Isaiah 1:2

Authorized King James Version

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שִׁמְע֤וּ

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

שָׁמַ֙יִם֙

H8064

O heavens

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְהַאֲזִ֣ינִי

H238

and give ear

to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen

אֶ֔רֶץ

H776

O earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

דִּבֵּ֑ר

H1696

hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בָּנִים֙

H1121

children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

גִּדַּ֣לְתִּי

H1431

I have nourished

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

#10

וְרוֹמַ֔מְתִּי

H7311

and brought up

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#11

וְהֵ֖ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

פָּ֥שְׁעוּ

H6586

and they have rebelled

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

#13

בִֽי׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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