Isaiah 37:16

Authorized King James Version

O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֜וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

God

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

יֹשֵׁ֣ב

H3427

that dwellest

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים

H3742

between the cherubims

a cherub or imaginary figure

אַתָּה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

ה֤וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

God

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

#10

לְבַדְּךָ֔

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#11

לְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

מַמְלְכ֣וֹת

H4467

even thou alone of all the kingdoms

dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)

#13

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

and earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#15

עָשִׂ֔יתָ

H6213

thou hast made

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם

H8064

heaven

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

#18

וְאֶת

H853

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

#19

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

and earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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

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 imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does the kingdom of God theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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