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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 31:5 Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/31-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/23_Isa_31_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 31:5 - Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. 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He will defend and save the city; he will pass over it and rescue it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Like birds hovering, so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it; he will spare and rescue it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver <i>it; and</i> passing over he will preserve <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver <i>it;</i> Passing over, He will preserve <i>it.</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like flying birds so the LORD of armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and save <i>it;</i> He will pass over and rescue <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like flying birds so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it; He will pass over and rescue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Like flying birds so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver <i>it;</i> He will pass over and rescue <i>it.</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like flying birds so Yahweh of hosts will defend Jerusalem. He will defend and deliver <i>it</i>; He will pass over and provide a way of escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like flying birds, so will the LORD of hosts protect Jerusalem; He will protect and save it, He will pass over and rescue it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like hovering birds, so the LORD of Armies will protect Jerusalem; by protecting it, he will rescue it; by passing over it, he will deliver it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like hovering birds, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem— by protecting it, He will rescue it, by sparing it, He will deliver it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />As birds hovering, so will Jehovah of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I, the LORD All-Powerful, will protect Jerusalem like a mother bird circling over her nest." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will pass over and preserve it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The LORD of Armies will defend Jerusalem like a hovering bird. He will defend it and rescue it. He will pass over it and protect it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Just as a bird hovers over its nest to protect its young, so I, the LORD Almighty, will protect Jerusalem and defend it." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of the Heavenly Armies will protect Jerusalem; he will shield and deliver it; and he will pass over and bring it to safety. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will shield it and deliver it; He will pass over it and preserve it.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Just as birds hover over a nest, so the LORD who commands armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it; as he passes over he will rescue it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />As birds hovering, so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. He will protect and deliver it. He will pass over and preserve it.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As birds flying, so does YHWH of Hosts "" Cover over Jerusalem, covering and delivering, "" Passing over, and causing to escape.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As birds flying, so doth Jehovah of Hosts Cover over Jerusalem, covering and delivering, Passing over, and causing to escape.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Its birds flying, so will Jehovah of armies cover over Jerusalem, covering and he delivered; and passing over he saved.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As birds dying, so will the Lord of hosts protect Jerusalem, protecting and delivering, passing over and saving. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Like birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts protect Jerusalem, protecting and freeing, passing over and saving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like hovering birds, so the LORD of hosts shall shield Jerusalem, To shield and deliver, to spare and rescue. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like birds hovering overhead, so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it, he will spare and rescue it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts alight on Jerusalem; he shall alight to deliver, rescue, and help.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />As a bird that flies, so LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts shall come down on Jerusalem; he shall come down and he shall save and he shall relieve and he shall help<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />As birds hovering, So will the LORD of hosts protect Jerusalem; He will deliver it as He protecteth it, He will rescue it as He passeth over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As birds flying, so shall the Lord of hosts defend; he shall defend Jerusalem, and he shall rescue, and save and deliver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/31-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=6604" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/31.htm">Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6833.htm" title="6833: kə·ṣip·po·rîm (Prep-k:: N-cp) -- A bird. Or tsippor; from tsaphar; a little bird.">Like birds</a> <a href="/hebrew/5774.htm" title="5774: ‘ā·p̄ō·wṯ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-fp) -- To fly, to faint. A primitive root; to cover; hence to fly; also to faint.">hovering overhead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">so</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1598.htm" title="1598: yā·ḡên (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To cover, surround, defend. A primitive root; to hedge about, i.e. protect.">will protect</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: yə·rū·šā·lim (N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">Jerusalem.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1598.htm" title="1598: gā·nō·wn (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To cover, surround, defend. A primitive root; to hedge about, i.e. protect.">He will shield it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5337.htm" title="5337: wə·hiṣ·ṣîl (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver. ">and deliver it;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6452.htm" title="6452: pā·sō·aḥ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to hop, i.e. skip over; by implication, to hesitate; also to limp, to dance.">He will pass over it</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: wə·him·lîṭ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">and preserve it.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>Return to the One against whom you have so blatantly rebelled, O children of Israel.