Isaiah 13:4

Authorized King James Version

The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ק֠וֹל
The noise
a voice or sound
#2
הָמ֛וֹן
of a multitude
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
#3
בֶּֽהָרִ֖ים
in the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#4
דְּמ֣וּת
like
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#5
עַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
רָ֑ב
as of a great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#7
ק֠וֹל
The noise
a voice or sound
#8
שְׁא֞וֹן
a tumultuous
uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction
#9
מַמְלְכ֤וֹת
of the kingdoms
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#10
גּוֹיִם֙
of nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#11
נֶֽאֱסָפִ֔ים
gathered together
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#12
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#13
צְבָ֥א
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#14
מְפַקֵּ֖ד
mustereth
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#15
צְבָ֥א
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#16
מִלְחָמָֽה׃
of the battle
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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