Isaiah 17:2

Authorized King James Version

The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲזֻב֖וֹת
are forsaken
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#2
עָרֵ֣י
The cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
עֲרֹעֵ֑ר
of Aroer
aror, the name of three places in or near palestine
#4
לַעֲדָרִ֣ים
they shall be for flocks
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#5
תִּֽהְיֶ֔ינָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
וְרָבְצ֖וּ
which shall lie down
to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed
#7
וְאֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#8
מַחֲרִֽיד׃
and none shall make them afraid
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

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

Questions for Reflection

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