Isaiah 21:17

Authorized King James Version

And the residue of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished: for the LORD God of Israel hath spoken it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּשְׁאָ֧ר

H7605

And the residue

a remainder

מִסְפַּר

H4557

of the number

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

קֶ֛שֶׁת

H7198

of archers

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

גִּבּוֹרֵ֥י

H1368

the mighty men

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

בְנֵֽי

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

קֵדָ֖ר

H6938

of Kedar

kedar, a son of ishmael; also (collectively) bedouin (as his descendants or representatives)

יִמְעָ֑טוּ

H4591

shall be diminished

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

for the LORD

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

#10

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#12

דִּבֵּֽר׃

H1696

hath spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Isaiah