Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 37:33. It's a really important and dramatic passage in the Bible that speaks about a future conflict. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is warning Assyria – a powerful empire located in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) – not to invade or attack Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore thus saith the LORD” : This is a direct quote from the prophet Isaiah. He's speaking to God, and we understand he’s conveying something important. “Concerning the king of Assyria” : This refers to King Ashur-Abba, the ruler of the powerful Assyrian Empire who was conquering Judah at that time. It's a specific person being targeted. “He shall not come into this city” : This means Assyria won’t invade Jerusalem. It’s a clear prohibition against an attack on the city. “Nor shoot an arrow there” : This is a powerful image – imagine an arrow flying towards Jerusalem! It's a symbol of imminent attack. “Nor come before it with shields” : This is another strong warning. Assyria isn’t just going to invade; they’re coming to attack, likely with their military might. “Nor cast a bank against it” : This is the most terrifying part. It suggests Assyria will not be able to easily challenge or defeat Jerusalem. They won’t be able to set up defenses or prepare for battle. What does this verse mean in the bigger picture? It's a message of protection and divine judgment. The Bible describes Assyrian military campaigns as threatening, and Isaiah 37:33 is a warning that their aggressive plans will be thwarted. It’s a sign that God is watching over his people and protecting them from harm. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the arrival of the Roman army under Emperor Nero, who eventually conquered Judea and destroyed Jerusalem. It's a key moment in Jewish history where God’s judgment was imminent. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?