Isaiah 32:1

Authorized King James Version

Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵ֥ן
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
לְצֶ֖דֶק
in righteousness
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
#3
יִמְלָךְ
shall reign
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#4
מֶ֑לֶךְ
Behold a king
a king
#5
וּלְשָׂרִ֖ים
and princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#6
לְמִשְׁפָּ֥ט
in judgment
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#7
יָשֹֽׂרוּ׃
shall rule
to have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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