The prophets not only addressed events in ancient Israel and its future, they also prophesied of the Christian church. This verse has a double application – both to regathered Israel and to the Christian church. No weapon in the hand of either Satan, or natural man can cause any hurt to the Lord’s people unless the Lord permits it.  

The Lord uses our experiences with evil to develop our characters. James 1:2-4 (NIV), “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

The apostle writes that the weapons of our warfare are not those used by man – our “weapons” are the speaking of truth. (See 2 Corinthians 10:4.) In Revelation, Jesus is depicted with a powerful sword coming out of his mouth! That is the truth and power of his words. (Read Revelation 19:15.)

Natural Israel still suffers at the hand of many foes, but there are abundant promises regarding their eternal, blessed future. One promise is found in Jeremiah 33:14-16 (ESV), “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch (Christ) to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’”

But the primary application of this verse is that no enemy – specifically Satan – can wage war on God’s church. No spiritual nor natural weapon can harm God’s relationship with His children nor harm their characters. 

Romans 8:31 affirms this, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Throughout the ages, foes of God have tried to exterminate the Christian church, but to no avail. God knows them that are His. Matthew 10:29-31 assures us that we are under God’s special care. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”