Isaiah 37:22
this is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning him: “‘She despises you, she scorns you— the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you— the daughter of Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse describes Jerusalem as a "virgin daughter," emphasizing its purity and vulnerability. However, the act of "wagging her head behind you" reveals a surprising element of defiance and scorn, portraying Jerusalem as not only undefended but actively mocking its mighty conqueror. This imagery powerfully conveys that Jerusalem's victory wasn't about military might, but about God’s ultimate triumph over prideful aggression.
Sennacherib's formidable army has besieged Jerusalem, and his envoy, Rabshakeh, has just delivered a scathing taunt filled with blasphemy and threats. King Hezekiah, deeply distressed, has turned to prayer and sought the prophet Isaiah for a word from the Lord. This poem from Isaiah is God's direct, scornful response to Sennacherib's arrogant challenge, portraying Jerusalem's ultimate defiance and the Assyrian king's inevitable humiliation.
Imagine the terror of Sennacherib's army surrounding Jerusalem. Yet, in this moment, God's word paints a picture of defiance, not dread.
The prophet Isaiah, even as the Assyrian threat looms, speaks God's word of judgment against Sennacherib. This isn't a cry for help; it's a declaration of victory and contempt from Jerusalem itself.
Sennacherib's taunts and threats filled the air. But God had His own 'word' to speak—one that sealed the Assyrian king's fate.
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This declaration isn't just about Jerusalem's feelings; it's about God's pronouncement. The scorn described is a preview of the humiliation Sennacherib will face, a direct consequence of his rebellion against the Lord.
Understand the original words
Tsiyyon · Hebrew Noun
In this context, it represents the covenant community of God's people in Jerusalem. The feminine personification emphasizes the vulnerability, dependence, and yet the sacred protection God affords His chosen city.
This prophetic poem, delivered during a moment of extreme national peril, transforms the taunts of the Assyrian king into a triumphant declaration of God's sovereignty over even the mightiest earthly empires. The 'virgin daughter of Zion,' previously in fearful suspense, is here portrayed as one who will ultimately mock her would-be conqueror.
c. 705-701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Campaign
King Sennacherib of Assyria invades the Kingdom of Judah, conquering many fortified cities and threatening Jerusalem. He boasts of his power and divinely-appointed mission to destroy nations.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Sennacherib's army surrounds Jerusalem. The Assyrian field commander, Rabshakeh, delivers a fierce verbal assault on King Hezekiah and the people, mocking their faith in the LORD.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Prayer and Isaiah's Prophecy
King Hezekiah, in deep distress, prays to the LORD. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's message of defiance and assurance that Jerusalem will be saved.
c. 701 BC
Divine Intervention and Assyrian Defeat
The Angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp overnight. The Assyrian army is decimated, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw.
c. 681-669 BC
Sennacherib's Assassination
Sennacherib is assassinated by his own sons in the temple of his god in Nineveh. His reign ends abruptly and violently, fulfilling prophecies of divine judgment.
This verse is essentially the same message as Isaiah 37:22, spoken by Isaiah to Hezekiah, confirming God's direct intervention and judgment against the Assyrian king.
Psalm 22:7This psalm describes the suffering servant being mocked, and the phrase 'they wag their heads' is used as a direct parallel to the scorn shown by the daughter of Jerusalem towards the Assyrian invader.
Jeremiah 18:16This passage also uses the image of shaking one's head in contempt and astonishment towards a neighboring city, mirroring the daughter of Jerusalem's reaction to the defeated Assyrian.
Lamentations 2:15The enemies of Jerusalem are depicted here as clapping their hands and wagging their heads in mockery, a vivid image that aligns with the daughter of Zion's reaction in Isaiah 37:22.
barnesIsaiah 37:22: "This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee."
The virgin, the daughter of Zion - Jerusalem (see the note at Isaiah 1:8 ; compare the note at Isaiah 23:12 ). The parallelism in this and the following verses shows that the poetic form of speech is here introduced. Hast despised thee - That is, it is secure from thy contemplated atta…
gillIsaiah 37:22: "This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee."
This is the word which the Lord hath spoken concerning him,.... The sentence he has pronounced upon him, the punishment he has determined to inflict on him, in answer to Hezekiah's prayer against him: the virgin, the daughter of Zion; hath despised thee; and laughed thee to scorn; that…
The verse describes Jerusalem as a "virgin daughter," emphasizing its purity and vulnerability. However, the act of "wagging her head behind you" reveals a surprising element of defiance and scorn, portraying Jerusalem as not only undefended but actively mocking its mighty conqueror. This imagery powerfully conveys that Jerusalem's victory wasn't about military might, but about God’s ultimate triumph over prideful aggression.
Sennacherib's formidable army has besieged Jerusalem, and his envoy, Rabshakeh, has just delivered a scathing taunt filled with blasphemy and threats. King Hezekiah, deeply distressed, has turned to prayer and sought the prophet Isaiah for a word from the Lord. This poem from Isaiah is God's direct, scornful response to Sennacherib's arrogant challenge, portraying Jerusalem's ultimate defiance and the Assyrian king's inevitable humiliation.
Sennacherib's formidable army has besieged Jerusalem, and his envoy, Rabshakeh, has just delivered a scathing taunt filled with blasphemy and threats. King Hezekiah, deeply distressed, has turned to prayer and sought the prophet Isaiah for a word from the Lord. This poem from Isaiah is God's direct, scornful response to Sennacherib's arrogant challenge, portraying Jerusalem's ultimate defiance and the Assyrian king's inevitable humiliation.
"this is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning him:
“‘She despises you, she scorns you—
the virgin daughter of Zion;
she wags her head behind you—
the daughter of Jerusalem." — The verse describes Jerusalem as a "virgin daughter," emphasizing its purity and vulnerability. However, the act of "wagging her head behind you" reveals a surprising element of defiance and scorn, p…
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