Isaiah Chapter 17 · Verse 7

Authorized King James Version

Study PDF

At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.

Original Language Analysis

בַּיּ֣וֹם At that day H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם At that day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 2 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִשְׁעֶ֥ה look H8159
יִשְׁעֶ֥ה look
Strong's: H8159
Word #: 3 of 11
to gaze at or about (properly, for help); by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed (as looking around in amazement) or bewil
הָאָדָ֖ם shall a man H120
הָאָדָ֖ם shall a man
Strong's: H120
Word #: 4 of 11
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֹשֵׂ֑הוּ to his Maker H6213
עֹשֵׂ֑הוּ to his Maker
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 6 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְעֵינָ֕יו and his eyes H5869
וְעֵינָ֕יו and his eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 7 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 8 of 11
near, with or among; often in general, to
קְד֥וֹשׁ to the Holy H6918
קְד֥וֹשׁ to the Holy
Strong's: H6918
Word #: 9 of 11
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל One of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל One of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 10 of 11
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
תִּרְאֶֽינָה׃ shall have respect H7200
תִּרְאֶֽינָה׃ shall have respect
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 11 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis & Commentary

'At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.' This verse provides hope—judgment will drive people back to God. The phrase 'look to his Maker' indicates turning from idols to the true God. 'Have respect to' (raah—see, regard, consider) suggests renewed spiritual sight and proper reverence. The title 'Holy One of Israel' is characteristically Isaian (used 25 times in Isaiah), emphasizing both transcendence and covenant relationship. Judgment serves redemptive purpose—removing false securities so people return to their true Source. This demonstrates that God's judgments are ultimately merciful, designed to restore relationship.

Historical Context

Historically, some Israelites did turn to Yahweh during crises, though many continued in apostasy. The pattern of judgment leading to repentance appears throughout Judges and Kings. The exile ultimately cured Israel of idolatry—post-exilic Judaism showed little tendency toward the pagan worship that characterized pre-exilic periods. The 'Holy One of Israel' title emphasizes God's unique relationship with Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Church history shows similar patterns—persecution and difficulty often strengthen faith and purity, while prosperity leads to compromise.

Questions for Reflection