Isaiah 27:8
In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind.
Original Language Analysis
בְּשַׁלְחָ֣הּ
when it shooteth forth
H7971
בְּשַׁלְחָ֣הּ
when it shooteth forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
2 of 8
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
תְּרִיבֶ֑נָּה
thou wilt debate
H7378
תְּרִיבֶ֑נָּה
thou wilt debate
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
בְּרוּח֥וֹ
wind
H7307
בְּרוּח֥וֹ
wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
5 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Jeremiah 10:24O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.Jeremiah 4:11At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,Ezekiel 19:12But she was plucked up in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them.Hosea 4:1Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.Jeremiah 46:28Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.Jeremiah 30:11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.Jeremiah 4:27For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.Hosea 13:15Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the LORD shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels.1 Peter 1:6Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Historical Context
Exile to Babylon was devastating but limited—70 years (Jeremiah 25:11), not permanent. God measured even this severe judgment. Compare to Sodom and Gomorrah's total destruction or the Flood—Israel's discipline, though painful, was calibrated for restoration. For believers, 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises God won't allow temptation/testing beyond what we can bear—He measures His discipline to our capacity, always providing a way through.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing God disciplines 'in measure' (calibrated, proportionate) bring comfort during difficult seasons?
- What does God's 'staying' of the rough east wind teach about His restraint of judgment?
- How have you experienced God's measured discipline rather than His full fury you deserved?
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Analysis & Commentary
In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind. This difficult verse describes God's measured, calibrated discipline. The phrase in measure (bese'se'ah, בְּסַאסְאָה, literally "by seah by seah," a unit of measurement) emphasizes proportionate, controlled judgment—not excessive or destroying. When it shooteth forth (beshalchah, בְּשַׁלְחָהּ) means "when you send her away," referring to exile as divorce imagery found in Hosea and Jeremiah.
Thou wilt debate with it (terivennah, תְּרִיבֶנָּה) means contend, strive, bring to court—suggesting God's judicial process even in discipline. He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind (hagah berucho haqashah beyom qadim, הָגָה בְּרוּחוֹ הַקָּשָׁה בְּיוֹם קָדִים) uses meteorological imagery. The fierce east wind (qadim) from the desert was scorching and destructive (Exodus 10:13, Hosea 13:15), but God restrains (hagah, removed, stayed) its harshness. He doesn't unleash full fury but moderates judgment. Lamentations 3:22 captures this: "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed."