Isaiah Chapter 5 · Verse 28
Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חִצָּיו֙
Whose arrows
H2671
חִצָּיו֙
Whose arrows
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
שְׁנוּנִ֔ים
are sharp
H8150
שְׁנוּנִ֔ים
are sharp
Strong's:
H8150
Word #:
3 of 12
to point (transitive or intransitive); intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
קַשְּׁתֹתָ֖יו
and all their bows
H7198
קַשְּׁתֹתָ֖יו
and all their bows
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
5 of 12
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
דְּרֻכ֑וֹת
bent
H1869
דְּרֻכ֑וֹת
bent
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
6 of 12
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
נֶחְשָׁ֔בוּ
shall be counted
H2803
נֶחְשָׁ֔בוּ
shall be counted
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
Historical Context
Assyrian chariot warfare and archery were technologically advanced for their era. Isaiah attributes their effectiveness to divine commissioning rather than merely human prowess.
Questions for Reflection
- How do historical judgments preview final eschatological judgment's unstoppable nature?
- What modern 'whirlwinds' of judgment might be divinely ordained rather than merely natural?
Analysis & Commentary
Sharp arrows, bent bows, horses' hooves 'like flint,' and wheels 'like a whirlwind' continue depicting the invincible judgment force. The accumulated imagery creates overwhelming sense of unstoppable power. This divinely-enabled military might demonstrates that covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:49-52) find precise fulfillment. The description anticipates eschatological judgment where Christ returns with armies of heaven (Revelation 19:14).