Isaiah 18:3

Authorized King James Version

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All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.

Original Language Analysis

כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י All ye inhabitants H3427
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י All ye inhabitants
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
תֵבֵ֖ל of the world H8398
תֵבֵ֖ל of the world
Strong's: H8398
Word #: 3 of 12
the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,
וְשֹׁ֣כְנֵי and dwellers H7931
וְשֹׁ֣כְנֵי and dwellers
Strong's: H7931
Word #: 4 of 12
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
אָ֑רֶץ on the earth H776
אָ֑רֶץ on the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 5 of 12
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
כִּנְשֹׂא ye when he lifteth up H5375
כִּנְשֹׂא ye when he lifteth up
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 6 of 12
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
נֵ֤ס an ensign H5251
נֵ֤ס an ensign
Strong's: H5251
Word #: 7 of 12
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
הָרִים֙ on the mountains H2022
הָרִים֙ on the mountains
Strong's: H2022
Word #: 8 of 12
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
תִּרְא֔וּ see H7200
תִּרְא֔וּ see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 9 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְכִתְקֹ֥עַ and when he bloweth H8628
וְכִתְקֹ֥עַ and when he bloweth
Strong's: H8628
Word #: 10 of 12
to clatter, i.e., slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument); by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to become
שׁוֹפָ֖ר a trumpet H7782
שׁוֹפָ֖ר a trumpet
Strong's: H7782
Word #: 11 of 12
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ׃ hear H8085
תִּשְׁמָֽעוּ׃ hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 12 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

'All ye inhabitants of the world, and dwellers on the earth, see ye, when he lifteth up an ensign on the mountains; and when he bloweth a trumpet, hear ye.' The universal address ('all inhabitants...all dwellers') indicates God's actions affect all nations, not just Israel/Judah. The 'ensign on mountains' (military banner/signal) and trumpet (shofar—warning/assembly call) announce divine action. God signals His intentions to all humanity—His judgments and deliverances occur on history's stage for universal witness. This demonstrates God's actions aren't parochial but cosmic, affecting all peoples. Reformed theology emphasizes God's universal sovereignty—He is Lord of all nations, not merely Israel's tribal deity. All peoples are accountable to Him regardless of covenant relationship.

Historical Context

Ancient warfare used visual signals (banners, fires, flags) on elevated positions and auditory signals (trumpets, horns) to coordinate military movements and warn populations. God uses this familiar imagery to describe His sovereign actions in history. The universal address means all nations will witness God's intervention—whether Assyria's judgment, Jerusalem's deliverance, or Ethiopia's humiliation. Historically, the 701 BCE deliverance had international repercussions—Assyrian and Babylonian records acknowledge the event, and it affected regional geopolitics. God's actions in history aren't hidden but visible to all nations, testifying to His power and sovereignty.

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