Isaiah 33:22
For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֥ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שֹׁפְטֵ֔נוּ
is our judge
H8199
שֹׁפְטֵ֔נוּ
is our judge
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
3 of 9
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
יְהוָ֥ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְחֹקְקֵ֑נוּ
is our lawgiver
H2710
מְחֹקְקֵ֑נוּ
is our lawgiver
Strong's:
H2710
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
יְהוָ֥ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
James 4:12There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?Acts 5:31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.Psalms 89:18For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.Isaiah 25:9And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.Isaiah 35:4Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.Psalms 50:6And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.Psalms 75:7But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.Revelation 19:16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Historical Context
Israel's theocracy meant God ruled through judges, then kings. But human judges corrupted justice (Isaiah 1:23), kings oppressed (1 Samuel 8:10-18), lawgivers multiplied burdens (Matthew 23:4). Only when God Himself executes these roles perfectly does salvation come. Jesus unified all offices: teaching with authority (Matthew 7:29), judging rightly (John 7:24), reigning as King (Luke 1:33). His Kingdom is everlasting government of perfect justice, righteous law, gracious rule.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God as Judge, Lawgiver, and King affect submission to earthly authorities?
- In what ways do human governments fail that only God's perfect governance can remedy?
- How does Christ fulfill all three offices (judge, lawgiver, king) in His redemptive work and Kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us (כִּי יְהוָה שֹׁפְטֵנוּ יְהוָה מְחֹקְקֵנוּ יְהוָה מַלְכֵּנוּ הוּא יוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ, ki YHWH shoftenu YHWH mechoqenu YHWH malkenu hu yoshienu)—Yahweh is our שֹׁפֵט (shofet, judge), our מְחֹקֵק (mechoqeq, lawgiver, engraver of statute), our מֶלֶךְ (melekh, king); He will יָשַׁע (yasha, save).
This verse encapsulates theocracy: Yahweh holds all governmental authority. Modern separation of powers (executive, legislative, judicial) are unified in Him. He judges (judicial), decrees law (legislative), rules (executive), and saves (redemptive). James 4:12: 'There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.' Human governments derive authority from God (Romans 13:1) but remain subordinate. Christ embodies all three roles: Judge (John 5:22), Lawgiver (Matthew 5:21-22, 'but I say unto you'), King (Revelation 19:16, 'KING OF KINGS'). His government brings salvation, not oppression.