Isaiah 16:1

Authorized King James Version

Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שִׁלְחוּ
Send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
כַ֥ר
ye the lamb
a ram (as full-grown and fat), including a battering-ram (as butting)
#3
מֹשֵֽׁל
to the ruler
to rule
#4
אֶ֖רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
מִסֶּ֣לַע
from Sela
sela, the rock-city of idumaea
#6
מִדְבָּ֑רָה
to the wilderness
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַ֖ר
unto the mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#9
בַּת
of the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#10
צִיּֽוֹן׃
of Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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