Isaiah 37:38

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esar-haddon his son reigned in his stead.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִי֩
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
ה֨וּא
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
#3
מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֜ה
And it came to pass as he was worshipping
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
#4
בֵּ֣ית׀
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
נִסְרֹ֣ךְ
of Nisroch
nisrok, a babylonian idol
#6
אֱלֹהָ֗יו
his 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
#7
וְֽאַדְרַמֶּ֨לֶךְ
that Adrammelech
adrammelek, the name of an assyrian idol, also of a son of sennacherib
#8
וְשַׂרְאֶ֤צֶר
and Sharezer
sharetser, the name of an assyrian and an israelite
#9
בְּנ֖וֹ
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#10
הִכֻּ֣הוּ
smote
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#11
בַחֶ֔רֶב
him with the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
וְהֵ֥מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#13
נִמְלְט֖וּ
and they escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#14
אֶ֣רֶץ
into the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#15
אֲרָרָ֑ט
of Armenia
ararat (or rather armenia)
#16
וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ
reigned
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#17
אֵֽסַר
H0
#18
חַדֹּ֥ן
and Esarhaddon
esar-chaddon, an assyrian king
#19
בְּנ֖וֹ
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#20
תַּחְתָּֽיו׃
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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