Isaiah 57:5

Authorized King James Version

Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַנֵּֽחָמִים֙
Enflaming
to be hot (literally or figuratively)
#2
בָּֽאֵלִ֔ים
yourselves with idols
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#3
תַּ֖חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
עֵ֣ץ
tree
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#6
רַעֲנָ֑ן
under every green
verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous
#7
שֹׁחֲטֵ֤י
slaying
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#8
הַיְלָדִים֙
the children
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
#9
בַּנְּחָלִ֔ים
in the valleys
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#10
תַּ֖חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#11
סְעִפֵ֥י
under the clifts
a fissure (of rocks); also a bough (as subdivided)
#12
הַסְּלָעִֽים׃
of the rocks
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

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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