Isaiah 56:9

Authorized King James Version

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All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

Original Language Analysis

כֹּ֖ל H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיְת֖וֹ All ye beasts H2416
חַיְת֖וֹ All ye beasts
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 2 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
שָׂדָ֑י of the field H7704
שָׂדָ֑י of the field
Strong's: H7704
Word #: 3 of 8
a field (as flat)
אֵתָ֕יוּ come H857
אֵתָ֕יוּ come
Strong's: H857
Word #: 4 of 8
to arrive
לֶאֱכֹ֥ל to devour H398
לֶאֱכֹ֥ל to devour
Strong's: H398
Word #: 5 of 8
to eat (literally or figuratively)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיְת֖וֹ All ye beasts H2416
חַיְת֖וֹ All ye beasts
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 7 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בַּיָּֽעַר׃ in the forest H3293
בַּיָּֽעַר׃ in the forest
Strong's: H3293
Word #: 8 of 8
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)

Analysis & Commentary

A sudden shift: 'All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.' This call to predators symbolizes judgment on unfaithful leaders (verses 10-12). Wild animals invading represents the breakdown of protection when shepherds fail. The contrast with inclusion (verses 1-8) is stark.

Historical Context

This may allude to Babylon's invasion or general judgment on covenant unfaithfulness. When spiritual leaders fail, destruction follows. The imagery recalls curses for covenant violation.

Questions for Reflection

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