Isaiah 18:6

Authorized King James Version

They shall be left together unto the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer upon them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter upon them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יֵעָזְב֤וּ
They shall be left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#2
יַחְדָּו֙
together
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
#3
הָעַ֔יִט
and the fowls
a hawk or other bird of prey
#4
הָרִ֔ים
of the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#5
בֶּהֱמַ֥ת
and to the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#6
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
וְקָ֤ץ
shall summer
to spend the harvest season
#8
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
הָעַ֔יִט
and the fowls
a hawk or other bird of prey
#10
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
בֶּהֱמַ֥ת
and to the beasts
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#12
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
עָלָ֥יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
תֶּחֱרָֽף׃
shall winter
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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