Isaiah 34:5

Authorized King James Version

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For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רִוְּתָ֥ה shall be bathed H7301
רִוְּתָ֥ה shall be bathed
Strong's: H7301
Word #: 2 of 12
to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)
בַשָּׁמַ֖יִם in heaven H8064
בַשָּׁמַ֖יִם in heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 3 of 12
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
חַרְבִּ֑י For my sword H2719
חַרְבִּ֑י For my sword
Strong's: H2719
Word #: 4 of 12
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
הִנֵּה֙ H2009
הִנֵּה֙
Strong's: H2009
Word #: 5 of 12
lo!
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 6 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֱד֣וֹם upon Idumea H123
אֱד֣וֹם upon Idumea
Strong's: H123
Word #: 7 of 12
edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him
תֵּרֵ֔ד behold it shall come down H3381
תֵּרֵ֔ד behold it shall come down
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 8 of 12
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
וְעַל H5921
וְעַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַ֥ם and upon the people H5971
עַ֥ם and upon the people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 10 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
חֶרְמִ֖י of my curse H2764
חֶרְמִ֖י of my curse
Strong's: H2764
Word #: 11 of 12
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
לְמִשְׁפָּֽט׃ to judgment H4941
לְמִשְׁפָּֽט׃ to judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

Analysis & Commentary

The sword "bathed in heaven" indicates that judgment originates in God's throne room before manifesting on earth. Edom represents all nations hostile to God's covenant people. The "people of my curse" (Hebrew "am chermi") emphasizes divine sovereignty in election and reprobation. This exemplifies the Reformed doctrine that God actively judges wickedness, not merely permitting consequences. Edom's judgment serves as a type of all opposition to Christ and His church.

Historical Context

Edom, descended from Esau (Genesis 36), maintained perpetual hostility toward Israel. They refused passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21) and celebrated Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC.

Questions for Reflection

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