Isaiah 31:5 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Like birds protecting their nest by flying around it, the LORD of hosts will defend Jerusalem. He will protect it and rescue it, and by passing over it, He will keep it safe.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God promises to protect Jerusalem like birds protect their young - with fierce, hovering care that defends, delivers, and preserves.

📚 Historical Context

Isaiah spoke these words during a time when the Assyrian empire was threatening Jerusalem and King Hezekiah was considering making political alliances with Egypt for protection. The phrase 'passing over' would later connect to the Passover, when God's judgment passed over the Israelites' homes in Egypt, sparing them from death.

Explore Similar Verses

Matthew 23:37

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem — you kill the prophets and stone the messengers God sends to you. How many times I wanted to gather your people together, the way a mama hen pulls her chicks under her wings to keep them safe. But you wouldn't let me.

Acts 21:4

We found some believers there and stayed with them for a week. Through the Holy Spirit, they kept telling Paul, 'Don't go to Jerusalem — seriously, don't do it.'

Romans 15:31

Please pray that I'll be protected from the non-believers in Judea, and that when I show up in Jerusalem with this gift, the believers there will actually welcome what I'm bringing.

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