Isaiah 5:28

Authorized King James Version

Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
חִצָּיו֙
Whose arrows
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
#3
שְׁנוּנִ֔ים
are sharp
to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
#4
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
קַשְּׁתֹתָ֖יו
and all their bows
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#6
דְּרֻכ֑וֹת
bent
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#7
פַּרְס֤וֹת
hoofs
a claw or split hoof
#8
סוּסָיו֙
their horses
a horse (as leaping)
#9
כַּצַּ֣ר
like flint
a pebble (as in h6864)
#10
נֶחְשָׁ֔בוּ
shall be counted
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#11
וְגַלְגִּלָּ֖יו
and their wheels
a wheel; by analogy, a whirlwind; also dust (as whirled)
#12
כַּסּוּפָֽה׃
like a whirlwind
a hurricane

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

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 salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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