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Exodus 19:4</a></span><br />‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Deuteronomy 32:11-12</a></span><br />As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions. / The LORD alone led him, and no foreign god was with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a></span><br />He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Psalm 36:7</a></span><br />How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-7.htm">Psalm 63:7</a></span><br />For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/121-4.htm">Psalm 121:4-5</a></span><br />Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. / The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/125-2.htm">Psalm 125:2</a></span><br />As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-34.htm">Luke 13:34</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-31.htm">Matthew 24:31</a></span><br />And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28-29</a></span><br />I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-12.htm">John 17:12</a></span><br />While I was with them, I protected and preserved them by Your name, the name You gave Me. Not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it.</p><p class="hdg">birds</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-14.htm">Isaiah 10:14</a></b></br> And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs <i>that are</i> left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-4.htm">Exodus 19:4</a></b></br> Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and <i>how</i> I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Deuteronomy 32:11</a></b></br> As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:</p><p class="hdg">defending</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-40.htm">Psalm 37:40</a></b></br> And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.</p><p class="hdg">passing.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-27.htm">Exodus 12:27</a></b></br> That ye shall say, It <i>is</i> the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/29-6.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-6.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-28.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-1.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-22.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-9.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/psalms/10-18.htm">Defending</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-11.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Delivering</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-6.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-6.htm">Flying</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Hovering</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-19.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-8.htm">Outstretched</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-28.htm">Overhead</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-5.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-5.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-12.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Protect</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-15.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/isaiah/22-6.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-14.htm">Spare</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/37-16.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-2.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-11.htm">Birds</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-25.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-2.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-2.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-9.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-35.htm">Defend</a> <a href="/acts/25-16.htm">Defending</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-14.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/daniel/6-14.htm">Delivering</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-8.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-8.htm">Flying</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-4.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Hovering</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-9.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-5.htm">Outstretched</a> <a href="/revelation/21-12.htm">Overhead</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-8.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/34-10.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Preserve</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-11.htm">Protect</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-22.htm">Rescue</a> <a href="/isaiah/33-2.htm">Salvation</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-33.htm">Shield</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-3.htm">Spare</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">The prophet shows the folly and danger of trusting Egypt, and forsaking God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/31-6.htm">He exhorts to conversion</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/31-8.htm">He shows the fall of Assyria</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Like birds hovering overhead</b><br>This imagery evokes a sense of constant vigilance and protection. In the ancient Near East, birds were often seen as symbols of watchfulness and care. The metaphor suggests God's attentive presence over Jerusalem, similar to how birds protect their nests. This can be connected to <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Deuteronomy 32:11</a>, where God is likened to an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, indicating His nurturing and protective nature.<p><b>so the LORD of Hosts will protect Jerusalem</b><br>The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's supreme authority and command over the heavenly armies. This assurance of protection is significant given the historical context of Assyrian threats against Jerusalem. The promise of divine protection is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, as seen in Psalms 46:5, where God is in the midst of the city, ensuring its stability and safety.<p><b>He will shield it and deliver it</b><br>The dual actions of shielding and delivering highlight both defensive and offensive aspects of God's intervention. Shielding implies a protective barrier against external threats, while delivering suggests an active rescue from danger. This reflects God's comprehensive care for His people, as seen in <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a>, where God instructs the Israelites to stand firm and witness His deliverance from the Egyptians.<p><b>He will pass over it and preserve it</b><br>The phrase "pass over" recalls the Passover event in <a href="/exodus/12.htm">Exodus 12</a>, where God spared the Israelites from the plague of the firstborn in Egypt. This connection underscores the theme of divine mercy and salvation. Preservation implies ongoing protection and sustenance, ensuring the survival and continuity of Jerusalem. This promise of preservation is echoed in <a href="/psalms/121-7.htm">Psalm 121:7-8</a>, where God is described as the keeper of Israel, watching over their coming and going both now and forevermore.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord_of_hosts.htm">The LORD of Hosts</a></b><br>This title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly armies. It reflects His ability to protect and deliver His people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, often representing the people of God. In this context, it symbolizes God's chosen place and people whom He promises to protect.