Isaiah 24:21

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And it shall come to pass in that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#3
הַה֔וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
יִפְקֹ֧ד
shall punish
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#5
יְהוָ֛ה
that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
צְבָ֥א
the host
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#8
בַּמָּר֑וֹם
of the high ones
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#9
בַּמָּר֑וֹם
of the high ones
altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)
#10
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
מַלְכֵ֥י
and the kings
a king
#12
הָאֲדָמָֽה׃
of the earth
soil (from its general redness)
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
הָאֲדָמָֽה׃
of the earth
soil (from its general redness)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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

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