What can we learn from Jerusalem's response to Assyria's threats in Isaiah 37:22? Setting the scene Assyria had already crushed the northern kingdom and most surrounding nations. Now Sennacherib’s army stood outside Jerusalem, taunting King Hezekiah and the people (Isaiah 36). Humanly speaking, the city was doomed. Isaiah 37 records God’s answer: “The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you” (37:22). The Lord portrays Jerusalem as a young woman who laughs at a brutal invader. That picture teaches powerful lessons about faith in threatening times. What the mockery means • “Virgin Daughter of Zion” – untouched, undefiled, protected by God though surrounded by violence (cf. Psalm 46:5). • “Despises you and mocks you” – total dismissal of Assyria’s power compared to God’s sovereignty (Psalm 2:4). • “Shakes her head behind you” – calm confidence once the enemy has turned away in defeat (Isaiah 37:36-37). Lessons on faith over fear • Faith sees the unseen. Hezekiah’s city looked weak, yet God declared her secure (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Believing God’s word reshapes emotions. Instead of panic, Zion could “mock” the danger because she trusted the promise (Isaiah 37:6-7). • Fear exaggerates the enemy; faith magnifies the Lord (Psalm 34:3). Lessons on God’s defense • God fights for His people. One angel slew 185,000 Assyrians (Isaiah 37:36). • His reputation is tied to His covenant community (Isaiah 37:35). • No threat is bigger than His power (Romans 8:31). Lessons on identity • God calls His people “daughter,” emphasizing relationship before performance (Zephaniah 3:17). • Purity is preserved by divine grace, not by human strength (Jude 24). • We stand secure because we belong to Him, not because we outnumber our foes (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Walking this out today • Anchor your heart in God’s character before crises come (Psalm 112:7-8). • Respond to intimidation with Scripture-fed confidence, not aggressive retaliation (2 Timothy 1:7). • Remember history: the same Lord who silenced Assyria still defends His people (Hebrews 13:8). • Celebrate victory in advance. Zion mocked before deliverance appeared; praise now anticipates God’s sure intervention (Psalm 50:23). |
    |