Isaiah 37:12

Authorized King James Version

Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַהִצִּ֨ילוּ

H5337

delivered

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

אוֹתָ֜ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֱלֹהֵ֤י

H430

Have the gods

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַגּוֹיִם֙

H1471

of the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִשְׁחִ֣יתוּ

H7843

have destroyed

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

אֲבוֹתַ֔י

them which my fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גּוֹזָ֖ן

H1470

as Gozan

gozan, a province of assyria

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

חָרָ֑ן

H2771

and Haran

charan, the name of a man

#12

וְרֶ֥צֶף

H7530

and Rezeph

retseph, a place in assyrian

#13

וּבְנֵי

H1121

and the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

עֶ֖דֶן

H5729

of Eden

eden, a place in mesopotamia

#15

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#16

בִּתְלַשָּֽׂר׃

H8515

which were in Telassar

telassar, a region of assyria

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Isaiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Isaiah chapter 37 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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