Isaiah 37:22 - Exposition

The virgin the daughter of Zion ; i.e. Jerusalem (comp. Isaiah 1:8 ; Isaiah 10:32 ; Isaiah 16:1 ; Isaiah 52:2 ; Isaiah 62:11 ). The expression, "virgin daughter," is used also by Isaiah of Zidon ( Isaiah 23:12 ) and of Babylon ( Isaiah 47:1 ). The personification here is very effective. since it represents Jerusalem as a tender maiden, weak and delicate, yet still bold enough to stand up against Sennacherib and all his host, and bid him defiance. Confident in Jehovah, her Protector, she despises him, and laughs him to scorn; nay, "shakes her head at him," or rather. "after him," pursuing him with scornful gestures as In. retreats before her. (On shaking the head as a gesture of scorn, see Psalms 22:7 ; Psalms 109:25 ; Matthew 27:39 .)