Isaiah 21:9

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

זֶ֥ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

בָא֙

H935

And behold here cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

רֶ֣כֶב

H7393

a chariot

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

אִ֔ישׁ

H376

of men

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

צֶ֖מֶד

H6776

with a couple

a yoke or team (i.e., pair); hence, an acre (i.e., day's task for a yoke of cattle to plough)

פָּֽרָשִׁ֑ים

H6571

of horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

וַיַּ֣עַן

H6030

And he answered

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

נָֽפְלָה֙

H5307

is fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#11

נָֽפְלָה֙

H5307

is fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#12

בָּבֶ֔ל

H894

Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

#13

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

פְּסִילֵ֥י

H6456

and all the graven images

an idol

#15

אֱלֹהֶ֖יהָ

H430

of her gods

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

#16

שִׁבַּ֥ר

H7665

he hath broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

#17

לָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

unto the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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