Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 6

Authorized King James Version

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And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.

Original Language Analysis

וּלְר֖וּחַ And for a spirit H7307
וּלְר֖וּחַ And for a spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 1 of 9
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט in judgment H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט in judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 2 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
לַיּוֹשֵׁב֙ to him that sitteth H3427
לַיּוֹשֵׁב֙ to him that sitteth
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 3 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט in judgment H4941
הַמִּשְׁפָּ֔ט in judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וְלִ֨גְבוּרָ֔ה and for strength H1369
וְלִ֨גְבוּרָ֔ה and for strength
Strong's: H1369
Word #: 6 of 9
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
מְשִׁיבֵ֥י to them that turn H7725
מְשִׁיבֵ֥י to them that turn
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 7 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מִלְחָמָ֖ה the battle H4421
מִלְחָמָ֖ה the battle
Strong's: H4421
Word #: 8 of 9
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
שָֽׁעְרָה׃ to the gate H8179
שָֽׁעְרָה׃ to the gate
Strong's: H8179
Word #: 9 of 9
an opening, i.e., door or gate

Analysis & Commentary

And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. God as crown of glory (v.5) provides specific benefits: a spirit of judgment (le-ruach mishpat, לְרוּחַ מִשְׁפָּט, for a spirit of justice/discernment) to him that sitteth in judgment (la-yoshev al-hamishpat, לַיּוֹשֵׁב עַל־הַמִּשְׁפָּט, to the one sitting on the judgment seat). Leaders/judges who seek the LORD receive wisdom to judge righteously. Solomon prayed for such discernment (1 Kings 3:9); Isaiah 11:2-4 prophesies the Messiah will have the spirit of wisdom and understanding to judge perfectly.

And for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate (lig-vurah meshivei milchamah sha'rah, לִגְבוּרָה מְשִׁיבֵי מִלְחָמָה שָׁעְרָה) depicts warriors who repel invaders, driving them back to the city gates—defensive victory. Gevurah (גְּבוּרָה) means might, strength, heroic power. God gives supernatural strength to defenders. This contrasts Ephraim's drunken leaders (vv.1,7) who lacked both wisdom and strength. When leaders seek God, He provides what they need—judicial wisdom and military strength—but these come from Him, not themselves.

Historical Context

Hezekiah's reign demonstrated this. When Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem (701 BC), Hezekiah prayed, and God destroyed 185,000 Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35). The LORD was strength to those defending the gates. Conversely, when Judah's later kings relied on Egypt and ignored God, they lacked both wise judgment and strength to defend against Babylon. For the church, spiritual warfare requires divine strength (Ephesians 6:10) and Spirit-given discernment to judge rightly (1 Corinthians 2:14-15, Hebrews 5:14). Christ is our wisdom and our strength (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).

Questions for Reflection