Isaiah 32:19

Authorized King James Version

When it shall hail, coming down on the forest; and the city shall be low in a low place.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָרַ֖ד
When it shall hail
to hail
#2
בְּרֶ֣דֶת
coming down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#3
הַיָּ֑עַר
on the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#4
וּבַשִּׁפְלָ֖ה
in a low place
depression
#5
תִּשְׁפַּ֥ל
shall be low
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
#6
הָעִֽיר׃
and the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Isaiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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