Isaiah 1:27
Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
צִיּ֖וֹן
Zion
H6726
צִיּ֖וֹן
Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
1 of 5
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט
with judgment
H4941
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט
with judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
תִּפָּדֶ֑ה
shall be redeemed
H6299
תִּפָּדֶ֑ה
shall be redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
3 of 5
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
Cross References
Isaiah 5:16But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.Isaiah 63:4For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.Isaiah 62:12And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.
Historical Context
The Babylonian exile would later serve as this refining judgment, with a faithful remnant returning under Ezra and Nehemiah. Typologically, it points to Christ's redemptive work establishing a new covenant community.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inseparability of judgment and righteousness in redemption inform our understanding of salvation?
- What does it mean to be among those who 'return' or 'convert' within God's covenant people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Zion's redemption through 'judgment' (Hebrew 'mishpat') and 'righteousness' reveals God's method: judicial purification followed by ethical restoration. The term 'converts' (Hebrew 'shab'—those who return/repent) identifies the remnant who respond to God's refining work. Redemption isn't universal restoration but selective deliverance of the repentant, aligning with Reformed doctrine of particular redemption. This pattern anticipates Christ's atoning work that both satisfies divine justice and effects moral transformation (Romans 3:24-26).