are indeed true and that He is a fortress against any who would dare to rise against us.
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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."
"By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 37:34
Isaiah 37:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
Isaiah 37:37 - "¶ So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh."
Genesis 37:34 - "And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days."
Isaiah 37:15 - "And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,"
"So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah." - Isaiah 37:5
Job 34:37 - "For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God."
Isaiah 37:2 - "And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz."
"¶ So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh." - Isaiah 37:37
Isaiah 34:8 - "For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion."
Psalms 37:34 - "Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it."
Isaiah 37:18 - "Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,"
Isaiah 37:13 - "Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?"
Isaiah 37:21 - "¶ Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria:"
Isaiah 37:35 - "For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake."
"And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying," - Isaiah 37:15
Isaiah 37:31 - "And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:"
Isaiah 37:28 - "But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against me."
Isaiah 10:34 - "And he shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one."
Isaiah 34:12 - "They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing."
Isaiah 37:6 - "¶ And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the LORD, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me."
Isaiah 37:32 - "For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and they that escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the LORD of hosts shall do this."
Isaiah 37:19 - "And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them."
Isaiah 34:9 - "And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch."
Isaiah 37:1 - "And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD."
Isaiah 37:8 - "¶ So Rabshakeh returned, and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah: for he had heard that he was departed from Lachish."
Isaiah 37:14 - "¶ And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD."
Isaiah 37:25 - "I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places."
Isaiah 37:3 - "And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth."