Isaiah 44:14

Authorized King James Version

He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִכְרָת
He heweth him down
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#2
ל֣וֹ
H0
#3
אֲרָזִ֔ים
cedars
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#4
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
and taketh
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#5
תִּרְזָה֙
the cypress
a species of tree (apparently from its slenderness), perhaps the cypress
#6
וְאַלּ֔וֹן
and the oak
oak tree
#7
וַיְאַמֶּץ
which he strengtheneth
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
#8
ל֖וֹ
H0
#9
בַּעֲצֵי
for himself among the trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#10
יָ֑עַר
of the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#11
נָטַ֥ע
he planteth
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
#12
אֹ֖רֶן
an ash
the ash tree (from its toughness)
#13
וְגֶ֥שֶׁם
and the rain
a shower
#14
יְגַדֵּֽל׃
doth nourish
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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