Isaiah 52:4
For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֤ה
H3541
כֹ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יָֽרַד
went down
H3381
יָֽרַד
went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
7 of 14
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
עַמִּ֥י
My people
H5971
עַמִּ֥י
My people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
בָרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
aforetime
H7223
בָרִֽאשֹׁנָ֖ה
aforetime
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
9 of 14
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
לָג֣וּר
to sojourn
H1481
לָג֣וּר
to sojourn
Strong's:
H1481
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
שָׁ֑ם
H8033
וְאַשּׁ֖וּר
there and the Assyrian
H804
וְאַשּׁ֖וּר
there and the Assyrian
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
12 of 14
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
Cross References
Genesis 46:6And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him:Psalms 69:4They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.Job 2:3And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
Historical Context
Egypt enslaved Israel without cause (Exodus 1), as did Assyria and Babylon. God's jealousy for His name's honor drove judgment on oppressors. This teaches that attacks on God's people are ultimately attacks on God Himself (Zechariah 2:8 - 'he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye').
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that your suffering affects God's reputation change how you view trials?
- What does it mean that God delivers you not just out of pity but to vindicate His own holy name?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The historical review 'My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there' recalls oppression by Egypt and Assyria, establishing God's pattern of delivering from tyrants who have 'no right' to His people. The complaint 'my name continually every day is blasphemed' shows that God's reputation suffers when His people are enslaved - His honor motivates deliverance, not just pity for their suffering.