Isaiah 24:23

Authorized King James Version

Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְחָֽפְרָה֙
shall be confounded
to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach
#2
הַלְּבָנָ֔ה
Then the moon
properly, (the) white, i.e., the moon
#3
וּבוֹשָׁ֖ה
ashamed
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
#4
הַֽחַמָּ֑ה
and the sun
heat; by implication, the sun
#5
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
מָלַ֞ךְ
shall reign
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#7
יְהוָ֣ה
when the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
#9
בְּהַ֤ר
in mount
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#10
צִיּוֹן֙
Zion
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
#11
וּבִיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
and in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#12
וְנֶ֥גֶד
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#13
זְקֵנָ֖יו
and before his ancients
old
#14
כָּבֽוֹד׃
gloriously
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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 kingdom of God 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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