Isaiah 16:5

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness.

Original Language Analysis

וְהוּכַ֤ן be established H3559
וְהוּכַ֤ן be established
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בַּחֶ֙סֶד֙ And in mercy H2617
בַּחֶ֙סֶד֙ And in mercy
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 2 of 13
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
כִּסֵּ֔א shall the throne H3678
כִּסֵּ֔א shall the throne
Strong's: H3678
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
וְיָשַׁ֥ב and he shall sit H3427
וְיָשַׁ֥ב and he shall sit
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 4 of 13
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עָלָ֛יו H5921
עָלָ֛יו
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת upon it in truth H571
בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת upon it in truth
Strong's: H571
Word #: 6 of 13
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
בְּאֹ֣הֶל in the tabernacle H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל in the tabernacle
Strong's: H168
Word #: 7 of 13
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
דָּוִ֑ד of David H1732
דָּוִ֑ד of David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 8 of 13
david, the youngest son of jesse
שֹׁפֵ֛ט judging H8199
שֹׁפֵ֛ט judging
Strong's: H8199
Word #: 9 of 13
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
וְדֹרֵ֥שׁ and seeking H1875
וְדֹרֵ֥שׁ and seeking
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 10 of 13
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט judgment H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 11 of 13
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּמְהִ֥ר and hasting H4106
וּמְהִ֥ר and hasting
Strong's: H4106
Word #: 12 of 13
quick; hence, skilful
צֶֽדֶק׃ righteousness H6664
צֶֽדֶק׃ righteousness
Strong's: H6664
Word #: 13 of 13
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

Analysis & Commentary

"In mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness." This Messianic prophecy interrupts the Moab oracle with hope. The Davidic throne will be established "in mercy" (chesed—covenant love) and "in truth" (emet—faithfulness). The ruler's reign manifests judging (righteous governance), seeking judgment (pursuing justice), and hasting righteousness (swift execution of right). Reformed eschatology sees Christ fulfilling this—the true Son of David whose reign perfectly manifests mercy, truth, justice, and righteousness.

Historical Context

This prophecy references the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) promising an eternal throne. By Isaiah's time, Davidic monarchy faced serious threats—the northern kingdom had fallen (722 BCE), Judah faced Assyrian pressure. Yet God promises the ultimate Davidic king. The New Testament identifies Jesus as this fulfillment (Luke 1:32-33; Acts 15:16-17), whose eternal reign transcends temporal political turmoil.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People