Isaiah 2:6

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נָטַ֗שְׁתָּה

H5203

Therefore thou hast forsaken

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

עַמְּךָ֙

H5971

thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יַעֲקֹ֔ב

H3290

of Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָלְאוּ֙

H4390

because they be replenished

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

מִקֶּ֔דֶם

H6924

from the east

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

וְעֹֽנְנִ֖ים

H6049

and are soothsayers

figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., practise magic

#10

כַּפְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים

H6430

like the Philistines

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

#11

וּבְיַלְדֵ֥י

H3206

themselves in the children

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

#12

נָכְרִ֖ים

H5237

of strangers

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)

#13

יַשְׂפִּֽיקוּ׃

H5606

and they please

to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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