ישעיהו, פרק ל״ז, פסוק כ״ב

In response to the threats of Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, God makes it clear that Jerusalem is completely unimpressed [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, חומת אנך]. The city reacts with deep disdain and mockery. The people view the king's warnings as entirely worthless, and they laugh to highlight how small and insignificant his actions and insults against God truly are [מלבי״ם]. This reaction is also understood as a direct measure-for-measure response: because Sennacherib showed contempt for Jerusalem, the city will now mock him as he faces his own downfall [חומת אנך].

The nation and kingdom are pictured through a feminine image, using the concept of a daughter to broadly describe the native inhabitants born within the city [שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators explains the city's title of a virgin through a historical and military lens. The fortress of Zion was heavily fortified and had never been conquered or taken over by a foreign power, much like a young woman who has never been given to a husband [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. According to this view, a specific distinction is made between the unconquered fortress of Zion and the rest of Jerusalem, which does not share this exact status [מלבי״ם]. However, another perspective argues that this term does not necessarily mean the city was never captured. Instead, it is simply a title of honor and importance granted to the nation [שד״ל].

As Sennacherib retreats, the people are described as shaking their heads behind him. This gesture is widely understood as an act of sharp criticism and mockery over his expected ruin [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Yet, an alternative view suggests that shaking the head is actually an expression of sorrow, compassion, and pity for another person's suffering. According to this interpretation, the people of Jerusalem are using a highly sophisticated form of sarcasm. They shake their heads at Sennacherib as if they feel sorry for him, sarcastically pitying the foolish man who dared to insult the living God and is now heading toward a bitter end [שד״ל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].