Isaiah 37:25
I have digged, and drunk water; and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.
Original Language Analysis
קַ֖רְתִּי
I have digged
H6979
קַ֖רְתִּי
I have digged
Strong's:
H6979
Word #:
2 of 10
to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop)
וְאַחְרִב֙
have I dried up
H2717
וְאַחְרִב֙
have I dried up
Strong's:
H2717
Word #:
5 of 10
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
בְּכַף
and with the sole
H3709
בְּכַף
and with the sole
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
6 of 10
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
פְּעָמַ֔י
of my feet
H6471
פְּעָמַ֔י
of my feet
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
7 of 10
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Assyrians did possess advanced siege warfare and engineering capabilities, including water management during campaigns. Their real achievements made the boasting seem justified.
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine human achievement sometimes lead to dangerous pride?
- What is the difference between acknowledging real accomplishments and boastful pride?
- How should we view human technological and military advancement in light of God's sovereignty?
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Analysis & Commentary
The boasting continues: "I have digged, and drunk water" claims ability to find water even in deserts through engineering. "With the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of the besieged places" is hyperbolic pride—claiming to conquer even natural obstacles. This exemplifies human hubris, believing technology and power make one invincible. The comprehensive claims "all the rivers" shows total pride admitting no limits. Such boasting sets up dramatic reversal when God demonstrates absolute sovereignty.