Isaiah 17:3

Authorized King James Version

The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִשְׁבַּ֤ת

H7673

also shall cease

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

מִבְצָר֙

H4013

The fortress

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

מֵֽאֶפְרַ֔יִם

H669

from Ephraim

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּמַמְלָכָ֥ה

H4467

and the kingdom

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

מִדַּמֶּ֖שֶׂק

H1834

from Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

וּשְׁאָ֣ר

H7605

and the remnant

a remainder

אֲרָ֑ם

H758

of Syria

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

כִּכְב֤וֹד

H3519

they shall be as the glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#11

יִֽהְי֔וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#12

נְאֻ֖ם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#13

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

צְבָאֽוֹת׃

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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

How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

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