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/birds_hovering_overhead.htm">Birds Hovering Overhead</a></b><br>This imagery suggests a protective and vigilant presence, akin to a bird watching over its nest, ready to defend it from any threat.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/protection_and_deliverance.htm">Protection and Deliverance</a></b><br>These are key actions of God in this verse, highlighting His role as a savior and guardian of His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/pass_over_and_preserve.htm">Pass Over and Preserve</a></b><br>This language echoes the Passover event in Exodus, where God spared the Israelites from the plague, signifying His ongoing commitment to their safety and preservation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_vigilant_protection.htm">God's Vigilant Protection</a></b><br>Just as birds are constantly aware of their surroundings, God is ever-watchful over His people. We can trust in His constant vigilance and care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_deliverance.htm">Divine Deliverance</a></b><br>God's promise to deliver and preserve is not just historical but applicable today. Believers can rely on His power to save them from spiritual and physical dangers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_faithfulness.htm">Covenant Faithfulness</a></b><br>The imagery of "passing over" reminds us of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. He remains committed to His people, offering protection and preservation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>In times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to protect us, just as He protected Jerusalem.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/call_to_repentance_and_faith.htm">Call to Repentance and Faith</a></b><br>Understanding God's protective nature should lead us to repentance and a deeper faith, recognizing our need for His deliverance and preservation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_god's_protection_in_isaiah_31_5.htm">In Isaiah 31:5, the idea of God defending Jerusalem “like birds hovering” seems miraculous—where is the historical or archaeological proof that such protection ever occurred? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_isaiah_31_with_god's_use_of_pagan_nations.htm">How do we reconcile Isaiah 31's call to trust God over foreign alliances with other passages where God uses pagan nations for His purposes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_micah_4_8_align_with_zion's_fate.htm">How does Micah 4:8 align with other prophecies about Zion's future when some passages (e.g., Ezekiel 5) predict destruction rather than restoration?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_i_discipline_my_body_and_control_it.htm">What does 'The joy of the Lord is your strength' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">As birds flying . . .</span>--The picture that follows ('schylean, as the former was Homeric; see "'sch. <span class= "ital">Agam. </span>49-54, though there the point is the wailing of the parent birds over the plundered nest) is, at least, not doubtful in its meaning, whether it be meant as a counterpart or antithesis to that which precedes it. The eagles hovering over their nest, and scaring off man or beast that attacked their nestlings, supplied the most vivid image possible of protection. (Comp. the image, like, but not the same, in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm" title="As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads abroad her wings, takes them, bears them on her wings:">Deuteronomy 32:11</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Passing over.</span>--The word is the same as that used in connection with the Passover festival, and may perhaps imply a reference to it.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">As birds flying</span>; rather, <span class="accented">as birds hovering</span>, or <span class="accented">fluttering</span>, ever their young, to protect them. A second simile, expressive of tenderness, as the former one was of power and strength. <span class="cmt_word">Defending, also</span>, etc. Translate, <span class="accented">defending and delivering</span>, <span class="accented">passing over and preserving</span>. In the word "passing over" there seems to be a reference to the institution of the Passover, when the angel, sometimes identified with Jehovah himself, "passed ever" and spared the Israelites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/31-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Like birds</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּצִפֳּרִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ṣip·po·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6833.htm">Strong's 6833: </a> </span><span class="str2">A little bird</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hovering overhead,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָפ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·p̄ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5774.htm">Strong's 5774: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fly, to faint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Hosts</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָא֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will protect</span><br /><span class="heb">יָגֵ֛ן</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḡên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1598.htm">Strong's 1598: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, surround, defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jerusalem.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(yə·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will shield it</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּנ֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(gā·nō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1598.htm">Strong's 1598: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, surround, defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and deliver it;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִצִּ֖יל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiṣ·ṣîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5337.htm">Strong's 5337: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He will pass over it</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּסֹ֥חַ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·sō·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6452.htm">Strong's 6452: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hop, skip over, to hesitate, to limp, to dance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and preserve it.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִמְלִֽיט׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·him·lîṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/31-5.htm">Isaiah 31:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/31-5.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 31:5 As birds hovering so Yahweh of Armies (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 31:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 31:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/31-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 31:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 31:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>